Onions and garlic are members of the allium genus food group. This food group is known to contain antimicrobial, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antiarthritic, hypolipidemic, and radioprotective properties. Thus, boosting your body's immune system.
Epidemiological studies show that an increase in garlic and onion consumption lowers the risk of breast cancer and other types of diseases. This is because the allium food group is rich in myricetin, quercetin, fisetin, allicin, and apigenin.
Additionally, garlic and chives are a great dietary source of lignan enterolactone, which is a chemical compound produced through the reaction of intestinal bacteria as against the plant lignan precursors found in your meals. Green onions, on the other hand, are an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamins C and K, and zeaxanthin.
A population-based study was conducted in Puerto Rico led by researchers from the University of Puerto Rico and University at Buffalo. The study included a total of 660 participants, 314 of which were women with breast cancer while the remaining 346 were controlled subjects.
According to the lead author of the study, Gauri Desai, among Puerto Rican women, those who have combined intake of onion and garlic plus sofrito, were observed to have a lower risk of incurring breast cancer. In fact, those who ate sofrito at least twice a day, have a 67% reduced risk than those who never ate it.
What is sofrito?
Sofrito is a condiment which mainly contains onions and garlic. This condiment is a staple for Puerto Rican cuisine.
But why was the study focused on two ingredients -- onions and garlic?
Desai explained that this is because onions and garlic are highly rich in organosulfur and flavonol compounds. These compounds show anticarcinogenic properties that provide health benefits for the human body.
Studies have shown that the components of garlic, onion, and other allium food inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and reduces migration and invasiveness of cultured human breast cancer cells.
Enjoy flavorful meals garnished with garlic and onions, and live a healthy way of life.
