What do doctors say about the 'onions baked in foil' trend?

Recently, the trend of 'baked onions in foil' has been spreading on social networks and is being practiced by many people. According to experts, in addition to the nutritional benefits, it is also necessary to pay attention when eating onions to ensure health.

Many surprising uses of onions

Specialist Doctor 1 Bui Thi Yen Nhi, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3 said that sulfoxides (an organic compound containing sulfur) in onions can reduce depression and stress, improve sleep. Therefore, incorporating onions into a balanced diet can bring many health benefits. In addition, onions also help increase appetite, promote digestion, strengthen bones...

According to traditional medicine, onions are spicy, warm, have antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant effects and help reduce symptoms of the common cold. Onions contain many minerals, are rich in vitamin B (folate) and vitamin C, antioxidants, and sulfur compounds. Among them, quercetin (an antioxidant) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by fighting inflammation, lowering triglyceride (a type of fat) and cholesterol levels, maintaining blood vessel elasticity, and reducing blood viscosity; thereby helping to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries due to high cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Trend of foil-baked onions with many combined spices, butter, garlic powder, seafood sauce...

A study published in the Pharmacy & Pharmacology International Journal (USA) looked at the effects of onions on cholesterol-lowering ability. Participants were advised to eat 200 grams of onions per day, the results showed that their total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced after a follow-up period of 8 weeks.

How to eat onions, how much per day is good?

Talking about the “taboos” in combining onions with other foods, Dr. Yen Nhi shared: “Some ingredients in seafood can react with vitamin C in onions, creating substances that are harmful to the body. Although seafood is very rich in nutrients, eating a lot with onions can affect the absorption of nutrients. Therefore, when enjoying delicious seafood dishes, try to avoid consuming too many foods rich in vitamin C such as onions.”

In addition, Dr. Yen Nhi also believes that when onions are cooked, some nutrients will be lost, but the concentration of antioxidants can be increased: "Raw onions also contain phytocides such as allicin, which have strong antibacterial properties, better than cooked onions. However, eating raw onions can easily irritate the digestive tract, not suitable for people with poor digestion, should not eat raw onions on an empty stomach and should be eaten in moderation."

Scientists have found that lightly cooking onions can increase their antioxidant effects. According to a 2021 study published in the NIH (National Institutes of Health), cooking onions (especially roasting) increases the availability of polyphenols (a powerful antioxidant), which can help promote health.

On the other hand, consuming too much onion can also cause some side effects such as bad breath, stomach ache, heartburn, bloating... It is important to eat in moderation, do not overuse it, adults should only consume about 200-375 grams of onion per day.

People with stomach problems should limit their intake of onions.

Who should limit onion intake?

Doctor Yen Nhi knows that although onions have many good uses, the following groups of people should limit their intake of onions:

• Pregnant and lactating women: Be safe and follow the dosage in food.
• People with a history of allergies: People who are allergic to foods in the onion family (garlic, asparagus, leeks...).
• People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Patients with stomach cancer, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux: Eating too many onions will irritate the intestines, increase gastric juice secretion, cause intestinal mucosal edema, thereby aggravating symptoms.
• People taking blood thinners: Onions may help prevent blood clots from forming, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tu-xu-huong-hanh-tay-nuong-giay-bac-bac-si-chi-cach-an-hanh-tay-an-toan-185241117170439355.htm