Here are some of the benefits and
drawbacks of the root vegetable.
Which would you choose if you had to choose between a red and a
yellow onion? While each variety contributes its taste to different dishes, red
onions have a unique bite. Red onion can be consumed in several ways, including
preserving it or cutting it up and adding it into fresh salsa. But what happens
when you eat red onion as part of a meal?
We've listed just four things (both good and bad) that you might
experience after eating red onion below. Here's all you need to know.
1. They could aggravate acid reflux.
Have you ever experienced heartburn after having too many red
onions on a taco? Onions can worsen acid reflux symptoms, which occur when
stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the
chest. Onions, spicy foods, citrus fruit, alcohol, and tomatoes should all be
avoided by persons susceptible to acid reflux.
2. They may have an antibacterial effect.
There is a lot of evidence that onions have an antibacterial
effect on the body, with studies suggesting that they can fight harmful
bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus. In one test-tube study, a compound present
in onions called quercetin was found to inhibit the growth of a bacteria called
H. pylori, which is linked to stomach ulcers. We're not suggesting red onions
could protect you from E. coli or prevent stomach ulcers; however, the root
veggie is believed to have bacteria-fighting properties.
3. They may heighten IBS symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal disorder that causes
cramping, stomach pain, bloating, gas, and even diarrhoea or constipation in
the large intestine. According to research published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, onions are just one food that can increase symptoms.
Garlic and coffee were also found to spur adverse symptoms.
4. They could help control blood sugar.
Regularly eating red onion may aid in blood sugar control,
especially significant for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
According to little research published in Environmental Health Insights, in
type 2 diabetic patients, consuming 3.5 ounces of fresh red onion lowered
fasting blood sugar levels by roughly 40 mg/dl after four hours.
There's even evidence that suggests that the quercetin compound in onions may interact with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, and liver that may assist in controlling blood sugar regulation throughout the body.