7 Testosterone-Boosting Foods

Testosterone is usually associated with men, although women also produce testosterone and men produce estrogen. Men produce the majority of their testosterone in the testicles, but their estrogen is produced in the adrenal glands. Women produce the majority of their estrogen in the ovaries and their testosterone is produced in their adrenal glands. The adrenal glands can produce both of these sex hormones. Testosterone is important to the health of both men and of women.

Besides aging, certain environmental factors can reduce testosterone production, such as the use of statin medications for high cholesterol, having significant levels of stress and the exposure to environmental chemicals, especially to the herbicide Roundup.

Low testosterone levels in men can be related to prostate enlargement, a low libido, lessened bone and muscle formation, hair loss and certain types of cancer.

Women naturally have lower levels of testosterone throughout their lives. Their bodies are more sensitive to the hormone and their health depends on the balance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Seven Foods That Naturally Boost Your Testosterone Levels

To produce testosterone, your body requires a number of different nutrients. Among the nutrients most often lacking are vitamin D3 and zinc.

1. Pomegranate - A glass of pure pomegranate juice a day can increase testosterone levels up to 30%, improve mood and increase libido.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - In research, participants who consumed olive oil daily experienced an increase in testosterone levels between 17% - 19% over a three-week period.

3. Oysters - Oysters are high in zinc, which can boost testosterone levels, libido and sperm count. Other foods that are high in zinc include sardines, anchovies, cashews and wild-caught salmon.

4. Coconuts - Your body requires healthy saturated fats to produce testosterone and coconuts are high in healthy saturated fats.

5. Cruciferous Vegetables - Broccoli and cauliflower may help a man's body to excrete excess estrogen and increase the amount of testosterone.

6. Whey Protein - Whey protein may help to boost testosterone production. The whey should be organic and cold processed.

A meat-free diet may lower your testosterone production by up to 14%. On the other hand, consuming excessive quantities of animal protein, can contribute to chronic diseases, such as cancer and can also accelerate the aging process.

One gram of high quality protein for every two pounds of lean body mass should be sufficient.

7. Garlic - Garlic contains allicin, which lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. With lower cortisol levels, your body can more effectively and efficiently use the testosterone that is produced.

5 More Ways to Naturally Boost Testosterone

1. Weight Loss

2. Exercise

3. Optimize Your Zinc and Vitamin D

4. Reduce Your Stress Levels

5. Reduce Your Sugar & Carbohydrate Intake

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