As you age, your natural levels of testosterone decline. However, genetic and lifestyle factors can lead to a premature reduction in testosterone levels, otherwise known as a testosterone deficiency. This condition can have serious consequences, ranging from lack of sexual drive and reduced sperm/red blood cell production to increased body fat and decreased muscle and bone strength. While you should always seek medical attention when attempting to treat any condition, some foods may help you battle a testosterone deficiency.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts provide a rich source of unsaturated fat, which can be beneficial for addressing testosterone deficiency. Research published in the April 2007 issue of "Clinical Endocrinology" found that increased fat intake can promote higher levels of testosterone. Brazil nuts are also a rich source of magnesium, which helps regulate levels of various nutrients in the body. According to research published in the June 2011 edition of "International Journal of Andrology," increased magnesium intake can promote higher testosterone levels as well.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is a special source of food produced by bees to feed the queen bee --- serving as the source of that bee's longevity and increased size. Recent research indicates that this food -- typically sold infused with honey -- can also promote hormonal benefits. For example, a study published in the August 2010 edition of "Animal Reproduction Science" found that royal jelly significantly enhanced testosterone levels in rabbits. However, more research is needed to prove the same effect on humans.
Ginger
Ginger is a spice that is popular in a broad range of cuisines, from Western snacks such as ginger snaps and gingerbread to Indian curries. Some cultures prize ginger for its purported medicinal properties, although some of its benefits are not as well-researched as others. Ginger may be an effective testosterone deficiency food, as a study from the October 2010 issue of "Food and Chemical Toxicology" found that ginger root intake was related to an increase in testosterone production.
Cashews
Cashews are another type of nut that may help address testosterone deficiency. As the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, cashews are among the richest sources of magnesium, a mineral that can aid in testosterone production. Additionally, cashews are rich in fat, which may also help battle this condition.
Milk
Milk is a widely available beverage that's rich in protein, which can promote muscle retention, and calcium, which can promote bone density. Additionally, calcium may help address testosterone deficiency. A study from the Summer 2009 issue of "Biological Trace Element Research" found that calcium supplementation promoted increased testosterone production.
Fenugreek
Adding fenugreek to your diet can be easy and is unlikely to have adverse effects on your weight, as the herb contains few calories. Incorporating fenugreek into your diet can also be beneficial if you have a testosterone deficiency, according to research published in the February 2011 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," which indicates that the herb can increase testosterone levels.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Virility?; April 2010
- "Clinical Endocrinology"; The Effect of Food Composition on Serum Testosterone Levels after oral Administration of Andriol Testocaps; P.G. Schnabel et al.; April 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; June 2009
- "International Journal of Andrology"; Magnesium and Anabolic Hormones in Older Men; M. Maggio et al.; June 2011
- "Animal Reproduction Science"; Royal Jelly Counteracts Bucks' "Summer Infertility"; S.A. Elnagar; August 2010
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Safety and Efficacy of Zingiber Officinale Roots on Fertility of Male Diabetic Rats; M.A. Shalaby, A.R. Hamowieh; October 2010
