White Onion: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Introduction

Do you have a habit of munching raw onions in a restaurant while waiting for food to arrive? or fill your pani puri with more pyaaz (onion)? Well, raw onions may or may not be your preference, but in the cooked form they surely can make mouths water. In India, onions are regularly used in our meals and difficult for us to imagine our meals without them. The scientific name of the White onion is Allium cepa L. and belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. This white onion is one of the most grown and oldest crops in the world which originated in West Asia, Turkistan, and Afghanistan. China is the largest producer of onions and India is the second largest.

Onions have low perishability, i.e., it does not get spoilt so easily¹. Different variety of onions like yellow, purple, white, and red are available which are slightly different from each other. In white onions, quercetin (a bioactive compound) is less than in red onions and they contain other compounds called ceposides A, B and C in them². Let us discuss the health benefits of White onion. 

Nutritional Value of White Onion

White onion contains 36 kcal of energy in 100gm. The following are the nutrients present in 100g of white onion:

• Carbohydrate: 7.68 g
• Protein: 0.89 g
• Fats: 0.13 g
• Nitrogen: 0.14 g
• Sugars: 5.76 g
• Fibre: 1.2 g
• Calcium: 21 mg
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Zinc: 0.12 mg
• Copper: 0.047 mg
• Manganese: 0.099 mg
• Potassium: 141 mg
• Phosphorous: 29 mg
• Magnesium: 9.3 mg

From my knowledge, several compounds in white onions may aid in the fight against cancer. One of the most abundant food sources of a substance known as quercetin, which is believed to stop the activity or production of substances thought to cause cancer. A decreased chance of getting lung cancer has been linked to a diet high in quercetin⁹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of White Onion

White onion might possess the following properties: 

• It might act as an antioxidant  
• It might be antimicrobial 
• It might safeguard the heart  
• It might be antiparasitic  
• It might have the potential to help against lung diseases 
• It might lower the blood sugar levels 
• It might possess the cholesterol-lowering property 
• It might act as an anti-inflammatory  
• It might act as an anticancer agent 
• It might be helpful for rheumatic pain².
• It might be effective against fungus⁴. 
• It might have the potential to help with asthma. 
• It might be against depression and anxiety. 
• It might be against cognitive disorders⁵. 

Organic sulphur compounds are found in white onions. These substances are to blame for their acrid, overpowering taste and odour. Your risk of heart disease and stroke may be decreased because organic sulphur compounds may assist in lowering the level of cholesterol in your body and may also help dissolve blood clots. I suggest acquiring the most sulphur compounds from onions and consuming them raw as opposed to cooked⁹.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of White Onion for Overall Health

There are various active components in white onion that might be helpful against certain diseases. Some of the potential uses of white onion are as follows: 

1. Potential Uses of White Onion for Diabetes

The activity of the alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase play a role in the progression of diabetes. It was seen in studies that white onion might have the capacity to reduce the activity of these compounds and may help in lowering blood glucose levels. This might be due to the presence of the various phytochemicals present in it. Therefore, white onion might be helpful for diabetes. However, ensure that you consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and refrain from self-medication⁶.

2. Potential Uses of White Onion for Blood Pressure

It was seen in studies that white onion might interfere with the activity of an enzyme Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which alters the blood pressure. Many drugs which are prescribed by doctors for high blood pressure also target this enzyme to lower the blood pressure. Therefore, white onions might also reduce blood pressure. However, kindly consult a doctor and do not self medicate for your health conditions. Do not self medicate⁶.

3. Potential Uses of White Onion for Oxidative Stress

Studies have shown that white onions contain many phytochemicals like quercetin and kaempferol which exhibit antioxidant properties. This antioxidant property of white onions might help in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Thereby, white onion may help against cell damage and chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress⁷.

4. Potential Uses of White Onion for Fungal Infections

White onions contain ceposides in them and these ceposides are saponins that might be responsible for the antifungal activity. In a study⁴, the ceposides isolated from white onions were evaluated for their antifungal activity against different fungi. Therefore, white onions might be effective against certain fungi and fungal infections. However, more studies are required to prove these possible effects. If you have any fungal infections consult the doctor and do not self-medicate.  

5. Potential Uses of White Onion for the Heart

Onions might exhibit many beneficial properties as a nutraceutical vegetable and may help in reducing the risk of heart diseases. It may act as an antioxidant, regulate blood lipids, and improve the function of blood vessel cells. Therefore, by decreasing the risk of heart disease, onions might help in the maintenance of heart health. Heart diseases are serious, and you must consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of suspected heart diseases⁵. Do not self-medicate.  

