What are the best foods to boost testosterone

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays a role in fertility, sexual function, bone health, and muscle mass. Some medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and other factors can influence the amount of this hormone in the body.

Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos

A person's testosterone level will fall naturally with age by 1 to 2 percent per year. Some medical treatments can raise low testosterone levels, especially in younger men, but a person can also encourage the body to produce more by making some changes to the diet and lifestyle.

In this article, we list the best foods for increasing testosterone levels. We also describe products to avoid.

Foods that increase the testosterone level Naturally

  • Oysters

    Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food. Zinc is important for sperm health and reproductive function. Males with severe zinc deficiency may develop hypogonadism, in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. They may also experience impotence or delayed sexual maturation.

  • Leafy Green Vegetables

    Dark, leafy greens are an excellent source of micronutrients, including magnesium, a mineral that's critical for maintaining optimal testosterone levels, especially in older men.

    It's thought that magnesium increases testosterone bioactivity in the body because magnesium reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidant defenses and free radicals in the body. Oxidative stress and inflammation can reduce testosterone, so consuming nutrients that combat oxidative stress can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.

  • Eggs

    Egg yolks are rich in healthy fat, protein, and selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant in the body. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, cholesterol, vitamin D, and omega-3s, all of which aid in the production of testosterone. Eggs are very versatile ingredients and not only do they help increase testosterone levels, but the proteins in them also help build muscle.

  • Fatty Fish and Fish Oil

    Fatty fish is very beneficial because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can also boost your omega-3 fatty acid levels by taking fish oil or omega-3 supplements. Examples of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are:

    • Mackerel
    • Herring
    • Salmon
    • Sardines
    • Trout
  • Garlic

    Garlic contains a compound called allicin which can be useful for lowering your cortisol levels. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal gland, which is where testosterone is produced. When your body is under stress it produces cortisol and this has an impact on other bodily functions, including the production of testosterone. therefore, by reducing the amount of cortisol in your system you allow testosterone to be produced more effectively by the adrenal gland. Garlic doesn't itself boost testosterone but it is a cortisol reducer.

  • Berries, Cherries and Pomegranates

    Berries, cherries, and pomegranates are high in flavonoid antioxidants, which may help protect testosterone-producing cells from damage and increase testosterone production. Pomegranates, berries, and cherries may protect against obesity-induced inflammation, which can lower testosterone levels.

Some foods can reduce a person's testosterone levels. People looking to raise their testosterone levels should avoid:

  • Processed foods
  • Canned or plastic-packaged foods
  • Alcohol

Other ways to Boost Testosterone

Besides dietary changes, you can increase your testosterone level by:

  • Losing weight, if you are overweight.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Building muscleS through resistance training.
  • Getting enough sleep.
  • Reducing stress.

Diet and lifestyle impact hormonal health and may impact testosterone levels. Adding foods rich in nutrients important for maintaining optimal testosterone levels like vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and flavonoid antioxidants may help support hormonal health.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) Getty Images

2) Getty Images

3) Getty Images

4) Getty Images

5) Getty Images

6) Getty Images

7) Getty Images

8) Getty Images

9) Getty Images

10) Getty Images

11) Getty Images

SOURCES:

Al-Dujaili E. Endocrine Abstracts, March 2012.

Ananda, S. Nutrition, June 1996.

Bowen, R.L. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, May 7, 2004.

Craig, B.W. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, August 1989.

Devi, S. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, April/June 2014.

Nakamura, D. Toxicology Letters, February 2010.

National Institutes of Health.

National Institutes of Health: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Pilz, S. Hormone and Metabolic Research Journal, March 2011.

United States Department of Agriculture.

Zhou, Q. Fertility and Sterility, August 2013.

Which foods increase testosterone most?

Top 8 testosterone-boosting foods.
Ginger. Share on Pinterest Ginger may help increase testosterone levels and improve male fertility. ... .
Oysters. ... .
Pomegranates. ... .
Fortified plant milks. ... .
Leafy green vegetables. ... .
Fatty fish and fish oil. ... .
Extra-virgin olive oil. ... .
Onions..

How can I boost my testosterone fast?

Starke offers the following tips:.
Improve your diet. Adopting and maintaining a healthy diet benefits your testosterone levels in two primary ways: ... .
Mix cardio with strength training, and vice versa. ... .
Get plenty of sleep. ... .
Take steps to reduce stress. ... .
Address any underlying medical conditions..

Do bananas increase testosterone?

The Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and bromelain enzymes in bananas make them excellent testosterone boosters. All you have to do is include this convenient and delicious fruit in your daily diet if you want to maintain and/or increase your testosterone levels.

Which fruit is best for testosterone?

Bananas can boost testosterone as well as improving energy levels. Other useful fruits include watermelon and grapes. Citrus fruits can help testosterone production as well as reducing the hormones that make testosterone less effective.