Onion soup is a popular dish that has been around for centuries and it’s not just a delicious comfort food. There are many health benefits of onion soup that make it a great addition to any diet. From boosting your immune system to aiding digestion, the benefits of onion soup are extensive and impressive. In this article, we will be exploring 10 of the most important benefits of drinking onion soup. So, keep reading to learn more about this nutritious and tasty dish.
Benefits of Drinking Onion Soup.
1. Boosts Immunity.
One of the most remarkable benefits of drinking onion soup is its ability to boost your immunity. Onions contain high amounts of quercetin, an antioxidant that helps to fight off free radicals in the body. It also contains vitamin C and B6, both of which help to strengthen the immune system.(1)
In addition, onion soup is rich in sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, which are known for their anti-microbial and antiviral properties. These compounds can help to protect your body from bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that may lead to infections. With all these immune-boosting benefits, it’s no wonder why onion soup has been a popular remedy for centuries.
2. Aids in Digestion.
One of the most beneficial effects of drinking onion soup is its ability to aid in digestion. Onions are high in fiber, which helps to promote regularity and reduce constipation. Additionally, the sulfur compounds found in onions act as a natural laxative that stimulates the intestines and prevents bloating. Furthermore, onions contain prebiotics which helps the body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, leading to improved digestion.
Drinking onion soup can also help to reduce heartburn and reduce acid reflux due to its high alkaline content. These benefits of drinking onion soup make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to improve their digestive health.(2)
3. Fights Inflammation.
Onion soup has long been used as a remedy for treating inflammation. Onions contain several compounds, such as quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin helps to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that signal the body’s immune system to respond to foreign substances.(3)
This can help to reduce inflammation and the associated pain and swelling. In addition, the sulfur compounds found in onions may help to protect the cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Drinking onion soup may also be beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis, as it can help to reduce joint swelling and stiffness.
4. Reduces Cholesterol.
Onion soup can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels in your body. The soluble fiber content in onions helps to reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol from the gut, thus reducing total cholesterol levels. Additionally, onions contain high amounts of chromium and sulfur, both of which are important for healthy cholesterol levels.
The sulfur helps to prevent cholesterol from building up in the arteries, while the chromium helps to regulate the body’s response to insulin, leading to better absorption of cholesterol. Furthermore, the antioxidants present in onions may also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol in the body.(4)
5. Prevents Cancer.
Onion soup is rich in compounds like allium and quercetin, which are powerful antioxidants. These two compounds are known to be effective at preventing cancer. Allium works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, while quercetin has been shown to reduce tumor formation.(5)
Studies have also found that consuming onion soup regularly can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colon, stomach and esophageal cancer. In addition, the antioxidants in onion soup help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to cancer.
6. Regulates Blood Sugar.
Onion soup can be a great way to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Onions are high in chromium, which helps to regulate insulin and glucose levels. A diet high in chromium can help to keep your blood sugar from spiking after eating.
Eating onion soup on a regular basis can help to prevent type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The antioxidants present in onions also help to control inflammation that contributes to diabetes. So if you’re looking for a way to control your blood sugar naturally, consider making onion soup part of your diet.(6)
7. Detoxifies the Body.
Onion soup is a great way to detoxify the body and cleanse your system. Onions contain sulfur-containing amino acids that help your body to break down toxins and waste products. They are also rich in vitamin C, which helps your body to eliminate toxins and increase its natural detoxification process.
Drinking onion soup helps to flush out the toxins from your body, leaving you feeling energized and healthier. In addition to helping rid your body of toxins, onion soup also helps to reduce inflammation, which can lead to a variety of health benefits.
8. Aids in Weight Loss.
Onion soup has long been used as a weight loss aid because of its low-calorie content. Onions are naturally low in calories and provide a lot of nutrition and fiber, making them a great addition to any diet plan. The soup is also rich in sulfur-containing compounds that help to break down fat deposits in the body.
Additionally, the soup can fill you up without having to consume large amounts of food, making it an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight. Furthermore, the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in onion soup help to promote healthy metabolism, which further aids in weight loss.
