The adrenal glands and testes of males release testosterone into the bloodstream. This natural steroid contributes to several biological and psychological processes. As men age, their testosterone production decreases causing a hormonal deficiency. This condition decreases muscle tone and bone density. Medications can rectify these unwanted changes, but drugs often cause side effects. Dietary changes can help support conventional treatments. People should speak with a doctor before altering their habits.
Ginger
The Zingiber officinale plant, common ginger, has medicinal properties. Traditionally used as a digestive aid, ginger also helps fight diabetes, cancer and anxiety. The roots of this plant, sold at grocery stores, can affect the reproductive system as well. A 2010 article in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" looked at the impact of ginger on hormone levels in an animal model of diabetes. Rats were given extracted ginger or no treatment for 65 days. The results indicated that ginger enhanced testosterone levels relative to controls. It also reduced diabetic lesions. No adverse events appeared, but long-term treatment may have a different effect.
Onion
The Allium cepa plant also affects the reproductive system. Bulbs from this plant, onions, are used as a vegetable and as a condiment. Yet, onions may treat erectile dysfunction as well. The underlying cause of these benefits remains unclear, but it could involve sex steroids. A 2009 paper in "Folia Morphologica" tested the effect of fresh onion juice on laboratory rodents. Rodents were force fed the extract, or they received no treatment, for 20 consecutive days. Onion juice increased testicular testosterone, luteinizing hormone and sperm count. The treated rats showed no signs of toxicity. Results found in rats may not apply to humans.
Sea Buckthorn
Juice from Hippophae rhamnoides also changes hormone levels. The berries of this plant, sea buckthorn, suppress tumors. It has a negative impact on the female reproductive system, but it may enhance that of males. A 2010 report in the "Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology" evaluated Hippophae juice in laboratory animals. Rodents received the juice or no treatment for six weeks. Both conditions were also forced to exercise. Relative to controls, rats given the juice showed enhanced testosterone levels. Hippophae also increased the rats' endurance. Exercise may confound these results as drinking juice alone may not produce similar results.
Flax Meal
Linum usitatissimum is another food that has biological effects. This plant, flax, may eventually help treat diabetes. It has other endocrine effects as well. A 2000 study described in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" assessed the possible impact of flax meal on testosterone levels. Rats received a diet containing 26 percent flax meal for 70 days. This treatment increased circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone relative to rats not given flax. It also decreased prostate size. The authors did not notice any toxic effects. The significance and magnitude of these effects remain unclear. Additional tests will allow firmer conclusions about using foods to enhance testosterone.
References
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Safety and Efficacy of Zingiber Officinale Roots on Fertility of Male Diabetic Rats; M.A. Shalaby and A.R. Hamowieh; October 2010
- "Folia Morphologica"; Evaluation of Androgenic Activity of Allium Cepa on Spermatogenesis in the Rat; Arash Khaki, et al.; February 2009
- "Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology"; Effects of Hippophae Juice on Free Radical Metabolism of Rat Skeletal Muscle and the Content of HB, CK, T in Blood; Xiu-Fang Qiao and Hong-Ying Pan; August 2010
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Effect of Maternal Exposure to Flaxseed on Spermatogenesis in F(1) Generation Rats; Robert L. Sprando, et al.; April 2000
