Why should diabetics eat onions?

Onions cannot replace diabetes medication. However, if used properly and combined with a healthy diet, onions can bring significant benefits to diabetics.

Onions are rich in quercetin, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar-regulating properties. These compounds help reduce the production of free radicals, increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and protect pancreatic β cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Onions contain many nutrients that are beneficial for people with diabetes.

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In addition, onions contain fiber, vitamin C, and minerals such as potassium. These are all components that support metabolism and cell function. People with diabetes should eat onions for the following benefits:

Stabilize blood sugar

Numerous experimental studies on animals have shown that eating or using onion extracts helps lower fasting blood glucose, improve glucose tolerance, and reduce insulin resistance.

Onions also have the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. These are enzymes that digest starch and sugar, slowing down the absorption of glucose after meals, helping to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

People with diabetes often have higher levels of oxidative stress than the general population. In addition, chronic inflammation contributes to disease progression and complications. Onions contain flavonoids, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds that reduce these oxidative reactions.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that mice supplemented with onion extract showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced oxidative stress levels in liver and kidney tissue.

Beneficial for blood lipids and cardiovascular health.

People with diabetes often also have dyslipidemia, with elevated levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Regularly eating onions can help improve these indicators.

Although onions offer many benefits, people with diabetes need to be aware of some important things to avoid unwanted side effects or interactions. First, onions can irritate the stomach, causing heartburn or indigestion in people with sensitive stomachs.

Additionally, if onions are cooked in a lot of oil and sugar, it will increase the calorie content of the dish. People who are taking medication for diabetes, such as insulin or oral medication, should consult their doctor if they want to eat onions regularly, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-nguoi-bi-tieu-duong-nen-an-hanh-tay-185250924133056774.htm