The nutrition
ninja
Whilst the onion may not be the hero ingredient of many meals, it definitely stands out in terms of its health attributes. From supporting gut, heart and brain health to fighting free radical damage, onions are a reliable, versatile and affordable pantry staple.
RESEARCH UPDATES
HEALTH AND NUTRITION RESOURCES
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EAT ONIONS
MEAL PLANS
The Onion Report, 2024
This comprehensive report summarises more than 100 studies, over nearly 30 years, on the nutrition and health benefits of onions.
Accredited Practising Dietitian, Teri Lichtenstein, reviewed the latest research to inform the report, which includes the continually emerging health benefits of the high levels of phytochemicals in onions, including quercetin, sulfoxides and anthocyanins.
The report also contains practical information including nutrition information panels by variety and cooking method, as well as tips for on how to prepare onions to encourage their consumption at maximum antioxidant levels.
Research Updates
Effects of fermented onion on gut health
Onions are a nutritious vegetable with many health benefits, however, fresh onions are high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), which may be problematic for people with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Eating fermented onions may reduce FODMAP problems and increase the availability of bioactive compounds, especially quercetin.
Onion consumption daily can help improve overall bone density
Eating onions can have a beneficial effect on bone density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal non-Hispanic older white women. Those that consume onions most frequently may decrease their risk of hip fracture by more than 20% versus those who never consume onions.
The effect of onion phytochemicals on chronic diseases
Phytochemicals in onions can help prevent chronic diseases due to beneficial properties and effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-cardiovascular and anti-cancer. This research examines the potential effects of onions and their phytochemicals on chronic diseases.
Farm tours
Join us as we take groups of health professionals to onion farms across Australia.
Culinary
inspiration
This website is funded through the Hort Innovation Onion Fund, using the Onion marketing levy. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Marketing enquiries email: marketing@horticulture.com.au Editorial media enquiries email: pr@bitecom.com.au
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