Vegetables provide a large amount of micronutrients, which favor the health of the human being and consequently their quality of life, for which their consumption is highly recommended by doctors, in the daily diet and one of these vegetables is the red onion.
That is why in the following article, we describe 8 benefits of red onion backed by medical science.
What are the benefits of purple onion?
Based on its chemical and nutritional components , we describe below the most important benefits of red onion for your health:
1. Strengthens the immune system
The first antioxidant that is present in red onion to boost the immune system is vitamin C, since it stimulates the production of white blood cells, cells responsible for fighting infections and pathogenic microorganisms.
Note: Then it provides antioxidants to combat excess free radicals that damage healthy cells in the body, it also has other antioxidants such as quercetin , considered an antibiotic chemical compound.
2. Prevents heart disease and some types of cancer
This variety of onion contains a polyphenol compound in greater quantity than the rest of its species , such as anthocyanins , responsible for the red or purple color. This chemical compound has been attributed the anti-cancer property against certain types of cancer.
Likewise, both vitamin C and the antioxidants in purple onion help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels , preventing the formation of atheromas in the walls of veins and arteries, preventing the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
To highlight: The purple onion, similar to garlic , contains chemical compounds based on sulfur, which also favor the reduction of triglycerides and bad cholesterol.
3. Fights the action of free radicals
Another of the functions of the antioxidant compounds in purple onion is to eliminate the damaging action of excess free radicals against healthy cells in the body.
You should know: Free radicals at normal levels act for the benefit of the body but when there is an imbalance in their production, they damage cells causing premature aging, with the consequent appearance of diseases such as cancer.
4. Regulates blood sugar
This food also has the property of regulating blood sugar levels , a very positive aspect for those with diabetes mellitus.
Note: Animal studies have reported the effectiveness of quercetin (flavonoid with antioxidant properties) in regulating blood glucose levels, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Relieves colds and flu
The sulfur-containing chemical components of purple onion, such as alliin, which once released becomes allicin, act against inflammatory respiratory diseases.
Its quercetin content also contributes to mitigating the effects of respiratory diseases , since it is considered a chemical element with expectorant and mucolytic properties. For this reason, traditional medicine recommends the use of onion for coughs in flu states.
To highlight: Recent scientific studies have described the possibility of using quercetin with other vitamins to prevent respiratory infections caused by COVID-19.
6. Strengthens the bones
The purple onion also favors the strengthening of the bones of the human organism. Its calcium and phosphorus content help to keep the necessary levels of these minerals balanced to maintain the hardness of the bones .
You should know: The vitamin C present in this food collaborates in the synthesis of collagen , a protein that gives bones flexibility and resistance, avoiding diseases such as osteoporosis.
7. Improves digestive health
The consumption of purple onion favors gastrointestinal health, thanks to its contribution of chemical compounds such as antioxidants, its water content and the presence of soluble fiber.
Note: Quercetin helps fight some intestinal parasites, as described in some scientific articles.
In the same way, it has been described that the quinine contained in the onion stimulates the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and favors digestive functions , generating the secretion of gastric juices that benefit the intestinal flora.
8. Promotes healthy skin and hair
Another of the benefits of consuming red onion is that it is directly involved in the health of the skin. This is due to the content of chemical compounds with antibacterial and antifungal functions, which prevent infection from mosquito bites or skin diseases such as acne , in addition to delaying the premature appearance of wrinkles.
To highlight: We have already described that vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that provides elasticity to the hair and keeps the scalp free of dandruff.
What are the properties of purple onion?
The purple onion contains important chemical and nutritional compounds, which we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
This food has vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid and vitamin C, highlighting the presence of ascorbic acid.
To highlight: Among the minerals are calcium, iron, sodium, potassium , phosphorus and selenium, highlighting potassium and calcium.
2. Other compounds
Other compounds in purple onion of importance for human health are antioxidants such as anthocyanins, quercetin, flavonoids and sulfur compounds , as well as fiber, water, carbohydrates and some vegetable proteins.
How to consume red onion?
The purple onion can be combined in almost any type of food, mainly in salads and as a complementary ingredient in many recipes.
You should know: This vegetable can be consumed by anyone, since it does not have adverse effects and the recommendation is that it be eaten raw , because cooking decreases the bioavailability of some of its chemical and nutritional compounds.
Key Findings
- Purple onion contains important antioxidant chemical compounds for human health.
- The consumption of purple onion promotes cardiovascular health and combats the action of free radicals.
- Purple onion can prevent diseases such as diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.
- The purple onion is a vegetable widely used in the kitchen and can be eaten by almost anyone .
