Can you eat onions if you have diabetes?

For people with diabetes, making the right food choices is important. Among the common questions that diabetics ask doctors is this: is it possible to eat onions if you have diabetes? diabetes? This is a common vegetable crop that is used in salads, canned food, vegetable and meat dishes, soups, borscht, side dishes, and sauces.

Regardless of the severity of the disease, eating onions within normal limits will not cause harm to health: on the contrary, it can have a beneficial effect on the course of diabetes mellitus and serve as a prevention of complications. However, there are some contraindications and restrictions.

Chemical composition, trace elements and characteristics of onions

There are several types and many varieties, hybrids and varieties of onions, differing in shape, size, color, taste, as well as medicinal and dietary properties. White, yellow, and red onions and shallots are popular in Russia. Let's talk about the chemical composition and effect on blood sugar using the example of yellow onions.

Nutrient content per 100 g of edible part:

Calorie content, nutritional value, nutritional value, glycemic index of onion

Nutritional value of onions (per 100 g):

The glycemic index (GI) of onions is 15 units. Heat treatment increases GI if it was initially low. GI depends on growing and storage conditions, bulb variety, combination with other products, method of heat treatment, and the speed of enzymatic processes in the intestines.

For reference. The glycemic index of foods gives you an idea of ​​how quickly carbohydrates will be broken down into sugar and released into the blood. High GI foods dramatically increase blood glucose levels and increase insulin production. Therefore, the basis of the diet of patients with sugar diabetes should consist of foods with a low and medium glycemic index.

Does blood sugar increase or decrease?

Is there sugar in onions? Bulbs contain carbohydrates in the amount of 7.6-8.8 g (depending on the variety, growing and storage conditions), of which 4.24 g are mono- and disaccharides, 1.97 g are glucose, 0.99 g are sucrose , 1.29 g - fructose. Mono- and disaccharides are an irreplaceable source of energy; there is no additional need to break them down, and the content of other types of sugars is insignificant and cannot significantly increase glucose levels.

On the contrary, onions lower blood sugar in humans. The carbohydrates present in the composition are digested and absorbed gradually, and accordingly, they maintain glucose levels at the same level for a long time, without causing a feeling of hunger. In addition, the composition contains a lot of fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, stimulates intestinal function, normalizes metabolism, which is important for diabetes. diabetes.

What vitamins and beneficial properties are present in onions?

Nature has enriched the bulbs with substances valuable to the human body:

• beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, prevents free radicals from damaging cells, and takes part in the formation of new cells;
• B vitamins - are responsible for the proper functioning of the enzymatic systems of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, are involved in oxygen transport, regeneration processes, normalize the functioning of the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems;
• vitamin E - lowers blood glucose levels, improves blood circulation, supports metabolism in the liver, nervous system, heart muscle, and prevents premature aging;
• vitamin C - supports oxidative reactions in the body, increases the density and elasticity of vascular walls, ensures good resistance of the body to infections;
• vitamin K - takes part in the mineralization of teeth and the formation of bone tissue, prevents the development of prostate cancer;
• Vitamin PP - has an antiallergic effect, improves the activity of blood vessels, normalizes the lipid composition of the blood, and reduces the level of bad cholesterol.

Onions have a wide range of beneficial effects. It is used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound-healing, antimicrobial, diuretic, and antipyretic agent.

The bulbs contain insoluble dietary fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the condition and functions of the digestive system - they activate metabolism, accelerate the process of fat breakdown, prevent the formation of new fat deposits, cleanse the intestines of toxins and toxins, and have a mild laxative effect.

Is it possible to eat onions if you have type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Ideally, it is advisable to include onions in almost every meal - it stabilizes blood glucose levels and, accordingly, reduces the load on the pancreas. It can be consumed in any form - fresh, baked, boiled, steamed, stewed.

How can it harm

Long-term and heavy consumption of raw and fried onions can harm the body.

It is recommended to completely exclude fried onions from the diet of diabetics or minimize it. Due to the excess fat content, it has a high calorie content (258 kcal), is saturated with fat (14 g per 100 g), and the glycemic index tends to 100 units.

