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| - Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Social media has been the source of claims suggesting eating raw onions will clear clogged arteries. Our fact-checking revealed that the assertion is mostly false.
The Claim
According to a post circulating on Facebook, consuming raw onions may have potential health benefits, such as opening blocked arteries and regulating blood pressure, which can contribute to maintaining good heart health.
Fact Check
What does the term ‘clogged arteries’ mean?
Arteries play a crucial role in circulating oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. However, clogged arteries can occur due to the accumulation of plaque, which can obstruct blood flow and increase the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. Arterial plaque is composed of calcium, fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin, which lead to heart conditions such as atherosclerosis, a process that causes arteries to narrow and harden. Atherosclerosis is mainly caused by high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and high blood pressure, while smoking, diabetes, high blood sugar levels, family history, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity are additional risk factors. Plaque development can start as early as childhood or adolescence and become more prominent in middle age or later.
Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Associate Director and Unit Head of Cardiology at Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, suggests that a heart attack or stroke may occur when a piece of plaque breaks off and lodges in the bloodstream, reducing blood flow. He further advises that blockages in arteries can also result in brain strokes, angina, and peripheral artery disease.
Are onions capable of opening clogged arteries?
No, not really. Onions offer potential benefits for heart health and artery function due to their high antioxidant content, particularly quercetin. While they cannot directly unclog arteries, the anti-inflammatory properties of onions can help reduce oxidative stress and contribute to overall heart health. Additionally, onions may help regulate blood pressure, which is an important factor in maintaining a healthy heart.
It is important to keep in mind that using onions alone as a solution to unclog arteries is not strongly supported by scientific evidence. Atherosclerosis, a condition that involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is a multifaceted issue that can be influenced by various factors such as diet, genetics, and lifestyle. Therefore, while adding heart-healthy foods like onions to your diet can be beneficial, it should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, quitting smoking, and prescribed medical interventions.
Does managing clogged arteries involve dietary changes?
Yes, diet might play a crucial role in managing clogged arteries. Proper dietary habits can have a direct impact on weight management, helping to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. It should be stressed that the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can provide significant benefits for heart health. This diet has been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Mohit Bhagwati, MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), and DNB (Cardiology), advises that onions may have compounds that could indirectly contribute to cardiovascular health. Onions contain quercetin, a potent antioxidant that may help reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and inflammation. These are key factors in the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to blocked arteries. Additionally, onions contain allicin, which is responsible for their pungent aroma. Allicin exhibits antiplatelet and blood-thinning properties, potentially preventing blood clots. Onions also contain sulphur compounds that may aid in lowering blood pressure. However, it is important to note that while these individual components show promise in epidemiological studies, there is currently no solid scientific data to fully support these claims. Therefore, it is crucial to include onions as part of a well-rounded diet and lifestyle that also includes other heart-healthy practices, such as regular exercise, to effectively support cardiovascular well-being.
Consuming a diverse range of fruits and vegetables is essential for obtaining the necessary nutrients and antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health. Opting for whole-grain foods instead of refined grains can help lower the risk of atherosclerosis due to their high fibre and nutrient content. Additionally, selecting healthy sources of protein, particularly plant-based options, can contribute to a heart-healthy diet by reducing saturated fat intake. However, it is important to note that while dietary choices can impact the development and progression of clogged arteries, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of treatment.
When asked about the role of diet in managing clogged arteries, Dr. Sharma explained that when plaques build up inside a person’s arteries, they can become clogged, leading to restricted blood flow. While individual foods cannot remove plaque from the arteries, a healthy diet can help manage and prevent heart disease. It is worth noting that statins have a pleotropic effect, which means they can prevent strokes in both the brain and heart by regressing plaque and transforming it from a thin to a thick cap, thus reducing the risk of plaque rupture.
How should the blocked arteries be handled medically?
A comprehensive approach is necessary for managing clogged arteries, which may involve various tests such as angiography and CT scans. These tests help to accurately determine the level of blockage. To maintain healthy arteries in the long term, it is essential to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking. Prescribed medications may be necessary to lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots. In severe cases, procedures such as angioplasty or surgery may be required. Researchers are also exploring innovative ways, such as developing new blood vessels in blocked areas to improve blood flow. Regular check-ups and adjusting medications as needed are crucial for managing clogged arteries effectively. Therefore, a personalised approach that considers early identification, lifestyle modifications, prescribed medications, and even surgical treatments is necessary.
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