Onion could help prevent osteoporosis, the weakening of bones that often occurs with age.
The popular vegetable may strengthen bones while delighting the taste buds, suggests a study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Before ordering a bowl of onion soup, consider this. So far, the evidence comes only from tests on bone cells taken from rats. There is no reason not to eat onions, but it is too early to say whether they will help bones or how much onion is needed.
Bone Basics
Many factors affect bones. Some are beyond your control, such as age, certain medical conditions, and the use of prescription medications.
However, other factors are within your control. These include eating healthy, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol, and exercising, such as walking.
It is best to start these healthy habits early in life, but it is never too late to do what you can.
Bones typically weaken with age, but osteoporosis is not inevitable. In women, osteoporosis usually develops after menopause; in men, it typically occurs after the age of 65. Having small or weak bones and a family history of osteoporosis are risk factors. A bone mineral density test can detect osteoporosis.
The Onion Study on Osteoporosis
Swiss researchers say a compound in white onion reduced bone degradation in rats. The compound is not calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, or other minerals and vitamins necessary for bones. Instead, it is something called GPCS, according to the study.
Scientists from the University of Bern in Switzerland fed young male rats dried white onion flakes (or extracts obtained from onion flakes). The rats also received injections of a chemical that marks bone loss. Judging by the levels of this chemical in the rats’ urine, those that ate onion lost less bone.
Then, the researchers collected bone cells from the rats. The cells were exposed to parathyroid hormone, which increases bone degradation. After that, some of the cells were treated with onion extract.
GPCS was the only onion compound that reduced bone loss, the researchers say. They want to continue testing GPCS and look for any related compounds.
Food for Thought
Add onion to your shopping list! Varieties of onion with strong flavors have attracted attention. They have the highest total antioxidant activity among all varieties; which could help combat cancer cells, says a study from the November issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
