How Do Vegetable Oil Lower Testosterone Levels? (Science-Based)

Dietary components have a lot to contribute in balancing hormones and this includes testosterone. 

The increasing struggle to maintain the primary male hormone makes people question everything they eat and thus “Does vegetable oil increase testosterone” comes in the light.

Decades ago vegetable oils replaced animal-based fats. However, the dramatic increase in consumption of vegetable oils has raised concern about its effect on testosterone levels. 

Notably, the nutrient profile of vegetable oils includes certain components the long-term use of which can be detrimental to male hormone production. 

This blog delves deep into finding out whether vegetable oils are good for testosterone production and what scientific studies suggest. 

Key Findings

1. Vegetable oils like canola oil, soya oil, corn oil, and palm oil can lower testosterone levels.
2. The high level of polyunsaturated fats and their susceptibility to the oxidation process are the two main reasons behind the negative impact of vegetable oil on testosterone levels.
3. It is recommended to consume monosaturated fatty acid oils or those rich in omega 3 to prevent the decline of primary male hormones. 

What are Vegetable Oils?

Vegetable oils are extracts from the seeds of the pants and are a staple in households because of their versatility and health benefits. 

There are different types of vegetable oils and soy, safflower, canola, olive, peanut, and palm oils are some of the most commonly used. 

These oils are extracted by pressing the seeds under high pressure which separates the pulp and oil. After this, they are bleached and deodorized to provide a “purified” or “refined” oil. 

Nutrient Profile

Vegetable oils are basically triglycerides extracted from the seeds of the plants. Although, the nutrient content varies depending on the seeds used, here’s what vegetable oils give you generally.

• Saturated Fat – 10-15%
• Monounsaturated fat – 25-30%
• Polyunsaturated fat – 50-55%

Adding to it, vegetable oils also include large amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. 

So, are vegetable oils good for testosterone?

The impact of vegetable oils on the testosterone is quite debatable. Though it may or may not affect testosterone levels directly, the increased risk of obesity and excessive consumption surely has some downsides. 

Does Vegetable Oil Lower Testosterone?

Yes, vegetable oils do lower testosterone and easily fall in the list of foods that kill testosterone.

Though fats both saturated and polyunsaturated are required by the body to stimulate testosterone production, it’s the quantity that actually matters. 

To explain further, vegetable oils predominantly include polyunsaturated fats which can only be beneficial when consumed in a controlled quantity. 

Adding to it, there is much research that suggests a high intake of PUFAs can lower testosterone. 

Scientific Claims on Vegetable Oil and Testosterone 

Study 1

As per the reports published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, there is a negative correlation between the PUFA/SFA ratio and T. After evaluating 12 men for weeks, the study examined the relationship between dietary nutrients and resting and exercise-induced blood concentrations of testosterone (T) and cortisol (C). In the end, results suggest that dietary nutrients have the ability to modulate the resting concentrations of T.  

Study 2

Another study analyzes the testosterone-lowering capabilities of canola and hydrogenated soybean oil. The research analyzed the steroid hormone levels in the serum and tissues of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. In the results, as compared to soybean oil, the canola oil group showed a significant decline in the testosterone levels in the serum and testes. Further, the study also found that hydrogenated soybean oil also decreased testosterone levels in testes. 

Study 3

A study that examined the effect of macronutrients on reproductive hormones in overweight and obese men suggests avoiding high fat intake to optimize testosterone levels. The study analyzed that PUFA decreases serum testosterone levels and the combination of PUFA and MUFA and PUFA and CHO lead to a net overall decrease in testosterone levels. 

Considering the studies, it is quite evident that vegetable oils lower testosterone levels. But what makes them do so still needs a detailed analysis. 

How Do Vegetable Oils Affect Testosterone?

The above-mentioned studies highlight two factors that cause vegetable oils to lower testosterone production. 

#1. High Omega 6 – Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Excessive consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids is among the top reasons why vegetable oil lowers testosterone. It is also linked to reduced testicular size and function.

Though linoleic acid in Omega-6 fatty acid can be beneficial in the long term for lowering cholesterol and improving heart health, there are researchers that link omega-6 with low testosterone. 

