**Are Black Streaks Inside Onions a Warning Sign for Your Liver?**
Onions are often praised as a superfood that supports liver health due to their rich antioxidants and sulfur compounds. However, that dark black streak or layer you sometimes spot inside an onion is not just a harmless blemish—it may be a warning sign of fungal contamination that could harm your liver if consumed repeatedly.
### Why Onions Turn Black
The appearance of black or dark patches inside an onion usually signals a fungal infection, most commonly caused by *Aspergillus niger*. This fungus thrives in warm, humid environments and can invade onions during cultivation, transportation, or storage.
Over time, the fungus produces mycotoxins— toxic compounds known to damage liver cells and impair the body’s detoxification processes.
### Liver Risks from Contaminated Onions
According to health experts, ingesting mycotoxin-contaminated foods may lead to liver stress, inflammation, and even chronic conditions such as fatty liver disease if exposure continues over time.
A report published in the *Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders* highlights that while clean onions can support liver health, contaminated ones may have the opposite effect. Although a single exposure might not be dangerous, repeated consumption could increase long-term health risks.
### How to Spot Unsafe Onions
Before cooking, always check for these warning signs:
– Black streaks or specks between layers
– Soft, wet, or mushy bulbs
– A sour or musty odor
– Unusual discoloration of the flesh
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the onion completely.
### Safe Onion Habits for a Healthy Liver
– Store onions in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from moisture.
– If contamination is mild and only affects outer layers, you may remove them—only if the inside remains unaffected.
– To protect your liver, avoid using onions with any signs of mold or dark discoloration. It’s better to waste one onion than risk your health.
By being mindful of onion quality and storage, you can continue enjoying their health benefits safely and protect your liver from potential harm.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/what-is-the-black-layer-on-your-onions-know-if-it-is-safe-to-consume