White onions are one of the three types of bulb onions, the others being red onions and yellow onions.They are considered the most beneficial vegetable of the allium family, which also includes garlic, scallions or spring onions, shallots, leeks, and chives. Other than medicinal contributions, white onions are also tasty and used in a variety of recipes across the world.Onions can be made a part of your daily diet because the vitamins, minerals, and other useful compounds like fiber, antioxidants, antibacterial agents present in them help with health benefits. They can be consumed raw or used in cooking. Although cooking or grilling onions for over thirty minutes on high flame may reduce their beneficial qualities like fiber. Raw onions, on the other hand, have higher levels of sulfur compounds present in them. Thus eating raw onions daily reflects positively on one’s immune system. White onion, for its comparatively mild flavor, is often eaten raw (with or without the root end intact) in salads or used in cooked meals all around the globe.If you’re up for more research on the food you consume, go through these articles on avocado seed nutrition facts and yellow onion nutrition facts. Helps To Control DiseaseOnion has been in cultivation since 5000 BC. Even doctors of the 16th century prescribed onions to treat many diseases. They have been used to treat heart disease, headaches, and even mouth sores for a long time.White onion has cancer-fighting properties. The sulfur compounds and the quercetin flavonoid antioxidants present in white onion have been proven to possess cancer-fighting qualities. Flavonoid antioxidants fisetin and quercetin, that are known to help prevent tumor growth, are present in onion as well. Quercetin helps prevent leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer as well. Flavonoids lower the risk of Parkinson’s, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.One of the health benefits of white onion is that it boosts bone health and increases bone density, especially in older women. Consumption of white onion helps reduce oxidative stress, raise antioxidant levels, and lower bone loss. All of which help prevent osteoporosis and promote overall bone strength.White onion is another contributor to improved immunity. It is high in selenium, which combines with vitamin E and creates powerful antioxidants. Selenium helps to manage immune levels by playing an essential role in viral and allergic conditions in our bodies.L-tryptophan, a form of amino acid that is present in white onion, acts as a natural sedative that improves sleep quality. It also helps reduce stress levels which contribute to sound sleep.White onion also improves hair health. Its juice is beneficial for restoring the smoothness and shining qualities of hair. The juice also promotes dandruff prevention and premature graying, making it a well-used home remedy for hair loss.Like all other onions, the vitamin B-6 present in white onions provides relief from cold and cough. They also prevent skin-related infections and improve skin quality. The juice of onion is used to prevent cataracts. But consuming too much onion makes vision blurry because of its moisture content.Regulates Blood Onions, in general, have the ability to balance blood sugar levels. Antioxidant-rich white onions have compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides, and reduce cholesterol levels as well. The anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots. These lead to improved and elevated heart health.The chromium and sulfur in white onion help regulate blood sugar by lowering it. Chromium helps insulin to carry glucose into cells, where it is used for energy. It also takes part in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Doctors suggest that regular and controlled intake 0f white onion can be tremendously beneficial for diabetic people as compounds like quercetin and compounds of sulfur are known for their anti-diabetic qualities.The high amount of sulfur in white onion is the primary anti-inflammatory agent. Selenium, which stimulates immune function and helps reduce inflammation, also adds to the anti-inflammatory properties of white onion.White onion is rich in blood thinners like flavonoids and sulfur. Blood thinners help blood flow smoothly through arteries. The blood-thinning properties of white onion make it very popular among heart patients.Nutritional ValueOnions are generally high in nutrients like vitamins and minerals. White onions have rich nutrient values containing dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, various amino acids, folic acid, and fatty acids.While a 3.5 oz (100 gm) serving of regular red onion has 42 calories, the same portion of white onion has 32 calories along with similar health benefits.The macronutrients present in a 3.5 oz (100 gm) portion of white onion are 0.26 oz (7.55gm) of carbohydrates, 0.02 oz (0.8 gm) of protein, 0.0028 oz (0.08 gm) of fat, and 0.03 oz (0.9 gm) of dietary fiber along with 0.17 oz (5.02 gm) of glucose.White onion is also rich in micronutrients like vitamin B-6, vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Onions are exceptionally rich in potassium, having 0.09 dr (160.6 mg) of it in just a medium onion.Even though they are low in protein and fats, white onion is a good source of carbohydrates, glucose, and fiber which provides us with energy. Vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine is an important element for a healthy immune system and nervous system. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, present in white onion, helps maintain healthy skin, hair, bones, cartilages, and blood vessels. It also protects cells and repairs wounds. Vitamin E in onions contributes to our ocular and dermal health.Among the minerals, sodium helps keep blood pressure in check, while potassium assists in fluid regulation, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Other nutrients such as calcium contribute to bone health, iron adds to hemoglobin production, magnesium regulates muscle and nerve function along with protein synthesis, and zinc helps with activities of necessary enzymes in the body. The amino acids in white onion help build muscles, while the fatty acids add to cardiovascular health.White onions are also rich in phytonutrients. The flavonoids present in onions are fisetin, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. There are also three organic acids found in onions which are ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and myristic acid. The most beneficial sulfur-containing compounds found in onions are dimethyl trisulfide or DMTS, S-1-propenyl-1-cysteine sulfoxide, or PRENCSO, diallyl monosulfide or DMS, diallyl disulfide or DDS and, S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide or MCSO.Improves MetabolismWhite and red onions are known to remarkably improve digestive health. They are rich in fiber and prebiotics inulin and fructooligosaccharides that help improve gut health. Eating onions on a regular basis help increase the number of beneficial bacteria present in the gut. White onion is a vegetable that has effective weight loss potential.Fiber present in onions is a part of carbohydrates that our body is incapable of digesting. Found in the cell walls of plants, but it isn’t present in animal products. Fiber passes through our digestive system and exits the body without contributing any calories, while the body loses calories by trying to digest it. Thus fiber-rich diet is essential for maintaining a good metabolism rate. Fresh white onions are indeed a good source of fiber that boosts metabolism. Although a 3.5 oz (99 gm) serving of fried or grilled onion has 46 calories and it contains less fiber which might contribute to gaining weight.The non-digestible fructooligosaccharides are a type of subtly sweet carbohydrates that help with weight and cholesterol level regulation. They improve nutrient absorption and decrease the levels of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and phospholipids, adding to the nutrient values of onions.Low in protein, white onions are an essential part of a weight loss diet as it is good for our gut health which is the primary factor of a healthy metabolism. Eat it cooked, dried, or raw and put one more step towards better health.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for white onion nutrition facts, then why not take a look at pineapple nutrition facts or Chiquita banana nutrition facts.
White onions are one of the three types of bulb onions, the others being red onions and yellow onions.
