Tips on How to Increase Testosterone Level
We’ve all been there. You’ve managed to motivate yourself enough to actually go and register at your local gym. Already confused about which body part to address first, you find yourself oblivious to the conversations that are happening inside the gym regarding what food to eat and what to abstain from.
Deciding on the right nutrition can be tricky at times. Even with highly controlled studies, measuring the subjects’ daily activities along with their caloric intake could be quite laborious or even impossible. The best you can do is to read as much as you can and figure out what works best for you, because at the end of the day – no two bodies work the same.
Testosterone level has always been a hot subject within the gym-goers’ community. Anecdotes of what to eat to boost your testosterone and what to refrain from are a dime a dozen. For a holistic view on testosterone killing foods and testosterone boosting foods, we’ve listed our tips in a listicle fashion, making it easily digestible for anyone.
Testosterone Fueling Foods
Are you even a gym-goer if you haven’t met that one self-proclaimed testosterone specialist? They can even promise you that they have the magic pill for your testosterone conundrum. Unfortunately, studies suggest that the decline of testosterone level after the age of 40 is almost inevitable in most men. However, just like any other aspect of our bodies, there are things you can do to slow down this process. The following list of foods has proven to be effective in giving you a natural boost.
Pomegranate
They are sour, savory, and have always been considered a symbol of sexual drive and fertility. Current research indicates that drinking pomegranate juice helps boost your testosterone level naturally, along with reducing stress, due to its antioxidant nutrients. The study concluded that its participants experienced an average 24 percent increase in salivary testosterone levels.
Banana
The perfect go-to snack of every household! They are excellent for maintaining energy. They contain an enzyme called “bromelain” that is believed to naturally enhance the testosterone level in both men and women. However, despite their great taste, you might want to go easy on them, because lacking moderation could yield the opposite results of what you were initially opting for.
Salmon
Understandably, seafood has always been considered a rich source of vitamins and omega-3s. It is no shocker, then, that salmon, being rich in omega-3, vitamin B, and magnesium, is superb for boosting your testosterone level.
Green Vegetables
Perhaps you’re no stranger to the “eat your veggies!” advice, given out by our caregivers. In short, they were correct in telling you that you should be eating your veggies because they’re low in fat and high in vitamins. Added to these is their ability to increase testosterone level, as most leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you find yourself on the fence over which kind of oil to choose next time you’re out grocery shopping – opt for extra virgin olive oil. Besides its nutritional benefits in reducing heart risks and cancer, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and vitamin E which are said to be highly beneficial in maintaining a healthy level of testosterone.
Enemies of Testosterone
The aforementioned list was a general overview of what to consider eating if you’re set on boosting your testosterone level. By the same token, there are many foods that are best to be avoided if you’re hell-bent on giving yourself that testosterone boost. The following foods are said to have adverse effects on the male hormone level, but like any other food – moderation is the ultimate key.
- Dairy products, especially those that contain soy lowers your natural testosterone level,
- Soy-based products are high in phytoestrogens which are believed to reduce testosterone,
- Spearmint and peppermint, besides their stomach-soothing properties, are said to have a direct adverse effect on testosterone,
- Vegetable oils are loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Recent studies on rats show that, despite their nutritional benefits, vegetable oils could reduce testosterone levels if consumed regularly.
Take Control of Your Testosterone Levels!
Testosterone is produced by both males and females, although women produce it in much smaller quantities. The hormone plays an essential role in maintaining strength, sex drive, and red blood cell production, along with improving certain aspects of mental health.
For many men, testosterone level is directly related to their overall confidence. Testosterone related issues are often bordering on issues that are still regarded as “sensitive” subjects such as erectile dysfunction and low sex drive. The ever-toxic perception of masculinity is a cultural construct at best and unless serious steps are taken, people who aren’t privy to the basic information regarding male hormonal problems will always exist. If you’re all set on further exploring your body – start by munching on a banana!