This means that after eating fried onions, blood sugar rises sharply and the release of insulin by the pancreas increases. The production of large amounts of insulin reduces glucose levels, after a while a feeling of hunger arises again, followed by another meal.And instead of losing weight, there is an excessive accumulation of fatty tissue in the body, which is extremely undesirable for diabetics.

Raw onions are limited in the diet of diabetic patients Types 1 and 2, if there are concomitant diseases of the digestive system. The composition contains aggressive essential oils, organic acids, which provoke mechanical and chemical irritation of the mucous membranes, which is manifested by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and deterioration in general well-being.

What could be the benefit?

An obvious advantage of onions for people with diabetes is their low glycemic index. This means that the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, absorption and increase in blood sugar levels after eating onions occurs gradually. Maintaining glucose within normal limits prevents the development of acute conditions and serves as a prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus.

For reference. Onions take longer to digest in their raw form, which ensures long-lasting satiety, prevents the formation of new fat deposits and allows you to control weight.

The plant fiber present in the bulbs slows down the absorption of sugar from complex carbohydrates, improves digestion, absorbs toxic substances from the intestines and removes them out, and normalizes metabolism.

Onions for diabetics are a source of iodine. Its deficiency slows down the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which leads to metabolic disorders and decreased insulin production.

Onions are rich in allicin. This organic substance has a pronounced bactericidal effect, and its benefit for diabetics is to increase the absorption of glucose and normalize blood composition.Onions to some extent satisfy the needs for sulfur and nickel, which are involved in metabolism and ensure the normal functioning of the pancreas.

How to properly and how often eat onions for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

For patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, onions and green onions are included in the list of permitted products. The main condition is an even distribution of carbohydrates and accounting for what you eat. The bulbs are consumed raw or pre-stewed, baked, boiled, steamed, sautéed. The vegetable should be present in the diet daily, but in limited quantities - 1-2 medium-sized onions.

Baked onions are used as medicinal raw materials. For 2-3 weeks, every morning on an empty stomach, eat ¼ of an onion baked in the oven or in a dry frying pan.

Leeks are no less useful for diabetics. Its chemical composition is not inferior to onion, but it has a more delicate and even sweetish taste.

How to choose fresh onions

The quality and properties of onions are affected by growing and storage conditions. Ideally, they consume onions from their own harvest or grown in guaranteed safe conditions without the addition of pesticides.

When buying a vegetable at the market, supermarket or store, pay attention to the appearance, size, smell:

• yellow onions of proper quality have a glossy golden-colored husk without signs of spoilage, damage by agricultural pests, or mold;
• the bulbs are dense and elastic to the touch, without any foreign smell of mustiness or rot;
• in the upper part of the bulbs there is a dry rope of scales, the lower part is dry, without roots;
• the bulbs are small (4-5 cm), but heavy - onions that are too large contain excess moisture, which can impair the taste and reduce the beneficial properties of the vegetable.

How to store

Onions are stored in the refrigerator for about a month or throughout the winter in a cool, damp place. In the refrigerator, onions are stored in a sealed plastic container separately from other vegetables and fruits.

For long-term storage, the bulbs are dried in the fresh air, the outer dry scales are removed, the root shoots are cut off, and damaged specimens are removed. The bulbs are placed in wicker baskets, dry wooden boxes, fabric bags, and special nets for storing vegetables.

Important. In the room where the onion will be located, constant conditions must be maintained: darkening, fresh and clean air, temperature - 0...+5 ° C, humidity - 80-90%.

In what form to use

The most suitable methods of heat treatment of vegetables for diabetics are steaming and baking. In this form, the vegetable practically does not lose substances valuable to the body; the calorie content and glycemic index remain practically unchanged, which is especially important for overweight people.

With what

Onions go well with almost all foods. Bulbs and leaves are used in salads, vinaigrettes, canned food, meat and vegetable dishes, as an additive to first and second courses, gravies, minced meats, and processed into juice. It complements sausages, cottage cheese, cheeses, lard, cereals, potatoes and potato dishes well.

Recipes with onions for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Onions are harvested over several months, they are inexpensive, do not require special storage conditions, and therefore have become an integral part of first and second courses and side dishes.

