The hormone testosterone is found in both men and women, but the levels are much higher in men. It is responsible for many male characteristics, including bone strength, facial and body hair, male facial features and a deep voice. MayoClinic.com says that taking testosterone supplements can also increase muscle mass in men. In both men and women, this hormone helps increase and maintain sexual drive. Certain foods can help naturally raise production and levels of testosterone in the body.
Cholesterol
Hormones such as testosterone are produced from cholesterol in the body. Though the body can produce some cholesterol on its own, it is also obtained from foods. Though too much cholesterol is unhealthy, smaller amounts are important for balanced hormone levels. IFitandHealthy.com recommends cholesterol-containing foods such as red meat, meat products and eggs to raise testosterone levels in the body.
Fats
Like cholesterol, excess fats in the diet can lead to unhealthy consequences. However, adequate levels of fat are needed for the body to produce balanced levels of testosterone and other hormones. Foods that contain healthy monounsaturated fats or less healthy saturated fats include milk and dairy products, olive oil, vegetable oils, nuts and avocados. In fact, AskMen.com notes that avocados contain folic acid and vitamin B6 that increase testosterone production and help to increase libido or sexual drive in both men and women.
Carbohydrates
Some carbohydrates ingested through nutrition are converted to fats and other substances in the body that are needed for the production of hormones such as testosterone. AskMen.com says that a high ratio of carbohydrates to proteins in the diet, approximately twice as much, is recommended to increase testosterone levels in the body.
Indoles
A compound called indoles in certain foods helps reduce the release of excess estrogen from the body, which helps reduce estrogen's inhibitory effects on testosterone production to increase levels of this hormone in both men and women. Foods that contain indoles include cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, according to iFitandHealthy.com.
Zinc
The mineral zinc has several important benefits for the body, including boosting immunity, blood clotting, wound healing and bone health. However, this mineral also helps increase testosterone levels in the body and increase sperm cell production in men. AskMen.com says that foods high in zinc include oysters, prawns and shrimp, beef, chicken liver, pumpkin seeds and wheat germ.
