Onion Skins Help Reduce Diabetes Risk

According to the results of a new study, onion skins have now joined the list of things that could offer potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. The study, at the University of Madrid found that the brown skin and external layers of onions contain useful amounts of fiber and flavonoids, and that the bulbs contain sulphurous compounds and fructans. The research showed that because the brown skin of the onion was high in dietary fiber it could be used as a functional ingredient, and that two outer fleshy layers also contain flavonoids, and have a high antioxidant capacity. Onion waste could be used as a natural source of ingredients with high functional value, because this vegetable is rich in compounds that provide benefits for human health. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition July 2011