Diabetes Risk Reduced With Onions

A new study has shown that onions hold a surprising benefit in working to treat type 2 diabetes. The research points to the possible health benefits as it relates to this disease, as well as others.

The study, which was conducted by the University of Madrid was a collaboration between scientists from that facility, as well as Cranfield University in the U.K. The researchers determined that fiber and flavonoids were found in both brown onion skins and the external layers. Even the bulbs, themselves, contained fructans and sulphurous compounds.

This is an important find since the brown skin could be utilized for it's fiber content and when combined with the flavonoids, the two possess a high concentration of antioxidants. The results were published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

One of the researchers on the project, Vanesa Benitez, amplified the importance of the find.

“One solution could be to use onion waste as a natural source of ingredients with high functional value,” said Benitez, “because this vegetable is rich in compounds that provide benefits for human health.”

But this new information is not just limited to diabetes. Besides fighting the effects of type 2 diabetes, onions could also be used in a number of other conditions where these key components are a part of treatment, management, or even prevention.

Added Benitez: “Eating fiber reduces the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal complaints, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity.”