Contents:
- Medical Video: 3 Cancer-Fighting Foods
- Benefits of eating onions for health
- Onions and ovarian cancer
- Quercetin, anti-cancer compound in the onion
- Other useful compounds
- You should not peel too much onion
Medical Video: 3 Cancer-Fighting Foods
Who doesn't know onions? This seasoning is so often found in our daily lives. It could be, you are even one of those who like it. Did you know that onions have many benefits, and one of them is anti-cancer? For those of you who are interested in consuming various types of foods to prevent cancer, you might be able to put onions in your list of choices.
Benefits of eating onions for health
Research shows that people who often eat onions have a lower risk of experiencing some types of cancer, such as:
- liver, large intestine and kidney cancer
- esophageal and laryngeal cancer
- prostate and colorectal cancer
- breast cancer
- ovarian and endometrial cancer
Onions contain several anti-cancer substances such as quercetin, anthocyanin, diallyldisulfide (DDS), S-allylcysteine (SAC), S-methylcysteine (SMC), and onionin A (ONA).
READ ALSO: 7 Surprising Benefits of Eating Raw Garlic
Onions and ovarian cancer
The ONA content found in onions has recently been said to protect humans from ovarian epithelial cancer — one of the most common types of ovarian cancer. This compound can slow growth and inhibit the activity of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, ONA is also said to be able to increase the effect of anti-cancer drugs. In the study, the mice given ONA showed a longer life time.
The stronger the aroma of the onion, the more effective the anti-cancer effect
Recent research has shown that the stronger the aroma of an onion, the better the potential for fighting cancer. A study conducted in 2004 analyzed 10 different types of onions, and found that certain onion species were also more effective against certain cancers.
Quercetin, anti-cancer compound in the onion
This compound shows its ability to reduce and inhibit proliferation of ovarian, breast, and large intestinal cancer cells. Quercetin is also associated with a reduced risk of brain cancer, and lung cancer for smokers.
In addition, not only for cancer, quercetin is also useful in reducing high blood pressure in people with hypertension, and helps prevent the release of hisatamine - which causes onions to be known as "natural antihistamines."
These compounds can be found in supplement form, but consuming these antioxidant compounds naturally is a better way.
READ ALSO: 9 Symptoms of Lung Cancer that You Cannot Ignore
Other useful compounds
Organosulfur compounds in onions such as DDS, SAC, and SMC also have a role in preventing colon cancer and kidney cancer. These compounds are known to trigger apoptosis or cancer cell death. In addition, onions are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins, is the red, purple and blue pigment that can be found on the onion; this substance is known to reduce the risk of various kinds of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and decreased nerve function.
Onions are also able to prevent obesity and diabetes by blocking certain enzymes in the digestive tract and regulating your blood sugar. In addition, onions also have anti-inflammatory effects that can explain the protective effects of these foods on chronic diseases.
You should not peel too much onion
After knowing the various benefits of onions, especially their effectiveness in preventing cancer, you certainly are increasingly interested in consuming these foods right? It is important to remember, that the antioxidant content of onions is most abundant in the outer layer, therefore, avoid peeling too much onion layer.
Ideally, you only need to peel the outer part of the onion that is shaped like paper. Peeling too many layers of onion can get rid of the womb quercetin and anthocyanins as much as 20% to 75%, it would be very unfortunate right? However, the good news is, the content of quercetin in the onion will not decrease or split when cooked in low temperatures. So, if you make soup, the substance will only move into the broth.
READ ALSO: 4 Benefits of Your Cucumber Skin That You Don't Suspect
For storage, you are not expected to store onions in plastic. One whole onion clove must be stored in a dry, cool and dark place, with good air flow to maximize storage time. After cutting, the onion can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator for one week. Leaving the onion peeled at room temperature can significantly reduce the anti-bacterial effect.