Culinary experts and nutritionists have come up with many recipes for preparing tasty and healthy onion dishes.

Onion soup with celery

Products:

• white onion - 3 pcs.;
• ripe tomatoes - 3 pcs.;
• sweet bell pepper - 1 pc.;
• carrots - 3 pcs.;
• celery root - 200 g;
• salt - to taste;
• parsley, dill - to taste.

Recipe.

1. Peel the onion and cut into half rings.
2. Grate the carrots.
3. Remove seeds from bell pepper and cut into strips.
4. Bake celery root in the oven, chop into small pieces.
5. Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, remove the peel, cut into 4 parts (if large - into 6-8 parts).
6. Place all vegetables in boiling water. Boil over low heat until soft. 5 minutes before cooking, add salt to taste. Before serving, garnish with finely chopped herbs.

Cottage cheese with green onions

Ingredients:

• low-fat cottage cheese - 200 g;
• green onion feathers - 50 g;
• parsley, dill - to taste;
• salt, spices - to taste.

Recipe:

1. Rinse the greens and remove any remaining water with a paper towel. Finely chop.
2. Mix cottage cheese with herbs, salt, add spices to taste (for example, paprika, black pepper). Mix.

Diet onion pie

Ingredients:

• onions - 3-4 heads;
• wheat flour - 250 g;
• chicken eggs - 1 pc.;
• low-fat unsweetened yogurt - 300 g;
• water - 3 tsp;
• salt on the tip of a knife;
• sugar - ½ tsp;
• low-fat cheese (for example, mozzarella) - 100 g;
• vegetable broth - 3 tbsp. l.;
• vegetable oil - 120 ml and for greasing the mold.

How to make onion pie:

1. Sift flour, add salt, olive oil. Knead elastic dough.
2. Leave the dough to rest under cling film for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 2 cm, place in a greased mold. Place dry peas on the bottom.Place in a preheated oven for 15 minutes at a temperature of 180-200°C.
4. Chop the onion into small pieces and sauté in a small amount of water. After 15 minutes, add salt, sugar, and vegetable broth. Simmer over low heat without a lid for 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the peas from the dough, lay out the cooled onions, and pour a mixture of yogurt and eggs on top. Sprinkle with hard cheese. Bake in the oven preheated to 180°C for about 25-30 minutes.

Medicinal recipes

Onion peels and onions themselves are used as medicinal raw materials. Onion tincture with water has proven itself well as a treatment for diabetes and other diseases (for example, ischemia, arterial hypertension, for the prevention of heart failure).

The product has a versatile effect: regulates glucose levels, improves digestion, and produces a mild diuretic effect.

How to prepare the infusion:

1. Peel three medium onions and chop into small pieces.
2. Pour 400 ml of boiled warm water over the onion.
3. Leave covered at room temperature for about 8 hours, or leave overnight.
4. The strained infusion should be taken orally before meals, 100 ml three times a day. The course of treatment is 20 days.

A decoction of onion peels prevents the development of acute conditions and serves as a preventive measure for complications in diabetes mellitus:

1. 1 tbsp. l. crushed onion skins and pour 100 ml of boiling water. Heat in a water bath and cook for 10-15 minutes from the moment of boiling.
2. Let it brew under the lid for 2-3 hours, strain through several layers of gauze.
3. Take 50 ml morning and evening half an hour before meals.

Sometimes onions are combined with other products that enhance its medicinal properties and add new effects. Nutritionists recommend taking a vegetable mix on an empty stomach for a month.To do this, prepare freshly squeezed onion, potato and cabbage juices, mix 50 ml in equal proportions.

For reference. A mix of vegetable juices is contraindicated if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

Onions for diabetes are included in the list of permitted foods and should be included in the daily menu. It regulates blood sugar levels, normalizes metabolism, and maintains the condition and function of the thyroid gland.

Fried onions are contraindicated for diabetics. The best cooking methods are baking, boiling, stewing with a small amount of water. A wide range of actions allows onions to be used as medicinal raw materials in the form of infusion and decoction. This treatment has contraindications, so all actions must be previously agreed upon with an endocrinologist.