{"id":16308,"date":"2020-04-24T07:03:17","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T07:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=16308"},"modified":"2021-05-10T14:19:18","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T14:19:18","slug":"14-health-benefits-of-red-onions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-health-benefits-of-red-onions\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Health Benefits of Red Onions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Red onion is also known as purple onions or Spanish onions. They are a root vegetable that features purple skin with white and red inner meat. Red onions have a mild flavor with a slightly sweet taste. Of all red onions, genus Allium is the most widely cultivated for general use. In the US, the most popular form of red onion is from Connecticut, specifically, the Wethersfield red onion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red onions are widely used in most parts of South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Like other forms of onion, red onions are considered a superfood. Red onions reach the classification of superfood thanks to their diverse range of health benefits. For example, a small red onion will meet 10% of a person\u2019s daily need for vitamin C. Just like other red fruits and vegetables, red onions also offer a wealth of antioxidants. Other benefits they offer are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Good For Your Heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red onions offer a lot of health benefits, and one of their main advantages is how well they benefit your heart. Red onions help to lower blood pressure which in turn helps to reduce the risk of having a heart attack<\/a>. The sulfur in red onions is a natural blood thinner. This helps to stop blood platelets from clustering. One of the main causes of stroke and heart attack is blood platelet aggregation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some studies that even show that sulfur has the ability to reduce or delay the onset of hypertension. As most people are aware. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks in people of all ages. Some recent studies also show that eating red inions will help regulate the blood fat levels by increasing the concentration of oxylipins in your system. The same study also states that oxylipins can help manage bad cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The sulfur produces by red onion also serves as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. The active ingredient that works towards reducing inflammation in the body is Quercetin. Studies show that Quercetin <\/a>helps to relax the muscles in the airway which can help those who suffer from asthma find some modicum of relief. The same compound can also help ease inflammation in other parts of the body such as in the joints, over the skin, and in the organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those suffering from painful conditions such as arthritis, consuming red onions on a daily basis may help reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by the condition. Quercetin from red onions can also help soothe inflammation when used topically. In many parts of the world, the juice of red onions has been used for centuries to help reduce inflammation on the scalp and encourage hair growth. With regular use, the smell becomes tolerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Boost Your Immune System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your immune system<\/a> is what keeps you healthy and helps prevent premature aging. There are many things that you can do to help keep your immune system in fighting shape, one of which is adding superfoods to your diet. Red onions are one such superfood that helps to bolster your immune system by fighting free radicals. Specifically, polyphenols in red onions have antioxidant properties that help reduce the negative effects of free radicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you reduce or eliminate free radicals from your body, it helps to make your immune system stronger. Another way red onions boost your immune system is by reducing the production of histamines in the body. The agent in red onions that helps control the allergic response is quercetin. Histamines make you itch, sneeze and create tears when your body is having a negative reaction to something you have eaten, applied, or have otherwise been exposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Fight Cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There have several scientific studies that have cataloged how certain foods and compounds in food affect cancer <\/a>cells. One result of these studies proved that allium vegetables had a positive effect on reducing the chances of developing certain forms of gastric cancer. All onions, especially red onions, are classified as allium vegetables. People who add at least five to ten service of onions to their diet each week are also able to reduce their risk of ovarian, laryngeal, and colorectal cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daily onion consumption is linked to reducing the risk of both esophageal and oral cancer. Quercetin, a compound found in red onions is also known to be cancer-fighting. Is targets certain cells in the colon, ovaries, prostate, breast, and lungs that are prone to turning cancerous. There are several food sources of Quercetin such as in apples and tea, but red onions happen to offer the highest concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Aid Digestion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Onions, especially red onions are an amazing source of dietary fiber. If you suffer from digestion problems, consider increasing the amounts of onions you consume during each day or even each meal. Red onions<\/a> have the right type and amount of fiber to keep you regular and promote proper digestion at the same time. Red onions have high concentrations of oligofructose, which is a soluble fiber. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This same compound also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine which will help battle any bad bacteria that enters your system. Oligofructose has also been used for years to help treat certain forms of diarrhea and even to help prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Another bonus of eating red onions is that they contain phytochemicals that are effective in the fight against free radicals that cause certain types of stomach and throat ulcers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Nutrient-Rich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Onions are a nutrient-dense food which is a great way to improve your daily intake without increasing the amount of food you eat. Onions are rich in essential mineral and vitamins <\/a>your body needs to thrive, but red onions are low in calories. A medium red onion has around 44 calories but offers five times those numbers in minerals, fiber, and vitamins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red onions offer a rich source of vitamin C which is essential for building a strong immune system. Vitamin C is also critical for tissue repair, collagen production, and iron absorption in the body. Everyone.  