ONIONS: THE SURPRISING TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER
Testosterone is a critical hormone in men, playing a vital role in maintaining strength, muscle mass, energy levels, and sexual function. While testosterone naturally declines with age, unfortunately, over the last two decades, there has been a noticeable decline in testosterone levels in men:
+ A 2007 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that testosterone levels in men had dropped by 1% per year since the 1980s, which was faster than expected due to ageing alone.
+ A 2021 study published in European Urology Focus found that testosterone levels were lower in men from 2011-2016 than those from 1999-2000.
+ A 2020 study found that mean testosterone for men in developed countries is decreasing. Real-world data analysis showed that at age 21, at testosterone peak level, levels declined 10% from 19.68 in 2006-09 to 17.76 in 2016-19.
This generational drop has raised concerns among health experts. Because, low T can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, low energy, increased fat tissue, loss of muscular strength, poor concentration and memory, hair loss and mood disorder.
Which is why maintaining high levels of testosterone is important, and there are many ways to achieve this, including dietary changes. For example a study has found that onions can help increase testosterone levels and promote overall male health.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND ONIONS & TESTOSTERONE
Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a plant compound that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including boosting testosterone levels. In a study conducted on rats, researchers found that quercetin supplementation increased testosterone levels and improved the rats' sexual performance. Additionally, quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress, which is a known cause of low testosterone levels.
Beyond quercetin, onions contain unique sulfur compounds called cysteine sulfoxides that appear to play a direct role in supporting testosterone-related pathways. The only randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study on these compounds was published in 2017. In this trial, 60 Japanese men aged 50–79 with mild-to-moderate aging male symptoms took a daily onion extract standardized to concentrated cysteine sulfoxides (approximately 30 mg) for 4 weeks.
The results were encouraging: the onion extract group experienced significantly greater improvements in overall aging male symptoms (AMS score) and mental health scores compared to placebo. Salivary testosterone — a marker closely related to free testosterone — also rose significantly within the supplement group after just two weeks (though levels returned toward baseline by week four, with no statistically significant difference versus placebo at the end of the study). No changes were observed in erectile function scores or serum testosterone between groups.
This human evidence, combined with the strong preclinical data on both quercetin and cysteine sulfoxides, helps explain why onions are generating excitement as a natural way to support healthy testosterone levels and overall male vitality.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
Low testosterone levels can cause a range of symptoms, including:
+ Lower sex drive
+ Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection
+ Lack of energy
+ Mood swings
+ Reduced strength and endurance
+ Loss of hair, muscular strength and lean muscle mass
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and explore appropriate treatment options.
THE BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING HIGH TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
Maintaining high testosterone levels can bring many benefits to men, including:
+ Increased muscle mass and strength
+ Improved energy levels and motivation
+ Enhanced sexual function and higher sex drive
+ Better mood and mental focus
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, onions can be an effective way to increase testosterone levels in men. With their rich source of quercetin and other beneficial compounds, onions can help improve overall health and address symptoms associated with low testosterone levels.
Some other ways to maintain optimal testosterone levels include exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, getting enough sleep and taking supplements like HIMMENSE BOOST. You can help boost your testosterone levels naturally by incorporating the tips here.
FURTHER READING
Boost your testosterone naturally
Testosterone replacement options
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or are taking any other medications before you try any remedies or supplements.
Read more Men's Health & Lifestyle blogs from HIMMENSE here.
