A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, shallots are full of flavonols that fight disease

04/17/2018 / By Zoey Sky

If you’re looking for a natural antioxidant or anti-inflammatory, consider the versatile shallot.

The shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum, syn. A. ascalonicum, Amaryllidaceae) is a type of common onion (A. cepa). Shallots are locally grown in central Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. As international trade expanded, shallots eventually spread throughout Europe.

The flavonols in shallots

Shallots have the highest amount of total flavonols among onion varieties. Flavonols help minimize systemic inflammation and cellular oxidation.

Several bioactive components have been studied in vitro to determine any protective effects against chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. Quercetin is a flavonol that is reportedly more bioavailable from the dry skin of shallots rather than the flesh, mainly in the form of quercetin glycosides. It is one of several phenolic compounds in various fruits and vegetables that have biological activities.

When metabolized, quercetin forms metabolites that are not as biologically potent as quercetin glycosides. However, these metabolites still have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Quercetin also “inhibits the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial cells.” When these effects are reduced along with the damage due to oxidative stress, flavonols can function as anti-inflammatory agents that can help lower the risk for inflammatory-related diseases like certain types of cancer, CVD, and diabetes. (Related: Shallots lower risk for cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.)

Consuming fruits and vegetables with flavonoids is linked with at an estimated 50 percent decrease in mortality from CVD compared to consuming low amounts. When quercetin is metabolized by the human body, it keeps its ability to function as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Meanwhile, antioxidants are bioactive compounds that can minimize free radical damage to lipids and DNA. Flavonols are found to have potent antioxidant properties.

Shallots and other Allium crops are also rich in organosulfides, the sulfur-containing phytonutrients that are metabolized by the enzyme alliinase when the plant tissue is ruptured (e.g. such as from cooking, chewing, or crushing). These compounds give Allium plants their unique flavor and pungency.

Shallots are also full of isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid that is highly bioavailable.

In addition, shallots and other Allium vegetables can help reduce the risk for gastric cancer. Consuming at least 20 g of Allium vegetables daily, or at least the weight of one garlic bulb can help lower the incidence of gastric cancer in people compared to those who consumed lower amounts. Allium vegetables in general can help reduce the risk of various forms of cancer.

Shallots have also been studied for their hypoglycemic activity. For a mouse study, juiced shallot bulbs were given orally to mice to test their effect on blood glucose levels. The results revealed that the blood glucose levels of mice treated with shallot bulb juice were at least 13.3 percent lower compared to an increase of 1.57 percent in the control group following the 15-day study period.

Add shallots to your diet today to enjoy its various health benefits.

Fast facts on shallots and onions

The common onion is A. cepa.
The common shallot is A. ascalonicum.
Like garlic, shallots grow in a cluster of bulbs from a single planted bulb.
Onions grow as a single big bulb per plant.
Shallots are much smaller than onions.
Onions are almost disc-shaped bulbs.
Shallots look like elongated onions.
While the shallot tastes similar to an onion, the former has a milder and sweeter flavor.
Unlike onions, shallots may have a hint of garlic flavor.
Onions are harder to grow than shallots.