A new research done on rats suggests that eating onions may be the key to avoid the risk of bone disease of osteoporosis.
Researchers have identified a compound in onions, a peptide called GPCS that seems to prevent the bone disease. The study had involved segregation of bone cells of newborn mice that were treated with parathyroid hormone to simulate a situation of osteoporosis. These cells were later exposed to the peptide GPCS. The treatment with the peptide helped in controlling the bone loss by preventing the loss of bone minerals like calcium.The results prove that onion does have a significant effect on osteoporosis. However how far this treatment can be adapted for humans is something that only further studies will be able to say. It also needs to be found out that if he treatment is indeed as effective then how much of onion peptide is needed daily, or whether to consume onion in diet or as an extract.
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects most elderly people above 50yrs of age. Females get more affected than males because of their physiological conditions. If the effects of onion are as good on human beings, then there may be a chance to get cured of this disease very soon.
Reference: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, issue May 2005. , Osteoporosis, onion, peptide, GPCS, parathyroid hormone, calcium, bone disease, loss of bone minerals
