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People Who Like This 1 Food Have Lower Risk of Diabetes and Hypertension, Doctors Say
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- New research published in BMC Medicine found that individuals genetically predisposed to liking onions, linked to a variant of the OR2T6 smell receptor gene, have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
- The study analyzed data from over 160,000 UK Biobank participants, examining genetic variants related to food preferences and corresponding health outcomes.
- Experts suggest the health benefits may stem from onions' compounds like flavonoids, quercetin, and fiber, as well as their common presence in nutrient-dense, plant-based diets such as the Mediterranean diet.
- Researchers caution that while onion consumption may contribute to better health, eating onions alone is unlikely to significantly reduce disease risk, and a balanced diet and active lifestyle remain essential.
- The study highlights the complex relationship between genetics, taste preferences, diet, and health, emphasizing that liking onions could be one indicator of a healthier dietary pattern rather than a direct cause of improved health.
