Onion

Onions, raw

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Onions FAQ

Table of Contents

• Do onions increase testosterone?
• Are onions keto?
• Are onions gluten free?
• Are onions high in carbs?
• Are onions low FODMAP?
• Are onions high in potassium?
• Are onions high in protein?
• Are onions a good source of fiber?
• Are onions high in cholesterol?
• Do onions contain sugar?
• Does onion contain fat?
• Are onions high in sodium?
• Are onions a good source of Vitamin C?
• Do onions contain iron?
• Does onion contain biotin?
• Does onion contain zinc?
• Are onions high in lectins?
• Are onions high in oxalates?
• Do onions contain quercetin?
• Are onions high in tyramine?
• Are onions high in uric acid?
• Is onion high histamine?
• Are onions high in acid?
• Are onions high in arginine?
• Are onions high in purines?
• Does onion contain phosphorus?
• Are onions high in Vitamin K?
• Are onions vegan?
• Do onions contain nickel?
• Is onion paleo?
• Do onions increase estrogen?
• Does onion increase libido?
• Is onion good for fertility?
• Are onions kosher?
• Can you eat onions on the Atkins diet?
• Are onions high in magnesium?
• What are some onion alternatives?

Do onions increase testosterone?

While there are some studies suggesting that onions might boost testosterone levels, they aren’t conclusive. Onions may signal more production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which may have an impact on testosterone levels.

Additionally, onions are a good source of several vital nutrients, which could indirectly contribute to overall physical health and thus, good hormone balance. It’s fair to say, though, that the impact of onions on testosterone levels is likely to be minimal compared to factors like overall nutrition, regular exercise, and good sleep patterns.

Are onions keto?

Yes, onions can be included in a ketogenic diet. However, they do contain carbohydrates – about 10 grams of carbs per medium onion, but 2 grams of that comes from dietary fiber, so the net carb content for an onion is 8 grams. As with all foods on a ketogenic diet, they should be consumed in moderation to maintain the carbohydrate limitation. The daily intake for a traditional ketogenic diet is below 20 to 50 grams of carbs.

Are onions gluten free?

Yes. Onions in their natural state are 100% gluten-free as they are a type of vegetable and not made from wheat, barley, or rye which contains gluten. However, be cautious with pre-packaged, flavored, or processed onions which could be contaminated with gluten.

Are onions high in carbs?

Relative to other vegetables, onions do contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates. A medium-sized onion contains about 10 grams of carbs. While that’s not high compared to many other foods, it is worth considering if you’re on a low-carb diet. The FDA recommends about 300g of carbs per day.

Are onions low FODMAP?

No, unfortunately, most onions are not low FODMAP. Onions contain fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can cause digestive discomfort in people with irritable bowel syndrome. However, the green tops of spring onions (also known as scallions) and the leaves of leek plants are low in FODMAPs and may be more easily tolerated.

Are onions high in potassium?

No, onions are not considered high in potassium. A medium onion (approximately 110 grams) contains about 161 milligrams of potassium. That is only around 3% of the recommended daily value of 4700 milligrams for adults.

Are onions high in protein?

No, onions do not have a high protein content. A medium-sized onion provides around 1.1 grams of protein, which is about 1% of the recommended daily intake of 50 grams for the average person.

Are onions a good source of fiber?

Yes, onions are a decent source of fiber but not considered a good source. A medium onion contains approximately 1.9 grams of dietary fiber which is about 7% of the recommended daily value of 25-38 grams depending on your gender and age.

Are onions high in cholesterol?

No, onions do not contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is typically only found in animal derived products.

Do onions contain sugar?

Yes, onions do contain sugar, but the amount is relatively small. There are about 4.7 grams of sugar in a medium onion. This is from naturally occurring sugar, not added sugar. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of calories daily.

Does onion contain fat?

No, onions do not contain any fat. They are considered naturally fat-free.

Are onions high in sodium?

No, onions are not high in sodium. A medium-sized onion contains around 4 milligrams of sodium, which is less than 1% of the recommended daily intake of 2300 milligrams for adults.

Are onions a good source of Vitamin C?

No, onions are not a good source of vitamin C, but do contain some vitamin C. A medium-sized onion contains about 8.1 milligrams of Vitamin C, which is approximately 9% of the daily value (DV).

Do onions contain iron?

Yes, onions do contain iron, but in a relatively small amount. A medium-sized onion contains about 0.21 milligrams of iron, which is just about 1% of the recommended daily intake of 18 milligrams for adult women and 8 milligrams for adult men.

Does onion contain biotin?

Onions contain a small amount of biotin, but it’s not considered a high source of this nutrient. A medium-sized onion contains approximately 0.1 micrograms of biotin, which is about 0.3% of the recommended daily intake of 30 micrograms for adults.

Does onion contain zinc?

Yes, onions do contain zinc but in relatively small amounts. An average raw onion (approximately 150 grams) contains about 0.2 mg of zinc, which is about 1.8% of the recommended daily value (11 mg for men, 8 mg for women).

Are onions high in lectins?

While many plants do contain lectins, onions belong to the allium family—such as garlic and leeks—which are recognized as low-lectin foods. So, while onions do contain a minute amount of lectins, they are not considered high in lectins.

Are onions high in oxalates?

