Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Foods That Boost Testosterone: 7 Options and How They Work – Healthgrades
Testosterone is essential for your reproductive and general health. Certain foods and lifestyle changes may encourage your body to produce more of this hormone.As you age, your bodys testosterone production naturally decreases, according to 2022 research. Some medications and health conditions can also cause low levels of testosterone.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can affect your bone health, sex drive, and mood.
Regardless of what causes the decrease, it is important to work with a medical professional to return your levels to a healthy range for you. In some cases, you may need testosterone replacement therapy, but you can also try to increase this hormone naturally.
Keep reading to learn which foods to eat and which to avoid to increase your bodys testosterone production.
Research suggests that honey enhances serum testosterone levels in males. Serum testosterone refers to testosterone found in the blood.
In a peer review of studies from 2019, researchers found that honey may enhance the bodys luteinizing hormone production. The luteinizing hormone stimulates testosterone production.
Other factors, like honeys antioxidant properties, may enhance the performance of Leydig cells. These cells are responsible for testosterone production.
Consuming eggs may increase your testosterone levels, but make sure you consume the yolk. The yolk of one medium egg contains about 225 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol. Your body uses cholesterol to make testosterone.
One 2021 study examined the effect of consuming just egg whites versus whole eggs. In the study, the group who consumed whole eggs experienced an increase in testosterone levels.
A 2021 study indicates that diets low in beans and legumes may have links to low testosterone levels.
Researchers in 2020 also linked low zinc levels to hypogonadism in males. Separately, researchers in 2018 linked low protein intake to hypogonadism in a study on rats.
Beans and legumes are high in protein and zinc.
In fact, 100 grams (g) of dried black beans contain 24.4 g of protein and 3.37 mg of zinc. For reference, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 11 mg of zinc for males and 8 mg for females daily.
The amount of protein you need varies based on your activity level and body weight, per 2016 research.
Research suggests that magnesium increases free and total testosterone values in males. Free testosterone refers to testosterone that, unlike most of your testosterone, is not bound to a protein in your blood.
One particular 2014 study demonstrated an increase in magnesium consumption leads to an increase in testosterone in men. The increase occurred in both athletes and people who live a sedentary lifestyle.
Dark leafy greens and vegetables contain high magnesium levels. In fact, 100 g of spinach contains 93 mg of magnesium.
The NIH recommends 400420 mg of magnesium daily for males and 310320 mg for females.
Avocados are another good source of magnesium. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 100 grams of avocado contain 29 mg of magnesium.
There is also another reason why avocados may increase testosterone. A 2015 research review states that this fruit contains boron, a chemical element linked with increased testosterone.
Increased boron intake may relate to higher levels and better use of testosterone in the body, according to the same review.
However, a 2018 study suggests that supplementing with boron supplementation is likely ineffective for increasing testosterone levels specifically for athletic performance purposes.
One 2020 study found a correlation between fish oil supplementation and higher free testosterone in males. Other research from 2020 also suggests a positive relationship between DHA-enriched fish oil and increased testosterone in males.
You do not need to take a supplement to get fish oil into your diet. Fatty fish contain high levels of fish oil.
Types of fatty fish include:
A 2018 study by researchers at Taipei Medical University suggests that following a diet high in Western-style foods may decrease serum testosterone levels. These Western-style foods include bread, pastries, dairy products, and desserts.
The study participants who ate diets high in these foods and ate out often had lower serum testosterone levels.These diets were also low in homemade meals and leafy greens.
Learn more about low testosterone levels.
Exercising is good for your overall health, including your hormone health, 2020 research suggests. Avoiding testosterone-affecting behaviors can also help increase levels naturally.
One peer review of studies in 2016 examined the effects of smoking cigarettes and testosterone levels. The results suggest that smoking cigarettes may actually increase testosterone levels in males. This is because nicotine prevents your body from disposing of testosterone.
Yet other researchers in an older 2007 study noted that this correlation might mask borderline hypogonadism.
Read our tips for quitting smoking.
BPA exposure can also decrease testosterone in males, a 2019 research review suggests. Avoiding plastics with this chemical may help with low levels.
Learn more about BPA plastics.
Fish oil, zinc, and magnesium supplements may increase testosterone. You should always consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Additionally, taking certain testosterone-boosting supplements may pose a health risk, according to a 2018 case report.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not extensively regulate dietary supplements. Contact your doctor before starting use.
Here are some frequently asked questions about testosterone.
How can I raise my testosterone levels fast?
Eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising, and avoiding activities that lower your testosterone levels may help raise your testosterone levels quickly.
Hormone replacement therapy may be the fastest option for aging males experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, per 2021 research.
Does milk increase testosterone?
There is conflicting information on whether milk increases testosterone. Researchers at the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences hypothesized in 2021 that low fat dairy products may have a positive effect on male fertility, whereas full fat dairy products may have a negative effect.
Yet they note that more research is necessary to draw a conclusion.
