Study reiterates the importance of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Eating foods containing high levels of flavonoids can reduce early signs of heart disease, research shows.
Onions are a good source of a compound called quercetin, which is also found in apples, tea and red wine.
The
Atherosclerosis study examined the after-effects of quercetin as it's
broken down by the body. Results showed that it helped prevent the
severe inflammation that can lead to the thickening of arteries.
Lead
researcher Dr Paul Kroon said: "We 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 showed that eating 100g to 200g of onions had a big impact.
Bridget
Aisbitt, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation,
said: "Inflammation is an important process in the furring up of
arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke and this study gives
us clues as to why a diet rich in fruit and vegetables appears to
reduce the risk of these conditions.
"In the UK we are only
consuming about two portions of fruit and vegetables per day on
average, so this study underlines the importance of getting your five a
day to stay healthy throughout life."
Some delicious. onion recipes
Caramelised onion and mustard tart
Goat's log, sweet potato and red onion frittata with crispy pancetta
Hot dogs with fiery onion relish
Leek, red onion and thyme puff pastry tart
Pork chops with onion and pear chutney
Roasted onion and tomato spaghetti with poached egg