6. Potential Uses of White Onion for Weight Management

A study⁵ was conducted to check the effect of onion on weight. They were given onion peel extracts containing quercetin. It was noted that over a period there may be a decline in the body fat mass and the body-mass index (ratio of fat to muscle calculated according to individual height and weight). Therefore, quercetin present in white onions might be helpful for weight management. However, more large scale studies are required. If you want to manage weight consult a proper nutritionist and do not self medicate.  

Though there are studies that show the potential uses of white onion in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of white onion on human health.  

How to Use White Onion?

The bulbs of white onion can be used for cooking. It is used in the preparation of different kinds of dishes in various cuisines around the world. It has a pungent flavour and can be used in the following ways: 

• Soups 
• Curries 
• Sauces 
• Condiments  
• Medicine  
• Onion powders 
• Onion salts  
• Onion flakes¹.

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking onion in large quantities or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Your body odour may be the only drawback to eating white onions that you will likely notice. The sulphur compounds in onions that are broken down by your body may react with perspiration on your skin to produce what is typically thought of as an unpleasant body odour. White onions may worsen gas and bloating in people with irritable bowel syndrome. If so, I suggest limiting their usage is advised⁹.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of White Onion

Consumption of white onion might cause heartburn⁵. There is a requirement for more studies to be performed for the exploration of more side effects of white onion if any. Therefore, ensure that you consult a doctor if you notice any unusual effects after the consumption of white onion. 

Also Read: Cabbage (Patta Gobi): Uses, Benefits, Side effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh 

Precautions to Take with White Onion

White onion is relatively safer when taken in food quantities. There have been no reports regarding the safety of white onion in children and elderly individuals. 

There have been no reports of the effects of white onion on pregnant women. Therefore, it is advised to consult and discuss with a doctor before use.

Also Read: Onion (Pyaaz): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Interactions with Other Drugs

Studies have shown that eating cooked onions might have the potential to increase warfarin (a drug which is helpful against blood clots) activity⁸. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and confirm whether it is safe for you to consume onions, especially if you are undergoing any treatment and are on medication for the same. There is a need for more research to establish the effects of onion on other drugs.   

Also Read: Gulvel: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Ríos-González IJ, Guevara-Aguilar A, Sida-Arreola JP, Sánchez E, Ronquillo-Aboite JO, Alvarado-González M, et al. Effect of controlled atmospheres on the quality of white onion (Allium cepa L). J Food Sci Technol [Internet]. 2018 Sep 16;55(9):3564–74. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s13197-018-3282-z 
2. Golubkina N, Caruso G. Onion. In: Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits and Vegetables [Internet]. Elsevier; 2020. p. 73–87. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128127803000052 
3. FoodData Central. Onions, white, raw [Internet]. U.S. Department of Agriculture. [cited 2022 Sep 2]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1104962/nutrients 
4. Lanzotti V, Romano A, Lanzuise S, Bonanomi G, Scala F. Antifungal saponins from bulbs of white onion, Allium cepa L. Phytochemistry [Internet]. 2012;74:133–9. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.11.008 
5. Galavi A, Hosseinzadeh H, Razavi BM. The effects of Allium cepa L. (onion) and its active constituents on the metabolic syndrome: A review. Iran J Basic Med Sci [Internet]. 2020;24(1):3–16. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7894628/ 
6. Oboh G, Ademiluyi AO, Agunloye OM, Ademosun AO, Ogunsakin BG. Inhibitory Effect of Garlic, Purple Onion, and White Onion on Key Enzymes Linked with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. J Diet Suppl [Internet]. 2019;16(1):105–18. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2018.1438553 
7. Liguori L, Califano R, Albanese D, Raimo F, Crescitelli A, Di Matteo M. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Five White Onion ( Allium cepa L.) Landraces. J Food Qual [Internet]. 2017;2017:1–9. Available from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jfq/2017/6873651/ 
8. Bushra R, Aslam N, Khan A. Food Drug Interactions. Oman Med J [Internet]. 2011 Mar 25;26(2):77–83. Available from: http://www.omjournal.org/fultext_PDF.aspx?DetailsID=75&type=fultext 
9. Delzell E, Painter K, Mitchell K. Onions: Health benefits and nutrition. WebMD. Medically reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD. 18 Jan 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-onions

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