Onion is an indispensable ingredient widely used in cuisines across the globe, be it curries, salads or pizza, onion is one element that adds extra flavour, crunchy and zest. Onion has the power to transform even the dullest of any dish into a bit tantalizing. They are available in both red and white colour, however, the white ones are least used but, they are super healthy and offer umpteen number of health benefits.

White onion has a distinct light and mild flavour, unlike the red ones they are high on sugar and low sulphur content, and thus have a shorter shelf life. White onion is incredibly beneficial for health and can be consumed in both raw and cooked forms.

Laden with vitamin C, flavonoids and phytonutrients, white onions possess strong medicinal and therapeutic properties. In traditional medicine, white onions were chiefly used as a key compound to trigger the immune response, combat plague and the prevention of cholera and jaundice. Apart from this, white onion was also used as a potent aphrodisiac and improved the reproductive health of women.

Also Read: Hidden Medicinal Benefits Of Onion You Should Know

Nutritional Facts

Onions come with an extremely impressive nutrient profile, they are low in calories and abound with vital vitamins and minerals. One medium-sized onion has just 44 calories and is high in vitamin C, a nutrient that plays a major role in boosting immune activity, collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and iron absorption. Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant that shields the cells against damage caused by free radicals. Onions are also abundant in B complex vitamins such as folate and pyridoxine that are involved in metabolism, red cell production, and nerve function. In addition, white onions are also heaped with potassium that supports normal cellular function, electrolyte balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

White onions are also an excellent source of antioxidants that contain more than 25 different types of flavonoids which avert oxidizing of healthy cells and lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Health Benefits Of White Onions

Promotes Gut Health

Packed with fibre and prebiotics, white onions feed the gut bacteria and uplift digestive health. Immensely rich in prebiotic inulin and fructo oligosaccharides adding white onions to the meal plan can help increase gut-friendly bacteria, regularise bowel movements and treat gastrointestinal woes.

Potent Blood Thinner

White onion is known to work as a natural blood-thinning agent. The goodness of flavonoids and sulfur compounds helps in the thinning of the blood, which helps to improve blood circulation in veins and arteries and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Also Read: Onion powder: 7 Spectacular Health Benefits Of This Nutritious Vegetable

Augments Heart Health

Bestowed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, white onion combats inflammation, and diminishes triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, thus holding a key role in optimizing cardiac function. While strong anti-inflammatory traits of white onion help to control high blood pressure, prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries and lower the risk of heart disease.

Regularise Blood Sugar Levels

White onions imbued with chromium, quercetin and sulfur help to control blood sugar spikes. Several pieces of evidence have shown that regular intake of white onion is beneficial for diabetes and prediabetic patients. Moreover, specific compounds present in white onions such as quercetin and sulfur exhibit anti-diabetic activity. Where these compounds interact with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue, and liver to manage blood sugar regulation in the body.

Promotes Sleep Quality

The presence of L-tryptophan, an amino acids in white onions acts as a natural sedative agent that may work to induce sound sleep. Apart from this it also helps in easing stress, calming the mind and assisting in getting a night of good quality sleep.

Potent Antibacterial Properties

White onions can combat potentially harmful bacteria such as E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S.aureus and Bacillus cereus. Studies have shown that onion extract has been effective in inhibiting the growth of VIbiro cholera. The richness of quercetin in onion is a powerful way to kill bacteria and keep infections at bay.

Prevents Cancer

Allium groups of vegetables like garlic and onions has been associated with lowering the risk of certain cancers, including stomach and colorectal. The cancer-fighting traits of onions have been attributed to the richness of sulfur and flavonoid compounds. Furthermore, adding onions to the meal plan may also inhibit the growth of tumour cells and protect against cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eating White Onions Good For Health?

Yes, eating white onions is good for your health. White onions are an extremely impressive source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. They offer vitamins like vitamin C, B vitamins (such as B6 and folate), and minerals like potassium. Onions also contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports heart health. Additionally, white onions possess antibacterial properties, which trigger immunity, and keep infections at bay.

What Are White Onions Best For?

White onions are best for dishes where you want a crisp texture and a sharp, slightly sweet flavour. They are often used raw in salsas, guacamole, and salads because of their milder bite compared to red or yellow onions. They are also perfect for stir-fries, Mexican cuisine, and marinades.

Which Onion is the Strongest?

Yellow onions are typically considered the strongest in flavour. They have a pungent and sharp taste when raw, which becomes sweeter when cooked. Among all common onion varieties, yellow onions have the most sulfur compounds, which contribute to their intense flavour and make them the best option for long-cooking dishes like soups, stews, and roasts.

Does White Onion Increase Testosterone?

A few studies revealed that onions may help increase testosterone levels. Studies, mainly conducted on animals, have shown that the antioxidants and flavonoids found in onions, like quercetin, may enhance the production of luteinizing hormone, which in turn can stimulate the production of testosterone. While white onions are nutrient-dense and provide various health benefits, more human-based studies are needed to confirm their direct impact on testosterone levels.

Conclusion

White onions are an impressive vegetable that boasts a powerful punch of nutrients, which delivers incredible advantages for the heart, digestion and blood. The strong antibacterial and antioxidant traits are well-known to build a robust immune function and keep infections at bay. While this versatile vegetable is largely used to uplift the flavour and aroma of any savoury dish. Thus regular addition of white onions to your diet is an easy way to promote overall well-being.

(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)

Author Profile

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

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Allium cepa: A Treasure of Bioactive Phytochemicals with Prospective Health Benefits

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8789449/#:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0023643815001814