The onion, originally from Central Asia, has been a staple in human diets for over 7000 years. Ancient civilizations revered onions for their medicinal properties and believed they could provide strength and power. Egyptians used onions to treat various ailments, including heart problems and headaches. In the Middle Ages, onions were highly esteemed and used as a means to settle debts or give as gifts. Today, onions continue to be recognized for their health benefits, particularly in preventing certain types of cancer. This article explores the role of onions in cancer prevention and treatment.
Onions: Precious Agents in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Research has shown that individuals who regularly consume vegetables from the garlic family, like onions, have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancers, especially digestive system cancers such as stomach and colon cancers. The mechanisms behind this anti-cancer action are complex but are primarily attributed to the breakdown of onions, which leads to the formation of highly active molecules.
When an onion is cut, a molecule called 1-propenyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide interacts with an enzyme called alliinase. This interaction results in the production of sulphenic acids and thiosulphinates. Thiosulphinates are the main drivers of the onion's beneficial effects on health. They accelerate the elimination of toxic carcinogens from the body, reducing the risk of these substances attacking our genetic material and causing cancer-causing mutations. These molecules also inhibit the growth of cancer cells and can even induce their programmed cell death through apoptosis.
Onions: They Make Us Cry, But We Forgive Them
One well-known characteristic of onions is their ability to make us cry. This phenomenon is due to the presence of an enzyme called LF synthase, which converts 1-propenyl-sulphenic acid into a volatile gas called propanthial-S-oxide. When the onion is cut, this gas is released into the air and reaches our eyes, causing irritation and triggering tear production.
The intensity of the tears peaks around 30 seconds after cutting the onion but gradually subsides. However, certain onion varieties may cause more discomfort than others. To reduce the eye irritation, adding a little water to the onion while cutting can help, as the gas dissolves in water. Avoiding cutting the onion's base, which contains a high concentration of the enzyme responsible for the irritant factor, can also minimize irritation.
Despite the tears onions cause, take solace in the fact that they are a result of the production of anticancer molecules, which contribute to maintaining your health.
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