According to scientists, red onions may help prevent the development of ischemic diseases. Experts from the University of Hong Kong have found that the popular and easy-to-use vegetable that is traditionally used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisine helps remove from the body the so-called bad cholesterol, the main culprit for formation of atherosclerotic plaque and blockage of blood vessels, as well as heart attack or stroke.
A team of specialists led by Dr. Zhen-Yu Chen, fed hamsters with foods high in cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol for eight weeks, reports The Daily Mail. Half of the experimental animals were given daily servings of red onions. At the end, it was found that these plant-eating rodents, despite the abundance of harmful compounds, were not inclined to blockage in the vessels. And cholesterol levels in their blood also did not increase, unlike in the remaining animals which were not given red onions.
Chinese researchers claim that the onion supplements maintain the ‘good’ cholesterol level in the body that helps protect against heart diseases. Incidentally, the best result was obtained among female hamsters, their probability of having heart attacks decreased by 20%, in contrast to males, where the risk decreased by only 5%. In addition, researchers believe that the onion should be used regularly, otherwise there will be no positive effect, or it will be inconsistent.
