Does Raw Onion Increase Testosterone?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Onions are not just a tasty addition to your diet; they also offer many health benefits. They are a good source of antioxidants and help to lower blood sugar levels.
One of the most interesting ways that onions boost testosterone is by increasing nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide is a powerful nutrient that improves blood flow to the testes and reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Health Benefits of Onion
Onions are packed with nutrients that promote a healthy heart, reduce inflammation, and support your immune system. These include flavonoids, phytochemicals, vitamin C and potassium.
Quercetin (a type of antioxidant) helps decrease blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing the formation of harmful blood clots and increasing circulation. It also lowers inflammatory markers and increases bone mineral density.
Sulfur compounds in onions help protect against the growth of cancer, especially stomach and colorectal tumors. They help induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and may slow the development of certain types of cancer.
In addition, they help improve digestion by scavenging free radicals and promoting a good balance of bacteria in your gut. They also promote insulin production, which can help those with diabetes.
Adding more allium vegetables, including onion, to your diet is a proven way to lower your risk of developing some types of cancer, according to researchers.
In one study, people who consumed at least 35 pounds of allium vegetables per year were less likely to develop colon and other types of cancers than those who didn't eat them frequently.
The best type of onion to eat is yellow, which tends to have the highest amount of quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds.
Red onions and sweet onions are also healthful, but their protective antioxidants tend to be less potent.
You can enjoy the health benefits of onion by eating it raw, roasted, or sauteed. Onions are also a delicious garnish for grilled or roasted meats, salads, soups, and salsas.
Onions are Rich in Anti-oxidants
Onions contain more than 25 flavonoids, which are natural plant substances with antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that's important for a healthy immune system.
Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, which can cause inflammation and lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Choose colorful red onions for maximum antioxidant benefits. These vegetables contain flavonoids known as anthocyanins, which give them their color.
The outer layer of an onion contains the most flavonoids according to research. Try to save as much as you can of the outer layer when you remove the skin.
Anti-Oxidants May Improve Bone Strength
Onions may reduce osteoporosis and bone loss that occurs as we age. It is noted that antioxidants reduce the stress which damages healthy cells, and accelerates the aging process.
It may not sound appealing to drink onion juice, however, a 2016 study showed that people who consumed 3 ounces daily of onion juice for 8 weeks, had stronger bones and less bone loss.
Another study found that women over 50 and those assigned female at birth may benefit from eating an onion every day.
Therefore, the results suggest that onion may
- Increase bone density by 5%.
- Reduce your risk of hip fractures by 20%
Quercetin May Prevent Heart Disease
Quercetin, another flavonoid in onions, has many heart-healthy properties. This is especially true for those with obesity or metabolic disorder.
It is known that metabolic syndrome is a combination risk factors including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.
Onions may also have blood-thinning properties, which could help prevent clots causing heart attacks and strokes.
Consistently consuming onions will increase the antioxidant benefits because quercetin accumulates in your bloodstream. Different studies suggest that eating more onions can improve heart health by helping in these different areas:
- Control High Blood Pressure.
- Lower Cholesterol.
- Preventing metabolic syndrome.
- Reduce chronic inflammation.
Quercetin is Antibacterial
Some evidence suggests quercetin is antibacterial, and onions stored for three months or more increase quercetin. In a 2018 systematic study, onions were found to slow or stop bacteria that causes:
- E. coli infections
- Staph infections.
- Stomach ulcers.
Quercetin Could Reduce Blood Pressure
A review published in discovered that the compound quercetin in onion skin had strong links with lower blood pressure.
The study, however, did not look at the effects of quercetin supplements on blood pressure. Instead it looked into the effect of taking quercetin as a supplement.
Onions and Blood Sugar
It is important for those with diabetes and prediabetes to eat onions as they can help control blood sugar levels.
In a small study conducted in 2010, 100g of raw red onions significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels after 4 hours.
In a 2020 study, it was found that rats with diabetes eating food containing 5% dried onions powder for 8-weeks had lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as lower triglyceride levels and cholesterol than the control group.
Quercetin also helps regulate the blood sugar levels throughout the body by interacting directly with cells within the following:
- Small intestine
- Pancreas
- Muscle skeletal
- Fat tissue
Onions Contain Electrolytes
Onions are a nutrient-dense food, meaning that they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being low in calories.
240 grams provides the following nutrients:
- 64 calories
- 14.9 grams of carbohydrates
- Fat 0.16 grams
- 0 g of cholesterol
- Fiber 2.72 grams
- Sugar 6.78 grams
- Protein 1.76 grams
Onions also contain amounts of:
- vitamin C
- vitamin B6
- manganese
- calcium
- iron
- folate
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- potassium
Boosts Testosterone Levels
Onion, also known as allium cepa, is a root vegetable that contains a wide range of nutrients.
