Is Red Onion Healthier than White?
Contents
Onions have been used for centuries and are known for their nutritional benefits. They’re loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and they contain many compounds that have anti-carcinogenic properties.
There are many varieties of onions, including red, yellow, and white. Which, however, is more beneficial to your health, red or white onions?
Many people believe that red and white onions are only different in aspects of how they look and taste. Still, when you compare their nutritional attributes, red onions have greater health advantages than white onions.
The texture and flavor of red and white onions are quite similar. They have a little sweetness and a crisp crunch that refreshes the mouth. White onions are a good choice in gravies, broths, and stocks since they have a thinner shell and flesh compared to red onions. Red onions have a crunchy texture, while white onions are more papery.
Red onion vs white onion nutrition
Red onion and white onion are not only different in color and texture, but they have many nutritional differences like calories, vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. These nutritional benefits separate these two varieties of onion from each other and can be beneficial for various health conditions.
Caloric Content:
Both red and white onions are low-calorie foods and thus can be used in weight loss treatments. However, there is a slight difference in their calories. The caloric content of 100g of raw red onion is 37 kcal, while the white onion contains slightly more calories, 42 kcal per 100g of serving.
Macronutrient Content:
Both red and white onions contain different amounts of macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The red onion contains more protein and fat, while the white onion is rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibers. However, both onions can be part of a healthy diet plan.
Micronutrient Content:
The micronutrient content makes the diet healthy and different for various health issues. So, choosing foods that contain balanced micronutrients is necessary for healthy meal planning. Both red and white onions have good amounts of micronutrients but are slightly different in nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin C.
Vitamin and Mineral Comparison Between Red Onion vs. White Onion
| Nutrient Per 50g | Red Onion | White Onion |
| Iron | 0.25mg | 0.14 |
| Calcium | 12.5mg | 7.5mg |
| Phosphorus | 7mg | 17mg |
| Potassium | 60.5mg | 91mg |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0.5mg |
| Zinc | 0.12mg | 0.1mg |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 4.1mg |
Conclusion
Onions are simply amazing. They are the key elements in many dishes. Without onions, any recipe is incomplete. In addition to improving food’s flavor, onions are quite important for improving your health.
It all comes down to the food you want to make and the taste you want to attain. Both types of onion are low in sulfur and have many benefits. But if you want a healthier option, red onion is best for you!
