Health and Nutrition
The Immune-Boosting Power of Onions: Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits Proven by Science
Studies show that onions contain potent compounds that support immune function, reduce inflammation, and protect against respiratory infections
Onions, a natural remedy for winterSeveral studies in recent years have confirmed that onions possess antiviral and antibacterial effects, primarily due to their allicin content.
A 1999 study published in Planta Medica found that allicin inhibits the growth of various bacteria and viruses. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology concluded that vitamin C and selenium — both found in onions, are essential for proper immune system function. Research on propyl thiosulfinate, a compound in onions, shows it may help widen the airways, thereby easing asthma and cough symptoms. This was demonstrated in a 2002 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Studies examining quercetin — a flavonoid found in onions, have identified its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Also present in other plants, quercetin helps reduce inflammatory responses in the body and improves resilience against allergic diseases.
The combination of these properties makes onions one of the healthiest ingredients in the kitchen, especially during the winter months when the body is more susceptible to respiratory and viral infections.
