Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 24: Onions, a common kitchen vegetable, may offer natural support in managing type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by high blood sugar due to insufficient insulin production.

A study presented at The Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting found that onion extract, when used alongside the antidiabetic drug metformin, reduced blood sugar levels by up to 50 percent in diabetic rats. The extract also lowered total cholesterol, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.

Experts say onions can be incorporated in daily meals in various ways, including raw in salads and sandwiches, cooked in soups, stir-fries or curries, grilled or roasted as a side dish, or blended into sauces and dips.

The study highlighted that higher doses of onion extract produced the most significant reductions in cholesterol and blood sugar, indicating onions could complement existing treatments like metformin. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, incorporating onions regularly may provide a simple, affordable, and natural way to support metabolic and cardiovascular health.