8Impressive Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are highly nutritious vegetables that may have several benefits, including improved heart health, better blood sugar regulation, and increased bone density.

Onions are members of the Allium genus of flowering plants, which also includes garlic, shallots, and leeks.
They’re delicious, versatile, and relatively cheap, and they boast a wide range of healthy vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
The medicinal properties of onions have been recognized for thousands of yearsTrusted Source. Athletes in ancient Greece supposedly used onions to purify their blood, while medieval and traditional doctors prescribed them to help treat headaches, heart disease, and mouth sores.
Read on to discover 8 health benefits of onions.

۱. Packed with nutrients
Onions are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re low in calories but high in vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
One medium onionTrusted Source (110 grams [g]) contains:
• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Carbs: 10.3 g
• Sugar: 4.7 g
• Fiber: 1.9 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Potassium: 3.4% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 9% of the DV

Onions are high in vitamin C, which may help regulate your immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption.
It’s also a powerful antioxidant that could help protect your cells from unstable, damaging molecules called free radicals.
Onions are rich in B vitamins, including folate and vitamin B6. These play key rolesTrusted Source in metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve function.

Lastly, onions are a good source of potassium, a mineral that may help withTrusted Source:
• cellular function
• fluid balance
• nerve transmission
• kidney function
• muscle contraction

۲. May benefit heart health
Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that may reduce your riskTrusted Source of heart disease by fighting inflammation and lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
They contain a large amount of quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may help lower high blood pressureTrusted Source.

۳. Loaded with antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a process that may lead to cellular damage and contributeTrusted Source to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Onions are an excellent source of antioxidants and contain at least 17 typesTrusted Source of flavonoids.

۴. Contain anticancer compounds
Allium vegetables such as onions and garlic may lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including stomach and colorectal cancers.
5. Help regulate blood sugar
Eating onions may help regulate blood sugar levels, which is significant for people with diabetes or prediabetes.

۶. May boost bone density
Dairy gets much of the credit for boosting bone health, but other foods, including onions, may also help support strong bones.
7. Have antibacterial properties
8. May boost digestive health
Onions are a rich source of fiber and prebiotics, which are necessary for optimal gut health.