Testosterone is a sex hormone which is found in both men and women, and is extremely important for both genders. Testosterone is responsible for overall well-being, libido, sexual pleasure, your heart, memory and bone strength. As we age, testosterone levels naturally decline but keeping your T-levels from going too low will ensure optimum health. Many people suffer from a condition called hypogonadism, where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, which is often medically treated to prevent levels from going too low and impairing s man’s body the ability to produce sperm.
Either way, whether you have a medical condition which causes low testosterone or other reasons, natural treatment is important either alone or in addition to the medical treatment you receive. You can help your body increase testosterone production and achieve a healthy balance between other hormones in your body through the foods you eat. Zinc and vitamin D are also essential when it comes to producing testosterone.
Let’s take a look at five of the best foods for increasing testosterone levels.
Grapes
Grapes are great for creating more active sperm. The skin in grapes contains resveratrol which Chinese researchers have found helps improve your sperm’s ability to swim.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are packed with fats that help with testosterone production, unlike other types of nuts which are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids – a dietary fat that can actually lead to lower testosterone levels.
Extra virgin olive oil
Olive oil also contains pro-testosterone fats and there is research to prove it. A study of participants who consumed olive oil daily experienced a testosterone increase of between 17 and 19 percent.
Eggs
If you don’t have any cholesterol issues, eating an egg every day can help low testosterone levels. Egg yolks are a rich source of vitamin D and the cholesterol found in eggs are a precursor for testosterone. The University of Connecticut claims that even eating three eggs a day is not harmful to cholesterol levels.
Garlic
The fragrance might not be what you’re looking for but garlic contains important nutrients which are essential in producing testosterone, especially allicin which lowers cortisol levels. Lower cortisol levels means that the body can use testosterone more effectively. Garlic works better when it’s uncooked. Bring out the mouthwash!
What about the foods that should avoided? Limiting refined sugar prevents certain health concerns (such as diabetes) which also affect the body’s ability to produce testosterone. Losing weight and regular exercise also go a long way in increasing the production of the sex hormone. In addition, don’t forget to reduce stress. Stress increases cortisol in the body which in turn reduces the effect your testosterone has.
Not everyone requires synthetic or medical treatment to increase their levels of testosterone. If you are concerned your levels are too low then it’s always important to seek your doctor’s advice as it can be dangerous for your body if levels get too low. But if your body just needs a natural boost, eating the right foods is the perfect solution.