Low testosterone levels can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including decreased sex drive, muscle mass loss, fatigue, and mood swings. While testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment option for low testosterone, there are natural ways to increase testosterone levels. One of these ways is through the foods we eat.
In this blog post, we will discuss six foods that have been proven to boost testosterone levels and increase sex drive. From the mineral-packed oysters to the cholesterol-rich egg yolks, these foods can help enhance your overall health and well-being. We’ll explore the scientific evidence behind each of these foods and provide practical tips on how to incorporate them into your diet.
It’s essential to note that while adding these foods to your diet can help increase testosterone levels, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect that you have low testosterone levels, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment.
With that said, let’s dive into the six foods that can help boost your testosterone levels and enhance your sex drive.
Egg Yolks
Eggs should be in your diet already, specifically egg yolks. Yes, I know you’re saving your fat macros, but the yolk contains more nutrients than the white. The T-boosting micronutrient in the yolk is vitamin D3, a bioidentical hormone for testosterone because it’s a cholesterol-derived steroid hormone. Proving this, a study published by Hormone & Metabolic Research indicated that total testosterone and free testosterone had increased by 400 percent after supplementing with vitamin D3 for over 12 months.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower) are anti-estrogenic food because they release a compound called indole-3 carbine. This compound gets converted to DIM (di-indolyl methane), which converts estrogen into safer forms—allowing for appropriate levels of free testosterone. Free testosterone easily binds to androgen receptors to increase sex drive, build muscle, reduce fat, and boost your performance in the gym.
Oysters
An eight-ounce oyster has 18 grams of protein—making gains easy while upping your t-levels. Oysters are rich in zinc, a t-boosting mineral. From food, you get about 10 milligrams of zinc each day, but the body only absorbs 2-3 milligrams of it—putting you at risk for a deficiency. The common cold is actually a symptom of low zinc levels along with a low sex drive, which is an indication of low T levels. When low zinc levels are present, the pituitary gland limits the release of the luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones; they are responsible for triggering T production in the testes. This then decreases the amount of androgen-binding sites and free testosterone in the bloodstream.
Garlic
This food won’t just flavor up a meal but also raise your T-levels. Garlic contains a compound called diallyl-disulfide, promoting a hormone that triggers T production. There have been animal studies confirming that garlic raises t-levels when combined with a high-protein diet.
Spinach
Another reason why Popeye loved spinach was that it amped up his T-levels. This green, leafy vegetable is packed with the mineral magnesium. Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle development and reproductive function. Biological Trace Element Research published a study showing that magnesium increases free and total testosterone in athletes and non-active individuals.
Mushrooms
Pile your plate up with mushrooms if you want to see your testosterone levels surge. Mushrooms prevent the production of the enzyme, aromatase. Aromatase converts androgen to estrogen—preventing free testosterone from binding to androgen receptors.
