What Happens To Your Body When You Eat 1 Onion Every Day

Are you bored seeing the same old kale and avocado toast on almost every health enthusiast's social media? Get ready to spice things up because we've got a new super food that's not been in the spotlight for long. We're talking about onions! Don't let their tear-inducing properties and pungent smell fool you; these unassuming bulbs are packed with vitamins and minerals that your body craves, and they're also incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Did you know that onions can improve bone density and lower the risk of certain cancers? In today's article, let's discuss what happens to your body when you have onions daily. So, get ready to peel back the layers on the surprising benefits of onions.

Number one: Fights cancer. Onions may possess compounds that exhibit anti-cancer properties, making them a viable addition to a cancer-preventative diet. They contain flavonoids, or colorful plant pigments, with powerful antioxidant properties. Onions have two subgroups of flavonoids: anthocyanins which give some onions a red or purple color, and flavonols like quercetin which give others yellow or brown skin.

According to a study, onions are fantastic for destroying colorectal cancer cells. The high level of flavonoids contributes to their cancer-fighting powers. In one study, researchers found a few varieties of onion extracts to have anti-cancer properties similar to a few purified flavonoids known to have anti-cancer effects. This was a human cell study; the researchers assessed the impact on human adenocarcinoma cells in vitro, meaning they conducted the study outside the human body in a laboratory setting using cell culture.

While the results are promising, future research is needed to determine whether the observed effects translate to humans. Another study showed onions to be effective against ovarian cancer. Experts believe onions, a natural compound found in onions, can potentially be used as a therapy for ovarian cancer, especially when combined with anti-cancer drugs. This unique compound could inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells and directly suppress their spread.

The study also showed that onions could prolong the survival time of mice with ovarian cancer. So, what are you waiting for? Toss them in salads, add them to burgers or sandwiches, or cook them in a stir-fry to get those cancer-fighting benefits.

Number two: Improves bone health. Many may consider dairy the primary food for promoting bone health, but onions could also be beneficial. Research suggests a compound in onions called GPCS can reduce animal bone loss. While scientists found this bone-strengthening property in rats, its implications are also encouraging for humans.

It's like having nature's very own bone insurance policy. And for all you ladies out there, here's some good news: A study found that women who eat onions once a day or more have 5% more bone mass than those who eat once a month or less.

Eating onions could also reduce the risk of a hip fracture by more than 20% in older women compared to those who do not consume onions. So, the next time someone tells you to cut down on the onions, say that you're doing it for your bones. But it's not just about bones; onions can also help with joint pain. Quercetin in onions has been found to inhibit inflammation in chronic arthritis in mouse models; this could suggest the same in humans.

Number three: Enhances heart health. Did you know that onions are thought to be part of the French paradox? The French paradox is an observation that, despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fats, the French have a relatively low incidence of heart disease compared to other Western countries. Even if no direct studies state this, a few heart-healthy facts about onions are worth looking at. Onions can pack a powerful punch to keep your ticker in top shape.

They are loaded with flavonoids that can prevent cardiovascular diseases, lower blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of blood clots in your arteries. They also have anti-ischemic effects, meaning they reduce or prevent tissue damage caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients due to restricted blood flow. And wait, there's more! Quercetin, the flavonoid found in onions, effectively protects the heart from damage caused by oxidative stress and improves immune function in animals.

Another study found that quercetin reduced inflammation in rats by blocking the movement of specific white blood cell activity, lowering molecules that promote inflammation levels, and decreasing harmful substances. There are human studies too that concur with these findings.

With so many positive attributes, it's hard to deny the heart-healthy power of onions; they're truly a force to be reckoned with. But it's not just that; onions are also natural blood thinners, preventing blood platelets from sticking together and potentially saving you from a heart attack.

Number four: Manages blood sugar. Those pungent and flavorful bulbs may help control blood sugar levels. Animal studies have also shown promising results regarding the effects of onion consumption on blood sugar control. Rats with diabetes who were fed food containing 5% dried onion powder for 8 weeks experienced decreased fasting blood sugar levels.

Many times, diabetes causes dyslipidemia, which is characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the blood, but the onion powder in the study could lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in diabetic rats compared to a control group. In another study, eating 100 g of raw red onion reduced fasting blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes after 4 hours. So, don't shun away from this healthy veggie; just make sure to brush your teeth afterward to avoid any onion breath.

Number five: Aids digestion. We know fiber is crucial for gut health, but how often do we consciously try to incorporate fiber foods into our diets? Luckily, onions can be an easy and delicious way to up your fiber game. Not only do they provide a flavorful punch, but they're also a great source of fiber and prebiotics that can improve digestion and promote optimal gut health. Prebiotics are fibers the body can't digest but are broken down by beneficial gut bacteria.

When bacteria feed on prebiotics, they create short-chain fatty acids like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These fatty acids help improve gut health, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and enhance digestion. Consuming prebiotic-rich foods can increase the number of protective microorganisms in your gut and decrease harmful bacterial strains. This helps with digestion and overall gut health. And that's not all; a diet rich in prebiotics may also improve the absorption of essential minerals like calcium, which can help improve bone health.

Lastly, while onions may have many health benefits, they can also cause migraines and flatulence in some people. But don't let that stop you from enjoying this fantastic vegetable; just be sure to consult your doctor if you experience any adverse effects. So, the next time you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen, don't forget to add onions to your dish; your gut will thank you.

Number six: Relieves respiratory problems. Onions are a versatile vegetable that can combat respiratory issues such as the allergic inflammation response of asthma and the respiratory congestion associated with common colds. The anti-inflammatory effects of onions are attributed not only to their vitamin C and quercetin but also to other active components called isothiocyanates, which make onions a great addition to soups and stews during cold and flu season.

According to the WHO, fresh onion extracts can treat coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, and hoarseness. In addition to this, patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis can benefit from dietary modifications. Onions, along with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, can also be included in this diet to help support respiratory health. So, add onions to your meal to breathe easy and stay healthy.

Number seven: Boosts brain health. Cognitive decline, often caused by neuro degeneration, is one of the most concerning health issues affecting the elderly population today. With the growing number of those affected by dementia estimated at around 50 million globally, this problem is only worsening. And the worst part? Nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed each year, a figure projected to triple by 2050.

As one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older individuals, dementia can profoundly impact individuals, their caregivers, and their families. But fear not, for there is hope! Recent research has uncovered a potential ally in the fight against cognitive decline—it's none other than the humble onion. Onions might boost brain health and stave off age-related cognitive degeneration.

A study conducted in Japan found that daily consumption of quercetin-rich onions led to significant improvements in cognitive function in older adults. Participants who consumed the active test food showed improvements in the Mini-Mental State Examination and the cognitive assessment for dementia, which suggests that quercetin may prevent cognitive decline by improving emotional conditions.

Isn't it easy to improve brain health naturally and keep your mind sharp with age? But it's not only onions that offer a plethora of health benefits; numerous other foods have medicinal properties, such as dates and honey. Do you eat onions often? If so, what's your favorite way to have them? Let us know in the comments below.