Across the globe, diabetes is one of the biggest concerns. By 2030, diabetes is estimated to be the seventh most deadly disease in the world. Over 425 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder that leads to erratic blood sugar fluctuations. Obesity, kidney failure, and heart complications may also result from diabetes without proper care and attention. Diets rich in fiber are commonly prescribed for diabetics. You might be surprised to find out that onions are one of the best choices for diabetes diets.
Most people over the age of 40 suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Sugar levels in the blood are too high due to this condition. The good news is there's a vegetable that can lower blood sugar levels by 50 percent, and diabetes patients may benefit from its "potential use."
Diabetes type 2 is characterized by insufficient insulin production from the pancreas, resulting in dangerously high blood sugar levels for those with the disease.
An in-depth study in San Diego in 2015 showed that metformin combined with onion bulb extract significantly reduced high blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
"Onions are cheap and readily available and have been used as nutritional supplements," said study author Anthony Ojieh of Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria. Patients with diabetes may benefit from its use."
A rat experiment was conducted to test the theory. Three groups of diabetic rats were treated with various doses to test the efficacy of the onion extract.
For each kilogram of body weight, 200mg, 400mg, and 600mg of the drug were given. Three nondiabetic rats with normal blood sugar were also given the drug and onion.
A study found that diabetic rats were given 400mg per kilogram of body weight and 600mg per kilogram of body weight and observed a 40% and 35% reduction in blood sugar levels compared to their baseline levels.
The dosages of 400mg and 600mg of onion extract were the most effective in reducing total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats.
Furthermore, rats without diabetes gained weight from onion extract, but diabetes rats did not.
According to Ojieh, onions do not contain a lot of calories. The metabolic rate seems to be increased, which increases appetite, thus increasing feeding.
There is a need for further investigation into the mechanism that onion uses to reduce blood glucose levels. No explanation has yet been provided."
Onions can be eaten in salads before meals. If you don't have any other preexisting health conditions, you can consume onions for diabetes anytime. Eat onions in moderation during the day, but avoid them at night, as onions have been found to cause heartburn and reflexes when sleeping.
Gas and bloat are caused by onions' carbs. Onions contain diallyl disulfide and lipid transfer protein. These can lead to allergy symptoms like runny nose, asthma, red eyes, itchy rashes, and contact dermatitis.
- Vitamins and minerals are abundant in onions but low in calories.
- Antioxidants in onions lower triglycerides, cholesterol, and heart disease risk.
- Cancer-fighting compounds in onions reduce the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer.
- The improvement in bone mineral density can be noticed after eight weeks of drinking 100 ml of onion juice daily.
- Onions are effective against bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and E.coli.
- Fiber and prebiotics make a valuable source of fiber for gut health.
So to maintain blood sugar control, onions may be an excellent food choice. Depending on the dish, you can use them as an ingredient, a condiment, or a garnish. A variety of dishes benefit from onions' flavor.