9. Promotes Healthy Skin.
Onion soup is not only delicious, but it also has many health benefits for your skin. Onion is a rich source of sulfur and antioxidants, which are essential for healthy skin. Sulfur helps to reduce wrinkles and acne, as well as other signs of aging.
It also helps to reduce inflammation and irritation, which can cause redness and itching. Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, onion soup is high in vitamin C, which helps to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Drinking onion soup regularly can help to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.
10. Improves Brain Function.
One of the main benefits of drinking onion soup is its ability to improve your brain function. Onions contain high levels of fisetin, a flavonoid that has been found to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Fisetin helps improve your memory, increases your attention span and boosts your overall cognitive performance.(7) Additionally, the sulfur compounds found in onions can help to protect your brain cells from oxidative damage. Eating onions can also help to increase the levels of BDNF, a type of growth hormone that promotes the survival of brain cells.
Furthermore, onion soup is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for healthy brain function. So, by including onion soup in your diet, you can significantly improve your cognitive health and even ward off brain-related disorders.
Side Effects of Onion Soup.
Onion soup is a delicious and nourishing dish, but as with any food, it does come with some side effects. While the health benefits of onion soup outweigh the potential risks, it’s important to be aware of these five side effects:
1. Heartburn.
Onion soup is highly acidic and can cause heartburn if eaten in large quantities. If you experience heartburn after eating onion soup, try drinking a glass of milk or chewing on a piece of sugarless gum to relieve the discomfort.
2. Bloating.
Onions are high in fiber, which can cause bloating if eaten in large amounts. To avoid this side effect, try reducing your portion size or avoiding onions altogether.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues.
Onions can cause upset stomach and indigestion if eaten in excess. To prevent this from happening, limit the amount of onion you consume in one sitting and make sure you’re consuming enough water.
4. Allergic Reaction.
People who are allergic to onions may experience an allergic reaction after consuming onion soup. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rashes, itching, hives and difficulty breathing.
5. Headache.
Eating too much onion soup can result in a headache due to its high sodium content. To reduce the risk of a headache, try limiting your intake of onion soup or adding more vegetables to the dish.
Overall, onion soup is a nutritious dish with many health benefits. However, it’s important to be aware of these potential side effects so that you can enjoy the dish safely and without any unpleasant side effects.
Onion Soup recipe.
Ingredients.
- 2 large onions, finely chopped.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 4 cups of vegetable broth.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon of thyme.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Steps.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add the vegetable broth, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as desired. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions.
As a good prebiotic, onions are a good source of soluble fiber, food for the good bacteria in the gut. As part of a weight management program, this delicious soup provides excellent nutrients to support weight loss and promote optimal gut health.
No scientific evidence is there related to this. However, it is not harmful to have onion soup for cold.
Bottom Line.
Onion soup is a delicious and nutritious way to get the benefits of onion in your diet. It is packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other health-promoting compounds that can boost your immunity, aid digestion, reduce cholesterol, fight inflammation, prevent cancer, regulate blood sugar, detoxify your body and more. Onion soup can also help you lose weight, promote healthy skin and improve brain function. While there are some side effects associated with consuming large amounts of onion soup, they are generally mild and do not pose any major health concerns. For a quick and easy onion soup recipe, check out the instructions included in this article. If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious way to get the many benefits of onion in your diet, look no further than onion soup.
+7 Sources
Freaktofit has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, educational research institutes, and medical organizations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date by reading our editorial policy.
- Short chain fatty acids in human gut and metabolic health; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32865024/
- Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622781/
- Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin: New Insights and Perspectives for Human Health; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254783/
- Effects of Allium sativum (garlic) on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24035939/
- Allium vegetable intake and gastric cancer: a case-control study and meta-analysis; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25215621/
- Preliminary Study of the Clinical Hypoglycemic Effects of Allium cepa (Red Onion) in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978938/
- Fisetin Acts on Multiple Pathways to Reduce the Impact of Age and Disease on CNS Function; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5527824/