Nutrient- and antioxidant-rich foods may boost your bodys ability to produce testosterone. Eating a diet high in fatty fish, avocados, and leafy greens can have a positive effect on your overall health.
Other natural methods for increasing your testosterone include exercising. While some supplements may improve your testosterone levels, you should talk with your doctor before taking any of these.
Go here to read the rest:
Foods That Boost Testosterone: 7 Options and How They Work - Healthgrades
- Lose Weight Healthily And Quickly The Best Diet Plan And Daily Exercise [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- How Can You Be Sure That A Diet Plan Will Really Work For You [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- Diets That Work - The Best Diet Meals Online! [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- Benefits Of A Healthy Lifestyle And How To Lose Weight With Healthy Diet Plans [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Healthy Foods That Any Succesful Diet Plan Should Include [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Want to Lose Weight Go for a Safe Diet Plan That Will Lead to Healthy Weight Loss [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- 5 Components Of A Successful Exercise And Diet Plan [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Healthy Eating Tips to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Fad Diets: Do They Really Work? [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Avoid Yo-Yo Diet Plans [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- Diets that work fast [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- Set Up the Perfect Diet Plan with These Simple Tips [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- diets that work [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Finally, Weight-loss Diets that Work? Medicine Matters from Sandra Fryhofer, MD [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- weight loss plans that work [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2011]
- crash diets that work channel presents crash diets that work [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- Diets that work fast - Protien Helps Burn Fats [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Diets That Work with Ali Fedotowsky [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Successful Weight Loss Secrets Revealed.avi [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2011]
- Best Diet Plans Losing Weight by Changing Your Habits [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- Finding Easy Diets That Work Fast [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- Creating a Diet Plan That Can Give You Healthy Quick Weight Loss [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- Can I lose Weight with a Free Diet Plan [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- How to Find a Good Diet Plan [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2011]
- Basic Dieting Tips Equal Successful Diet Plan [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- Great Weight Loss Programs Basic Factors To Check [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- Healthy Eating Tips You Should Add to Your Diet [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- How Not to Cheat on your Diet Plan [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- Choosing the Right Diet Plan for Permanent Weight Loss [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2011]
- Healthy Dieting Tips How You Eat Is More Important Than What You Eat [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- What Is Your Reason to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- The Basics Of A Safe Diet Plan For Your Heart [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- Eating the Right Foods will Give You a Diet Plan that Works [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2011]
- Diets That Don't Work [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Liquid Protein Diets Work [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Do Low Carb Diets Work ? [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Why Diets Don't Work [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- A DIET that WORKS: NO DIET! A RAW FOOD LIFESTYLE ~ for OSCAR! ~ BIKE TOURING the WEST COAST! vid#46 [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Quick Diets Really Work [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Diets Dont Work - Thinking Thin Does [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Low Carb Diet-Why Low Carb Diets Work [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Atkins Diet: Does low carb work as well for all groups? [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- How Does The HCG Diet Work - Official HCG diet Plan - HCG Diet For Men - HCG Diet User Reviews [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2011]
- Crash diets that work from worlds best diet channel [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Macro-Patterning: Advanced Carb Cycling For Fat Loss [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Why Low Calorie Diets Don't Work and Never Will (Don't Starve or Crash Diet) [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Why "fad" diets don't work? [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- The Crazy Celebrity Cabbage Soup Diet That Works [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Weight loss diet that (really) works [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Fad Diets Do Not Work. How To Lose Weight Without Dieting... [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Low Calorie Diet DO NOT WORK - Lose 30lbs Manipulating Them [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Fad Diets: What works and What DOESN'T? [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- All Diets Work [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- 3 Weight Loss Diet Tips That Works | Fastest Way To Lose Weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Do Diet Pills Work? INSPIRED: The Movie Expert Insights [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Fad Diets: What Really Works for Weight Loss [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Healthy Diets Work Fast - Free Diet Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Does Hcg Diet Plan Work - A Peek Into Hcg Diet Plan [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Researchers Discover Why High-Fat, Low-Carb Ketogenic Diets Work To Control Epileptic Seizures [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Why "Quick Fix" Diets Do Not Work! [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Binge Eating [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Diet Weight Measurements [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- does the diet solution program really work [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- EASIEST Diet For Women to Follow (Don't Starve Yourself Thin!) [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Crash diets that really work [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Cabbage Soup Diet [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Do Detox Diets Really Work? [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Does the every other day diet really work? [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Why Extreme Diets Like Atkins Low Carb and HCG Diet DONT WORK LONG TERM [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Fast Weight Loss Diet: Does Calorie Counting Work? [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Beyond Chocolate. Diets don't work! [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Failure To Thrive: GFCF and Feingold Diets Work For ... [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2011]
- Low Carb Diets: How They Work [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2011]
- Diet Pills That Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Diets That Work - Lose 30lbs In 30 Days - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Understanding the Atkins Diet, Why It Works and What it Can Do For You - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- crash diets that work channel presents crash diets that work - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- REALISTIC Diet [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Why Diets Don't Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Diets That Work - 'Burn' Fat Faster With This Diet - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]