is looking to keep their body fit and looking young, and vitamin C in red onion helps serve that purpose. It works as an antioxidant that fights the effects of free radicals all in and around your body. Red onions are also full of B9, B6, and other b vitamins that help promote a healthy metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Helps To Regulate Blood Sugar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood sugar regulation is an important part of our health. Improper regulation can lead to serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Red onions contain a key compound that helps to regulate and promote healthy blood sugar levels. Red onions contain chromium which is used to help the body regulate your blood sugar<\/a>. They also contain sulfur which helps trigger the production of insulin which serves to lower the levels of sugar in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This has been proven to help those on the verge of developing diabetes to control their glucose levels as well as to help those who already suffer from diabetes to control their sugar levels. According to the same study, patients who consumed sliced red onions that also suffered from type 3 diabetes presented lower glycemic levels and normalized liver enzymes over a four hour period. If you suffer from diabetes, red onions may help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Improve Bone Density<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A recent study that measured bone density in women showed that those who consumed red onions during or after menopause had a higher bone density. The study also showed that many in their middle-age years and older were marginally less prone to suffering fractures of the hip than those who did not consume red onions as part of their regular diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milk offers the highest concentration of calcium<\/a>, however, red onions and other foods also offer support for bones and cartilage health. Eating at least 100 ml of red onion juice daily is enough to increase the mineral density in the bones and also o help support strong antioxidant activity. In the same study, women who ate red onions on a regular basis had a higher bone density than those who did not. Red onions are known to reduce oxidative stress and also help to slow and prevent bone loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Offers Antibacterial Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red onions have the power to battle dangerous bacteria that try to attack your immune system. Red onions are effective in fighting off Staphylococcus aureus<\/a>, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract from red onions is also helpful in slowing or even stopping the growth of Vibrio cholerae which still plagues much of the developing world. The main active ingredient in red onions that fights bacteria is Quercetin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is mainly found in the skin of the vegetable and offers powerful bacteria-fighting properties when consumed or applied topically. Red onions are also able to help reduce or eliminate many causes of stomach ulcers such as the bacteria H. pylori. This bacteria is also the cause of various digestive cancers which can be fought through the regular consumption of red onions and red onion extract. MRSA is another bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics but susceptible to the bacteria-fighting effects of red onion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Rich Source of Antioxidants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Antioxidants are strong ammunition in the fight against premature aging. These compounds help to prevent oxidation which is what causes heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cellular damage. All onions and red onions, in particular, are rich in antioxidants. In fact, onions have more than 25 types of flavonoid antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and other causes of cellular damage. The most powerful antioxidant <\/a>in red onions is anthocyanins which is a pigment from plants that cause the onions to develop their deep red color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies prove that people who consume higher levels of anthocyanins have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as heart disease. Men who take at least 600 mg of anthocyanins daily have a 15% less chance of developing a non-fatal heart attack. Women who consume high amounts of anthocyanins on a daily basis are 35% less likely to have a heart attack than women who consume lower levels or none at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Supports A Healthy Gut                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fiber is always important to have in your diet if you want to have a healthy gut. Red onions are rich in both fiber and prebiotics, which support healthy intestinal function. Prebiotics are also a form of fiber, though they are considered nondigestible. The good bacteria<\/a> that live in your gut are able to break down this nondigestible fiber and use it to maintain a healthy gut balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria in your gut live on nondigestible prebiotics and transform them into chain fatty acids such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These fatty acids are essential because they boost the strength of your immune system, improve gut, heal, enhance digestion, and reduce inflammation in the gut. A diet that has ample sources of prebiotics such as those found in red onions also help your body to better absorb calcium and other key minerals. This is another reason red onions help support healthy bone density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Improves Eye Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red onions are rich in sulfur which is essential for eye health. Sulfur helps to stimulate your glutathione production which is a protein that helps keep your eye lens healthy. Glutathione <\/a>is also an antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals in the eye and in other areas of the body. Studies have shown that people who maintain a higher level of glutathione are at a lower risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red onion also has high concentrations of selenium which helps boost the vitamin E in your eyes that protect your cells. Onions are also able to help fight eye infections by inhibiting the growth of harmful eye flora. Onion juice can be used as a drop to treat common eye infections such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis. The extracts of red onion are also effective in reducing the development of corneal haze in men and women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Helps To Prevent Blood Clots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red onions contain a helpful compound named rutin<\/a>. This compound is beneficial because it works to prevent blood clots in all areas of the body. In many studies of potent potent anti-thrombotic agents, rutin has proven to be the most effective. Most blood clots form in veins and arteries which can lead to a myriad of health conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. Blood clots in the veins are rich in fiber while blood clots in the arteries are rich in platelets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The compound rutin which is found in high concentrations in red onions helps to block protein disulfide isomerase. This is an enzyme that is released during the formation of blood clots in the body. By blocking the enzyme, the formation of blood clots is slowed and in many cases arrested completely. When using red onions to help prevent blood clots, it is important to inform your doctor if they plan to prescribe a blood thinner or any other blood-related treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Improve Sexual Health & Boost Energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sexual health is one of those taboo subjects that not many people feel comfortable talking about with their doctor. Thankfully, there are a lot of natural remedies that can help boost sexual health without the need for outside intervention. Red onions are one such natural treatment that has been effective in treating erectile dysfunction<\/a> and sexual impotence in men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The juice of a red onion mixed with honey has also been used to help boost fertility and sperm activity in men. In women, red onion juice has been known to boost the libido and help ease the symptoms of menstruation. Red onions are also full of fiber which helps to maintain constant energy levels and inulin that is also found in red onions is an effective way to boost stamina. Both help to improve sexual performance in both sexes as well as increase overall energy levels outside of the bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>