According to research, the humble onion packs a powerful punch against cancer. Studies have shown that eating regularly can reduce the risk of developing brain cancer.1 Breast, liver, lungs and stomach. A diverse antioxidant profile works together to provide these benefits.
The best part is that you don’t need to spend money on fancy supplements or prescriptions to reap these health benefits. Just including more onions in your daily diet will do the trick.
Take a closer look at the bioactive compounds of onion
In the paper2 Published in the International Journal of Molecular Science, South Korean researchers conducted an extensive review of the antioxidant and anticancer properties of allium vegetables such as onions and garlic. Their findings shed light on how these everyday foods fight oxidative stress and cancer at the cellular level.
What makes onions such a powerful cancer fighter? They are rich in bioactive compounds such as allicin, flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. These compounds work together, generating a series of mechanisms that fight this terrible disease.3
- Induction of apoptosis – Organosulfur compounds found in onions have been found to induce cell death in cancer cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
- Inhibition of cell proliferation – Phytochemicals found in allium inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by reducing protein expression and halting the cell cycle at various stages.
- angiogenesis restriction – Angiogenesis refers to your body’s ability to generate new blood vessels, which are needed for tumors to grow and eventually metastasize. Allium phytochemicals have been shown to prevent this process by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR). This leads to the loss of nutrients and oxygen to the tumor.
- Modulating the immune response- Allium phytochemicals strengthen the body’s immune system to fight cancer by stimulating the production of various immune cells.
In addition to these benefits, onion boosts your immune system and boosts your overall immune system. As stated by the authors:4
“Allium phytochemicals can modulate cellular signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress. For example, SAC has been shown to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which results in the regulation of various antioxidant genes. This pathway maintains cellular redox homeostasis and protects cells from oxidative stress. It plays an important role in preventing damage.
Apigenin – Another well-known antioxidant in onions and other alliums
Fighting cancer isn’t just onion’s claim to fame. It also contains a compound called apigenin, which has published evidence to reduce brain inflammation. Apigenin is also found in other plant foods such as celery and parsley.5 Research in this area has great potential to improve the quality of life for many who suffer from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Structurally, apigenin is the flavone class of polyphenols, and is a post-production degradation product. In addition to being found in vegetables, it is also found in non-edible plants such as propolis, Scutellaria barbata di Don (commonly known as barbed skullcap or “ban zhi lian” in traditional Chinese medicine), and chamomile.6
In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, studies have shown that apigenin helps maintain the integrity of neurons and astrocytes, as well as modulate cytokine mRNA expression. The researchers concluded:
“These substances support apigenin as an important neuroimmunomodulatory agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.”7
The researchers added that apigenin has a positive effect on cognition. Using animal models, high-dose administration improves long-term memory and reduces cognitive impairment. Additionally, incorporating exercise with increased apigenin intake “improved anxiety, memory loss, and aggression, and increased antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity.”8
Interestingly, apigenin has been shown to protect cardiovascular health, especially in the context of neuroinflammation. According to the researchers, “Apigenin protects neurons from damage caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion by inhibiting nitric oxide production.”9Apigenin helps to increase the quality of sleep, which is another important factor for nervous health.10
Other benefits of Apigenin
Research shows that apigenin may benefit other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that targets the myelin sheath around your nervous system. As for apigenin, it can protect the nervous system for several reasons:
“Apigenin has been shown to inhibit the expression of cell surface stimulatory molecules as well as certain dendritic cell functions such as proinflammatory cytokine production and T-cell differentiation…
Apigenin also inhibits COX-2 enzyme activity and monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelium by reducing the presence of cell adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and E . – Choosing.
Because molecules play a critical role in regulating leukocyte migration across endothelial cells, including the blood-brain barrier, apigenin has the potential to inhibit immune cell entry into the CNS (central nervous system) and prevent neuroinflammation. “
Other studies show that apigenin also fights cancer. Similar to the phytochemicals found in onions, apigenin exhibits anti-angiogenic properties:11
“In the same cellular model, fisetin, apigenin, and luteolin inhibit both gene expression and MMP-9 protein and COX-2 gene and protein expression, both induced by carcinogens.”
A signaling pathway involved in these two processes is thought to be the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Therefore, the use of apigenin may reduce the disruption of the blood-brain barrier during neuroinflammation caused by the development of brain tumors.
In addition, apigenin helps cleanse your body of waste metals and other chemicals that can eventually impair cognitive function. Some toxins include cadmium, chromium, lead, and arsenic, which cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Not only this, they affect the endocrine, renal and reproductive systems. According to the researchers, apigenin was able to counteract the toxic effects of arsenic and prevent neuroinflammation.
“A model using PC12 cells and inorganic arsenic salt (IAS) was used to prevent the arsenic effects of apigenin. They showed that pretreatment of cells with apigenin provided distinct protection against IS-induced neuroinflammation, but similar protection against oxidative stress and cell death. Nrf-2 It appears to be involved in this neuroprotection.
Easy ways to add onions to your diet
Are you ready to harness the power of onions for better health? The easiest way to reap its benefits is to add it to your diet. But before you do, here’s a great tip – save the outer layers of the onion as much as possible, because that’s where most of the antioxidants are found.12 With that in mind, here are ways to use onions and other alliums in your diet.
|
Add raw onions to salads and sandwiches. Raw onions contain the greatest nutritional value while retaining their beneficial compounds. Try thinly sliced red onions on your next salad or burger for a crunch of flavor and a healthy boost. |
|
Cook with onions often. Saute onions as a base for soups, stews and roasts. Their flavor is mellowed by cooking while containing many health benefits. Consider including onions in at least one meal a day. |
|
Do not forget about the garlic. As part of the allium family, garlic shares many of the onion’s cancer-fighting properties.13 Use fresh garlic liberally in your cooking for added flavor and protection. |
|
Add more parsley to your meals. Parsley is an excellent source of apigenin. Just use it as a garnish – add a generous amount to salads, soups and stews. |
|
Brew chamomile tea. Another rich source of apigenin, chamomile tea makes a soothing nighttime drink that supports mental health.14 |
|
Grow your own garden. Freshly harvested plants will always be healthy and clean because you are in control throughout the entire process. Onion, despite its large size, is grown at home.15 |
|
Prepare vegetable coconut oil. To do this, combine coconut oil with chopped parsley, oregano or other allium. Use this delicious oil for cooking. |
|
While there are different varieties of onions, research shows that red (preferably organic) is the healthiest. To learn more about the science behind this, read my article “Why you should always use organic onionsHe said. |