In fact, in a study, 12 weeks of supplementation of omega 3 and omega 6 resulted in a decrease in serum testosterone levels in Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. (source)

#2. Oxidation Of Fatty Acids

Importantly, vegetable oils are sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. However, the refining process exposes these elements to the same and gives rise to a process called oxidation.

So how does oxidation of vegetable oil lower testosterone?

Oxidation of vegetable oils gives rise to harmful compounds like free radicals, lowers nutrient density, and also makes them taste bad. 

An increase in free radicals increases the production of antioxidants in the body to neutralize its effect. This as a result gives rise to oxidative damage and inflammation. 

This further creates more free radicals and causes more damage. The vicious cycle leaves an impending impact on testosterone levels. 

This was about how does vegetable oil lower testosterone. Clearly, the foods we eat have a direct impact on our hormones. 

Therefore, it’s important to pick the oil of your choice wisely if you want to optimize testosterone production. 

How to Choose the Right Vegetable Oil for Your Testosterone?

Oils not only increase the nutritional content but are also responsible for the taste.  

But the fact that oils have numerous impacts on health, choosing the right one is crucial. 

It is also notable that since there are a lot of vegetable oil options available zero-in-on the right one for your testosterone levels can be overwhelming and confusing. 

Considering this, here’s how to choose the right vegetable oil for a testosterone boost.

#1. Go for oils rich in monosaturated fats like extra virgin olive oils.

It has the lowest oxidation rate and also helps reduce inflammation. Adding to it, using extra virgin olive oil is one of the best cooking oils that increase testosterone levels. 

#2. Instead of Omega-6, opt for Omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed oil which are known to have a hormone-balancing effect.

Though there are studies that suggest flaxseeds can decrease testosterone, they also contain Enterolignans which are associated with an increase in testosterone and androgen levels in many animal studies. 

#3. You can also reduce the consumption of oils rich in polyunsaturated fats.

To begin with, cut down its usage to a minimum by avoiding the consumption of processed foods, salad dressings, mayonnaise, and baked foods. 

Apart from choosing the right vegetable oil, you can also include testosterone-boosting supplements that are natural and safe. 

Other Ways to Boost Testosterone

Dietary choices have a major impact on testosterone levels and you must pick what you include in your diet daily wisely.

However, the decline in testosterone levels is inevitable after the age of 30. But there are always ways to lower the testosterone decrease and supplementation is one of them. 

There are tons of testosterone-boosting supplements in the market that claim to skyrocket your primary male hormone. However, none of them works like Testogen and Prime Male. 

#1. Prime Male

Prime Male is another testosterone booster that is helping men around the world fight back the signs of low T. It also promotes the development of lean muscle mass and an increase in energy and libido. 

The breakthrough testosterone booster includes 12 scientifically proven ingredients that are essential and enough to raise testosterone levels. 

As per numerous Prime Male reviews and results as well as manufacturer’s claims, It’s because of the ingredients, Prime Male increases testosterone by 42% in 12 days. 

#2. TestoGen

TestoGen is the noi 1. Testosterone booster that reverses the symptoms of low testosterone levels. 

The blend of its formula includes 11, 100% natural and safe ingredients that are backed with 25 clinical studies. 

These Testogen ingredients not only increase the body’s ability to stimulate the production of testosterone but also prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. 

Interestingly, the supplement is soy-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, and caffeine-free as well making it safe for those looking for such supplements.

Go through the Testogen vs Prime Male review for detailed analysis. If you are concerned enough about your declining testosterone level and its impact on the overall health making dietary changes is a must. 

Conclusion

Who would have thought that vegetable oils could lower testosterone and affect overall health adversely? 

However, there are enough theories backed with scientific proof that point towards the negative impact of using large quantities of vegetable oils on testosterone levels. 

The omega-6 fatty acids and the process of oxidation are the real culprits behind such damaging effects. Therefore, it is important to go for vegetable oils rich in omega 3 and have low oxidation levels. 

Notably, considering all aspects of diet is essential for making a bigger impact on the testosterone hormone boost. It is also important to keep an active lifestyle for faster results.