It’s also a powerful natural aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer for men, boosting testosterone and sperm count, and improving sexual stamina and libido.
Testosterone plays a critical role in bone health, muscle growth, and reproductive function.
It naturally declines with age, but some medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices can affect a person’s testosterone levels.
Some studies have found that consuming onions, particularly raw onion extracts, can help raise testosterone levels in men.
However, most studies have been conducted on rats, with only one on healthy men.
This was a 2012 study, it was found that drinking fresh onion juice daily for 4 weeks increased serum total testosterone levels.
The researchers said that it is likely that onion extracts can increase testosterone levels in men because they may have a positive effect on nitric oxide, which helps to improve blood flow in the testis and thereby promote testosterone synthesis.
Increases Nitric Oxide Levels
Researchers have also found that onions help stimulate nitric oxide production and one study shows that it improves the fertility of men who have suffered a testicular torsion/detorsion.
Onions contain nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide (NO). This boosts blood flow to the penis and testes. This increases testosterone production and decreases the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Nitric oxide also helps lower blood pressure and improves heart health by making your platelets less sticky, which makes them less likely to clump together and form a blood clot that can cause strokes.
This makes it even more important to avoid foods high in nitrates as much as possible.
In addition to nitric oxide, onions are also full of antioxidants, which are helpful for maintaining your overall health.
This is because antioxidants protect your body from the damage that can occur when your cells become damaged by harmful substances and environmental toxins.
Onion also reduces cholesterol and lipid levels in the body, which helps keep blood vessels healthy. This is especially important for men with high cholesterol levels, as it can lead to cardiovascular problems.
It may also lower your risk of developing diabetes, which is another common health problem that can affect men.
This is because onions lower blood sugar, which is often caused by stress and eating too many processed foods.
In addition, onions also have a diuretic effect that can lower your blood pressure. This can be a big help in maintaining good overall health, so it's worth adding them to your diet.
As a bonus, onion has also been shown to lower the risk of developing gout by preventing the formation of uric acid. This can be particularly helpful if you're suffering from chronic gout.
Finally, onions are a rich source of zinc and potassium, which can help your body produce more testosterone.
These minerals help your body make this hormone and prevent it from being destroyed by the free radicals that can cause damage to your testosterone.
Getting enough of these minerals is crucial for your overall health and can help you stay on track with your goal to increase your testosterone levels.
Reduces Erectile Dysfunction
Onions are also a great source of nitrites, which help to boost the blood flow and circulation to the genitals.
This is particularly useful for people who are suffering from erectile dysfunction or have a hard time achieving an erection during intercourse.
The antioxidants in raw onions are known to help bind with harmful toxins and flush them out of the body. They also have aphrodisiac properties that can enhance your sexual stamina and boost libido.
Nitric oxide is important for increasing blood flow to your penis. Without enough nitric oxide, your penile muscles will not relax and you won't be able to get an erection.
In fact, many women have been known to swear by eating onions to improve their libido. It’s also been said that smelling an onion before bed can help you fall asleep faster. While there isn’t enough scientific evidence to confirm this, it’s a popular claim among many females.
Onions can be eaten raw, sauteed, or caramelized. They're easy to cook and can be added to many dishes, including meat and chicken recipes.
They're also a great source of iron, which can improve your circulation and vascular health. They're also a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and fight off infections.
Effects of Onion on Testosterone Conclusion
There is some evidence that eating onions can help improve testosterone levels in males. However, the evidence is limited and more research is needed to confirm this theory.
Onions have been shown to increase testosterone in males by boosting luteinizing hormone. This hormone is responsible for stimulating the follicles in the testes to release more testosterone.
The antioxidants and antihyperglycemic properties of onion can also aid in the production of testosterone in the body.
One study found that streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats that were given a high dose of onion extract for four weeks had a higher testosterone level compared to the control group.
Eating raw onion juice can also boost testosterone. The sulfur compounds in onions — diallyl disulfide, S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, and S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide — have insulinotropic and antidiabetic effects.
These sulfur compounds can also improve sperm quality and enhance the production of testosterone in the testes.
Moreover, these nutrients can also help increase nitric oxide production in the body, which can help increase blood flow to the penis and decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Several social media users have also reported that onions can help with increased libido and desire. Some even claim that onions can increase the volume of ejaculate.
Onion is also a great source of folate, which is essential for the production of a number of important hormones in the brain.
Folate can help improve mood, fight depression, and regulate sleep. It also helps keep homocysteine levels down, which can lead to a buildup of this amino acid in the body.