Onions are considered low in oxalates. An average-sized raw onion has around 5-15 mg of oxalates, which is significantly lower compared to high-oxalate foods, where the content can exceed 100 mg per serving. Those with kidney stones or certain dietary restrictions are often advised to limit their oxalate intake to under 50-100 mg per day.

Do onions contain quercetin?

Yes, onions are a rich source of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. The amount of quercetin in onions can vary based on type and preparation, but a common estimate is approximately 100 mg of quercetin in a medium-sized raw onion (around 150 grams). Although no specific recommended daily intake for quercetin exists, some sources suggest a range from 500 to 1000 mg per day for antioxidant benefits.

Are onions high in tyramine?

No, onions are not considered a high-tyramine food. While exact amounts can vary, onions typically contain trace amounts of tyramine. High-tyramine foods – like certain aged cheeses and cured meats – are mainly of concern for individuals taking specific types of antidepressants or who have certain health conditions.

Are onions high in uric acid?

Onions contain a moderate amount of uric acid, ranging from 7-9 mg per 100 grams. The exact quantity can depend on the specific variety of onion. However, they are not generally considered a high uric acid food.

Is onion high histamine?

Onions are low in histamines. However, they do contain quercetin, a compound that helps in breaking down histamine and preventing its release, helping alleviate allergies or hypersensitivity reactions.

Are onions high in acid?

Yes, onions are somewhat high in acid, with a pH value typically between 5.3 and 5.8. It’s important to note that despite being acidic, onions do not necessarily cause acid reflux or other acidic complications unless the individual consuming them has a pre-existing issue with such foods.

Are onions high in arginine?

Onions contain a moderate amount of arginine. A 100 gram serving of onions contains approximately 120 mg of arginine. As a comparison, the Mayo Clinic suggests that a pre-workout dose of L-arginine for improving exercise performance can range between 3-6 g. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any type of supplementation regimen.

Are onions high in purines?

No, onions are low in purines, containing less than 50 mg of purines per 100 grams. This makes them a safe choice for those who are trying to follow a low-purine diet to manage conditions, such as gout.

Does onion contain phosphorus?

Yes, onions do contain phosphorus. A typical medium-sized onion (approximately 150 grams) contains about 46 milligrams of phosphorus, which equates to around 7% of the recommended daily value (RDV) for adults (700mg per day).

Are onions high in Vitamin K?

No, onions are not high in Vitamin K. A medium-sized onion has about 0.9 micrograms of Vitamin K, which is less than 1% of the recommended daily intake for adults. The RDV for Vitamin K is 90 micrograms for women and 120 micrograms for men.

Are onions vegan?

Yes, onions are naturally vegan. They are a plant-based food that can be consumed as part of a vegan diet.

Do onions contain nickel?

Yes, onions may contain trace amounts of nickel, like most fruits and vegetables. However, the quantity is usually very small and varies depending on the soil and growing conditions. If a person specifically needs to avoid nickel due to allergies or a medical condition, they may want to consult with a healthcare provider.

Is onion paleo?

Yes, onions are paleo-friendly. The Paleo diet is comprised of whole, unprocessed foods that were theoretically available to our Paleolithic ancestors, which includes vegetables like onions.

Do onions increase estrogen?

Research has shown that onions, and particularly onion extract, can play a role in modulating levels of the hormone estrogen. This action largely comes from its flavonoid content, quercetin, a compound that has been discovered to have some estrogenic activity. However, this doesn’t mean eating onions can significantly increase estrogen levels in the body, it is advised to seek medical consultation for managing hormone levels.

Does onion increase libido?

Onions have been popularly linked to aphrodisiac properties and are believed to boost libido. They contain a variety of compounds that may boost stamina, improve sexual health, and enrich overall vitality such as vitamin C, potassium, and flavonoids. However, studies directly linking onions to an increase in libido are few and conclusive, so while onions can contribute to overall health, they’re not a guaranteed libido booster.

Is onion good for fertility?

Onions are a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C, selenium, and they contain flavonoids like quercitin, which can help protect the body against free radicals and inflammation. They have also been found to have positive impact on anti-fertility effects in scientific studies. However, onions should be used as part of a balanced and healthy diet and not relied upon solely for enhancing fertility.

Are onions kosher?

Yes, onions are Kosher. They are a natural, plant-based food. However, if they’re being used in a prepared food, other ingredients and preparation methods should be checked for compliance with Jewish dietary laws.

Can you eat onions on the Atkins diet?

Yes, you can eat onions on the Atkins diet. One medium onion contains approximately 8 grams of net carbs, which fits into the diet’s requirements. However, onions are slightly higher in carbs than other vegetables, so they should be eaten in moderation along with other, lower carb vegetables.

Are onions high in magnesium?

No, onions are not high in magnesium. A medium-sized onion contains around 11 milligrams of magnesium, which is just around 3% of the recommended daily value for magnesium intake, estimated to be 420 milligrams for adult men and 320 milligrams for adult women.

What are some onion alternatives?

If you’re unable to eat onion or looking to replace it in a recipe, there are multiple alternatives. For a similar crunch in fresh dishes, you can use radishes or jicama. For cooking, asafoetida (also known as hing) can offer a similar strong, pungent flavor. Some people also like using fennel or celery for an aromatic substitution, while leeks, shallots, and chives can provide a milder onion flavor. It’s important to remember that while these alternatives can simulate certain aspects of onion’s flavor or texture, none of them are perfect replacements, and the results can significantly differ from the original recipe.