A scientific research study has found that eating a meal rich in flavonoids compounds, that are found in onions, reduce some early signs of heart diseases.
A research team focused on one of the compounds, quercetin, a flavonol, which is found in tea, onions and apples, an international health website reported.
They examined the effect of the compounds produced after quercetin is broken down by the body. They were shown to help prevent the chronic inflammation which can lead to thickening of the arteries.
Previous research had shown quercetin is metabolized very quickly by the intestine and liver and is not actually found in human blood.
So instead the researchers concentrated on the compounds that enter the bloodstream after quercetin is ingested, absorbed and metabolized.
The compounds were used in concentrations similar to those that would be produced following digestion to treat cells taken from the lining of the blood vessels.
They tested compounds that are actually found in the blood, rather than the flavonoid in food before it is eaten, as only these compounds will actually come into contact with human tissues and have an effect on arterial health.
The research found that in the case of one inflammatory process, a lower dose of the compounds achievable by eating 100g to 200g of onions actually had a bigger impact.
