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, which has 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 also contain fiber, vitamin C, minerals such as potassium. These are all components that support metabolism and cell function. People with diabetes should eat onions because of the following benefits:

Stabilize blood sugar

Several animal studies have shown that eating or using onion extract reduces fasting blood sugar, improves glucose tolerance, and reduces insulin resistance.

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

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

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

Research published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that mice supplemented with onion extract had increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced oxidation indices in liver and kidney tissue.

Beneficial for blood fat and cardiovascular system

Diabetics often have dyslipidemia, increased "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, leading to a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption of onions can improve these indicators.

Although onions have many benefits, people with diabetes need to pay attention to some important things to avoid unwanted side effects or interactions. The first thing is that onions can cause stomach irritation, heartburn or indigestion for people with sensitive stomachs.

In addition, if onions are processed with a lot of oil and sugar, it will increase the amount of calories in the dish. People who are taking diabetes medications, such as insulin or oral medications, 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