Hypogonadism, also called low testosterone or low T, is often medically treated to prevent future health problems. Along with your doctor’s recommendations, you may consider potential testosterone-boosting foods as a natural complement to low T treatments. Two nutrients that are especially important to your diet are vitamin D and zinc.
Testosterone is the most powerful muscle building hormone in the body and is responsible for
increasing protein synthesis rates thus enabling you to build lean muscle mass tissue.
Tuna
Tuna is rich in vitamin D, which has been linked to longer life and testosterone production. It’s also a heart-healthy, protein-rich food that’s low in calories. Whether you choose canned or fresh, eating this fish can be a natural way of boosting testosterone. A serving of tuna fulfills your daily vitamin D needs.
If you aren’t a tuna fan, you may consider other fishy sources of vitamin D, such as salmon or sardines. Remember that moderation is key. Aim for a max of two to three servings a week to minimize your intake of mercury, which is found in seafood.
Oysters
Topping the list is oysters. This may not be a food that you generally think about eating all that often, but it’s one to start adding to your menu.
The nice thing about oysters is that not only are they a good source of protein (which will help boost muscle building itself!) but more importantly, oysters are loaded with zinc.
Zinc is necessary for the formation of testosterone in the body and men who are zinc deficient are normally also low in testosterone as well.
Try adding these to your plan once a week and get ready to see enhanced progress. Supplementing with a product that contains zinc will also be of great benefit.
Cashews
Need a quick snack on the go? Try cashews. Cashews are an excellent source of healthy fats as well, which will help promote optimal levels. They are also very low in sugar and carbs, which is another important thing you’ll want to look for in testosterone boosting foods.
Consuming too much sugar in your menu will quickly cause testosterone levels to become suppressed, so higher fiber, low sugar foods are going to be your best option.
Low-fat milk with vitamin D
Milk is a great source of protein and calcium. Children and women are encouraged to drink milk for better bone health, but milk can keep men’s bones strong too. The vitamin D content may also keep testosterone levels in check.
Make sure you choose a carton that’s fortified with vitamin D. Choose low-fat or skim versions. They have the same nutrients as whole milk without all of the saturated fat.
Egg yolks
Egg yolks are another rich source of vitamin D. While cholesterol has a bad reputation, egg yolk contains more nutrients than egg whites. The cholesterol of egg yolks may even help low T. As long as you don’t have any preexisting cholesterol issues, you can safely eat one egg per day.
Beef
There are real health concerns about the overconsumption of red meat. Not only do some cuts have more fat than poultry, but eating too much is also linked to cancers, such as colon cancer. Still, certain beef cuts have nutrients that can boost testosterone. Beef liver is an exceptional source of vitamin D, while ground beef and chuck roast contain zinc. To keep animal fats in check, choose only lean cuts of beef and avoid eating it every day.