Onions and Health: New Findings
Recent research indicates that individuals who have a genetic inclination toward enjoying onions may have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Experts emphasize the health benefits of onions. However, simply incorporating onions into your diet is probably not enough to prevent these health issues.
You’ve likely heard about the gene that can lead to a dislike for cilantro. Now, there’s a new study suggesting that some people are genetically wired to appreciate another common culinary ingredient, which might point to some positive health effects.
A study published in BMC Medicine shows a connection between a genetic predisposition for liking onions and a reduced risk of encountering type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. The researchers analyzed data from over 160,000 individuals aged 37 to 73 who participated in the UK Biobank—a long-standing health study in the U.K. This database included genetic information and preferences for various foods, including grapefruit, horseradish, wasabi, and onions.
Upon examining the data, researchers identified that people possessing a specific variant of the OR2T6 smell receptor gene tended to prefer onions. They then looked into various health outcomes for these individuals and concluded that this genetic variant, along with a fondness for onions, was associated with a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, the study had no ties to any organization promoting onions.
Meet the Experts
This study featured insights from several experts, including Danielle Reed, Ph.D., of the Monell Chemical Senses Center; Daniel Liang-Dar Hwang, Ph.D., from the University of Queensland; Richard Siegel, M.D., of Tufts Medical Center; and Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers.
Dr. Hwang, the lead author of the study, notes that a major challenge in nutrition research is determining whether certain foods genuinely impact health or if they are simply consumed by healthier individuals. The team focused on the role of taste and smell in food preferences to help clarify the relationship between diet and health.
Now, why might a preference for onions correlate with a lower risk of these conditions? There are some theories, but nothing definitive yet.
Exploring the Connection
Several factors could be at play here. For starters, onions are vegetables known to have healthful properties, as Jessica Cording highlights. “Onions contain many important compounds, like flavonoids, quercetin, and fiber, which are advantageous for cardiovascular health.” They often feature prominently in nutrient-rich meals, such as those typical of the Mediterranean diet.
It’s also possible that those who enjoy onions also have a penchant for other healthful plant-based foods, according to Dr. Siegel. He suggests that if they’re more prone to consume a plant-rich, unprocessed diet—including onions—then those foods may offer phytochemicals that help lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Conversely, individuals who don’t find onions appealing might miss out on these beneficial nutrients. Dr. Reed points out that not everyone can taste the flavor profiles that make onions enjoyable, which means some may avoid them and not reap the associated benefits.
Will Eating Onions Help with Blood Pressure and Diabetes?
Experts are hesitant to make concrete recommendations just yet. Dr. Hwang states, “Our findings suggest that consuming onions may be linked to lower blood pressure and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, but this study alone can’t warrant advising people to eat more onions solely for these reasons.”
Cording echoes this sentiment, stressing that no one food can singlehandedly influence the risk of disease. “I wouldn’t urge people to see onions as a solution for high blood pressure or diabetes,” she explains. “Instead, view them as a nutritious component of a balanced diet.”
The Takeaway
Ultimately, it doesn’t mean everyone has to start eating onions, though they may offer some potential health perks. If you’re inclined to try them more often, there’s likely no harm in doing so. Dr. Reed suggests for those dealing with high blood pressure, it might be worth exploring more onion consumption to assess any positive effects.
However, Dr. Siegel reminds us that onions aren’t a cure-all. Staying active and embracing a healthy eating plan like the Mediterranean or DASH diets are crucial for overall health. “Keep in mind that correlation does not imply causation. But if you enjoy onions, feel free to add them to your meals,” he says.
Cording agrees with this approach. “If you enjoy onions, fantastic! But if not, don’t force it. Plenty of other vegetables can also contribute to your health.”
