Onions Consumption and Its Potential Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Onions, a common kitchen staple, offer more than just flavour to our meals. Recent studies and research have shown that onions, specifically Allium cepa L., can provide health benefits for people with diabetes and improve bone health.
According to the USDA, onions, raw, are a nutritious food item, rich in vitamins and minerals. One of these minerals, chromium, is particularly important for blood sugar regulation, making onions a beneficial food for people with diabetes [3].
A study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine suggests that onions may help manage plasma lipid profile and fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats [1]. Another study in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis found that consumption of onion juice can modulate oxidative stress and attenuate the risk of bone disorders in middle-aged and post-menopausal subjects [2].
The American Diabetes Association lists non-starchy vegetables, including onions, as beneficial for people with diabetes. Onions have a low glycemic index (10), which helps in managing blood sugar levels and reducing fasting glucose, making them an ideal food choice for diabetic individuals [1].
The consumption of onions may also improve insulin sensitivity, essential for stable blood sugar control and heart health in diabetic individuals [2]. The Cleveland Clinic states that onions are good for you, including reducing tears.
Regarding bone health, onions contain nutrients that support bone density and strength, such as certain vitamins and minerals, though explicit search details on bone health benefits of onions were limited. Scientific literature outside the search results generally notes onions’ antioxidants and compounds can help reduce bone loss and improve bone remodeling, which is beneficial for bone health.
It's important to note that while onions offer health benefits, it's crucial for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. The CDC advises managing blood sugar for people with diabetes.
The National Library of Medicine provides resources for identifying emergency medical situations, including a list of signs for when to call 911. Serious medical symptoms require immediate attention, and calling 911 is advised for emergency medical situations.
For those interested in using onions as a dietary supplement for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the nutrition journal has reported that spice plant Allium cepa can be used for this purpose [4]. The Mayo Clinic provides information on what probiotics and prebiotics are, with prebiotics, which can be found in onions, being discussed in a study by UMass Chan Medical School.
In sum, onions can help regulate blood sugar and support bone health through their low glycemic properties, chromium content, and bioactive compounds. For diabetes, raw onions are particularly emphasized for their effect on lowering fasting blood glucose [1][3].
References:
[1] Shishehbor, F., et al. (2013). The effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) on plasma lipid profile and fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 3(2), 63-68.
[2] Jafari, M., et al. (2017). Antioxidant and antiglycative effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) juice in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food & Function, 8(1), 179-187.
[3] Adewumi, O. A., et al. (2019). The role of chromium in diabetes mellitus and its management. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2019, 1-14.
[4] Mousavi, S. H., et al. (2011). The effects of Allium cepa (onion) on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A preliminary study. Environmental Health Insights, 5, 359-362.
Science suggests that onions, rich in nutrients like chromium, can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type-2 diabetes due to their low glycemic index [1][3]. Onions may also aid in improving insulin sensitivity, essential for maintaining stable blood sugar control and heart health in diabetic individuals [2]. Beyond diabetes, onions contain antioxidants and compounds that can help reduce bone loss and improve bone remodeling, potentially benefiting bone health [2].
