We knew that vegetables rarely fail you but is there a scientifically proven effect of onion on testosterone and how does that happen exactly? In this material, we break down every evidence-based claim regarding the topic.

Understanding Testosterone

Testosterone is present and plays a significant role in both male and female bodies. For AMAB persons, T is essential for proper pubic development, the ability to effectively burn fat and gain muscle mass, high fertility and sex drive, good erection, and enough stamina and endurance for staying active and fit. Bone strength and red cell production in the bone marrow can also be affected by testosterone. And even such things as having body hair and being in a great, energetic mood depend on the androgen.

Testosterone production

AMAB people produce T in the testicles, with the process being controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Reasons for stunted testosterone production can vary. It can be caused by a condition that affects the operation of the testicles, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus; other health factors; a combination of the two or more:

• The history of radiation emission or chemotherapy;
• Tumors of a specific kind;
• Cryptorchidism, a condition when the testicles have not descended;
• Orchitis (testicle inflammation);
• Improper development of Leydig cells;
• Physical damage to the testicles (trauma, surgery, surgical removal);
• Abuse of steroid anabolics;
• Certain medications, for example, drugs used to treat prostate cancer;
• Liver cirrhosis;
• Neglected type 2 diabetes;
• Head or brain traumas;
• Kidney failure;
• Smoking, drinking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity;
• Stress;
• Age decline.

Role of testosterone

When testosterone levels are insufficient, the issue impacts all aspects of life causing:

• low libido
• erectile dysfunction
• infertility
• osteoporosis
• hot flashes
• gynecomastia (breast growth)
• mood swings
• growing fat percentage
• constant fatigue

All of these undermine a person’s general quality of life. This is why healthy testosterone production is important not just for sexual or sports performance but for overall wellness.

Testosterone and Onions: The Connection

So, what is the deal with Allium Cepa L. (onion scientific name) and male androgen hormones? Can onions boost testosterone or is it yet another health myth? As always, the truth is somewhere in-between. Some connection certainly exists and has been proven by studies. However, in the majority of cases, the main study subjects were rats, and the researchers used onion juice or extract, not just a raw vegetable. There was research conducted on human volunteers: 60 healthy males started the trial, and 12 of them were later screened out for compliance with control criteria. This leaves only 48 participants to be analyzed which is an extremely small number for early conclusions.

That said, while evidence-based science requires more standardized clinical trials with humans, the potential benefits of raw onion for testosterone production and general health do exist. They have to do with some natural compounds that Allium Cepa L. is quite rich with.

Specific compounds

The edible part of a raw onion bulb contains:

• Flavonoids, including quercetin and quercetin glucosides;
• Polysaccharides;
• Polyphenols;
• Saponins;
• Organosulfur compounds, such as thiosulfinates.
• Vitamins, such as ascorbic acid.

In addition to their effect on the human hormonal system, they demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity activities.

How it works

The main mechanism through which onions increase testosterone is through increased production of luteinizing hormone. During studies, test rats that were given raw onion juice or onion extract demonstrated elevated LH levels in comparison with the control group. Besides LH, testosterone synthesis in the Leydig cells can be boosted by 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase. The studies show that quercetin, a flavonoid compound contained in onions, activates this enzyme and, therefore, it may be able to boost testosterone production.

Healthy Testosterone Levels

There are no exact numbers to determine healthy testosterone levels in men. Every person is an individual, there are lifestyle and age factors, and people can feel differently with the same T levels. Approximate normal testosterone levels for a person who has an average BMI and no health issues are:

• after puberty but before 30s – 264 to 916 ng/dL
• in 40s – 252 to 916 ng/dL
• in 50s – 215 to 878 ng/dL
• after 60s – 156 to 819 ng/dL

Lifestyle factors

Here is what you can do to naturally increase your testosterone levels without supplements and hormone therapy:

• Manage your stress. We cannot avoid all the stress on a daily basis but we can reduce its impact on our mental and physical health. Sports, medication, practicing positive thinking—these can boost both your mood and T.
• Speaking about sports. Staying physically active gives you a lot of health benefits, starting with a great mood to promoting cardiovascular health and hormone balance.
• Getting a good night’s sleep. Our body needs to rest and recharge—sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels and can cause health deterioration really fast.
• Ditching bad habits. Drinking, smoking, and drug abuse harm all your systems, including reproductive health. If quitting by yourself proves to be too hard, try counseling.
• Having a balanced diet. A thought-out nutritional plan will provide you with all nutrients that your body craves to be healthy and functional.

Diet

Certain foods can do more than maintain your health. These products can help you improve your testosterone levels specifically:

• Pomegranates;
• Ginger;
• Oysters and seafood;
• Green vegetables;
• Banana;
• Honey;
• Lemons;
• Garlic;
• Olive oil.

Raw Onion Benefits

Why is recommended to ingest raw onion or onion juice for a testosterone boost? Thermal processing will reduce the number of beneficial compounds that can be found in the vegetable or even destroy them.

Other beneficial properties of onions affect testosterone levels indirectly and help improve one’s health in general.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Anthocyanine and quercetin compounds reduce the oxidative stress of tissues and protect body cells from the harmful impact of free radicals. This is called antioxidant activity. Thanks to this, organs and tissues are less prone to aging and mutations and retain their rate of functioning for a longer time period.

Additionally, quercetin, saponin, and thiosulfinate compounds of onion demonstrated the ability to inhibit inflammatory enzymes and, thus, reduce inflammation.

Cardiovascular health

Quercetin promotes cardiovascular health by having a positive impact on endothelial function and levels of lipids. It also stimulates the synthesis of nitric oxide that acts as a vasodilator improving blood flow and reducing hypertension.

Immune system

Onions are rich in vitamin C which is well-known for its immune-stimulating properties. Besides that, they contain compounds that provide protection against pathogenic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Summary

Clinical research provides us with evidence that raw onion is able to positively impact testosterone release in the bodies of AMAB people. More studies and trials on the matter are required yet; however, the natural components of the vegetable are indeed beneficial for our health. Unless one is allergic to onions, it is reasonable to include them in one’s diet.

FAQ

What does raw onion do for males?

Some preliminary clinical data that the consumption of raw onions may increase T levels in men’s organisms.

Do raw onions and garlic increase testosterone?

Yes, these vegetables are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and other substances that are potentially beneficial for T production.

Why do athletes eat raw onions?

They seek to improve their T levels which allows them to shed fat and gain muscles more efficiently. The anti-inflammatory effect of onions may be desirable to reduce post-workout discomfort.

Is raw garlic good for testosterone?

Due to its composition, raw garlic may have the potential to improve T production for AMAB consumers.