Osteopathic doctor Dr Poonam Desai revealed that she eats onions “regularly” for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The layered vegetable is packed with a type of flavonoid found in plants called quercetin, which studies have linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease.
“I EAT REGULARLY
According to the news reported by Express, speaking to his followers, Dr Desai said: “I am a doctor and I eat onions regularly. But how you eat them and which onion you eat actually matters. Onions contain a substance called quercetin, which provides powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.”
Studies have shown that the antioxidants in quercetin can remove harmful chemicals called free radicals from our bodies. These can damage cell membranes, disrupt DNA and kill cells. It may also help reduce swelling, kill cancer cells, control blood sugar and stop heart disease.
A study published in 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Immunology found that quercetin may protect against lung, blood and prostate cancer. It was stated in the study that “It showed anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects.” Additionally, quercetin may ameliorate cancer progression through various mechanisms, including downregulation of mutant p53 proteins. The concept that this is an anti-cancer compound is supported by preclinical studies.
Another from Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine detailed quercetin’s benefits on the heart.
The statement said: “Quercetin has obvious medicinal value in cardiovascular diseases, such as antioxidant, improving heart function, preventing heart failure, and regulating blood pressure.”
According to Dr Desai, the health benefits of onion depend on the type you eat and how you eat it.
“But the color of the onions is important,” he said. “Red onions contain more quercetin than white or yellow, so I prefer eating red onions. Secondly, if you cook the onion, the quercetin level in the onion decreases. That’s why I prefer to eat my onions raw so I can maximize their health benefits. Now third, when I peel off the dry, flaky layer of the onion, the outer layers contain more quercetin than the inner layers. So next time you are choosing an onion, choose a red onion, try eating it raw, and try eating the outer layers. Other foods containing quercetin include citrus fruits, apples, parsley, sage and tea.