Today we’re going to be looking at foods that boost testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for making real men!
According to Gainsmadness.com, It’s the hormone that helped alpha males like Arnold Schwarzenegger build up their muscles, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson defeat Triple H inside a steel cage all those years ago. Perhaps the ultimate show of manliness from testosterone, however, is the fact that it’s the hormone responsible for Chuck Norris’ glorious beard. Enough said, right?! Okay, we got a little carried away there, but testosterone is the dominant androgenic hormone in the male anatomy that is responsible for sexual characteristics such as hair growth, libido, and fertility. It also has anabolic properties which means that it’s important for people looking to build muscle mass. Sadly for we males, once we hit our thirties, it’s generally downhill from there, as far as testosterone production is concerned. Once test levels peak, they begin to decline more and more each year. Thankfully there are foods that boost testosterone out there, and we’ll be looking at several right now.
1. Maca roots
Okay, technically Maca root isn’t a food or fruits, but we’re still including it anyways. Maca root is sold as a supplement and is usually found in the sexual health sections of supplement stores. Maca is native to Peru, and its popularity has soared dramatically over the years. Maca has been found to increase the production of testosterone in men, and block the effects of stress hormones such as cortisol. This is why Maca helps to increase a man’s sex drive, energy levels, and even fertility.
2. Whole eggs
We don’t live in the 1980s anymore. Now, when talking about eggs, we know that eggs are in fact extremely good for us. And yes, that includes the yolk. Decades ago, bizarrely, health officials told us not to eat egg yolks because of the cholesterol they contained. LDL cholesterol is bad for us, but HDL cholesterol is very beneficial. Egg yolks contain a healthy combination of both. As long as you don’t have too many, you’ll be fine. In fact, the cholesterol has been found to stimulate natural T production in the testes. Eggs also contain vitamin D, which also boosts testosterone, as well as protein and amino acids.
3. Oysters
It’s a common cliché on various sitcoms and comedies in general, that oysters are an aphrodisiac. This isn’t nonsense, it’s actually based on scientific evidence, and it’s all to do with testosterone. You see, oysters contain protein, amino acids, and essential minerals. In particular, they contain zinc. Zinc is a mineral that helps to naturally increase testosterone production. The more testosterone the man produces, the higher his sex drive becomes. Testosterone increases in women, can also have a similar effect.
4. Leafy green vegetables
It’s well documented that, in order to enjoy optimal health and wellness, that you need to eat plenty of green veggies. Well, now you have another reason to eat your greens. You see, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, are high in minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Magnesium helps boost natural free testosterone levels within the body. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with low testosterone levels, so stock up on those greens!
5. Oily fish
Oily fish such as anchovies, salmon, and mackerel, has a reputation for being amongst the healthiest foods in the world. This is for a very good reason. Oily fish helps to promote cardiovascular health, it’s great for cognitive function, and it helps to regulate hormone levels. When it comes to foods that boost testosterone, oily fish is right up there. On top of that, many oily fishes also contain minerals such as zinc and magnesium.
6. Steak
Real men eat steak, right? Right. Well, in fact, many people eat steak, because it’s delicious. Turns out that steak not only tastes amazing (as long as it’s not cooked to resemble old boot leather) it’s also great for our testosterone levels as well. Steak is rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, which are all needed when it comes to the natural production of testosterone within the body. A little fat on your steak is fine, but avoid beef with too much fat, as excessive animal fat intakes can still be detrimental to your health. Also, as there are concerns over red meat consumption, try to limit your red meat consumption to no more than three times per week.
7. Shellfish
Why didn’t the crab buy his friend a birthday gift?
Because he’s shellfish. Sorry, we’ll let ourselves out. Shellfish, such as crab, oyster, shrimp, prawn, and lobster, is incredibly useful for anybody looking to boost their testosterone levels naturally. The majority of them are low in fat and low in calories, whilst being high in proteins, amino acids, and minerals. These are great foods that boost testosterone, thanks in part to their mineral contents. In particular, zinc levels in shellfish are much higher than normal, which is why shellfish is great for anybody looking to build muscle and make some serious gains in the gym. King crab from Alaska for example, provides 43% of your minimum recommended daily intake for zinc, in just a three-ounce serving. Be careful with lobster. Although it’s still very good for you, lobster is naturally high in cholesterol, including harmful LDL cholesterol, so too much could be bad for your heart. Not only that, but as many places drown it in butter, serve it in buttery brioche bread with mayonnaise, and charge you a fortune for it, it’s best to save lobster as an occasional treat for special occasions.
Conclusion
So, if you’re worried that your test levels are running low and you want to do something about it without going to the extreme lengths of testosterone replacement therapy, try simply adding more of the foods listed above to your diet.
