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Testosterone-boosting foods

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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Testosterone boosting foods are a valuable source of vitamins and nutrients. Such foods will help prevent reproductive system diseases, increase muscle mass, etc.

Testosterone is the main male hormone that promotes muscle growth, accelerates protein synthesis, and is a steroid hormone. High levels of testosterone in the body cause male secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth, broad shoulders and narrow pelvis, rough voice, Adam's apple).

Due to stress, poor nutrition, alcohol, obesity, external factors, and heredity, the level of testosterone in the body can decrease.

This hormone is extremely important for the male body, since general health, sexual desire, and the normal functioning of many internal organs depend on testosterone.

Often the main signs of low testosterone in the male body are irritability, memory problems, depression, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, etc.

To solve this problem, specialists use medications that increase the level of testosterone in the body. Hormonal drugs are usually used, but after stopping treatment, the testosterone level in most cases decreases again.

To maintain normal hormonal balance, the body must receive the necessary vitamins and nutrients, in particular, B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin A, and proteins.

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What foods increase testosterone?

Products that increase testosterone come from animals, plants, and seafood.

Meat contains a large amount of protein, which not only promotes protein synthesis and increases muscle mass. But you need to eat lean meat, otherwise the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases.

Since testosterone is a steroid hormone, cholesterol is necessary for the proper synthesis of this type of hormone. Eggs can be a source of cholesterol, but excessive consumption of eggs can also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, so you should not eat eggs more than 2-3 times a week.

Eating foods such as kefir, cottage cheese, and yogurt several times a week will increase the level of male hormones in the body.

Fruits are also of great importance for men's health, especially wild berries, avocados, figs, and bananas, which help increase the level of male hormones in the body.

Fruits can be eaten fresh or used to make fresh juices, milkshakes or yogurt shakes.

Vegetable salad seasoned with olive or sesame oil has a beneficial effect on the male body as a whole, as the oil contains substances that neutralize free radicals. You can use radish, white cabbage, broccoli for the salad.

Seafood is an important source of nutrients and vitamins that have a beneficial effect not only on a man’s sexual potency, but on the entire body.

To increase testosterone levels, it is recommended to add sea fish and shrimp to your diet, which have a positive effect on potency and help maintain men's health.

Nuts are an important source of fat-soluble vitamins that support male potency and improve the functioning of the reproductive system. It is recommended to eat just a few pieces between main meals.

Moderate consumption of red wine will help prevent the destruction of some important structures in the body, as it contains a large amount of antioxidants. In addition, red wine destroys harmful toxins and blocks aromatase, which helps convert testosterone into the female hormone estrogen.

Some spices (red pepper, garlic, curry) have the same effect.

Products that increase testosterone in the body

Products that increase testosterone in the body should be enriched with zinc, omega-3 fats, fiber, protein, vitamins (C, B).

Zinc is found in seafood (oysters, crabs, mussels, shrimp, lean fish), beef liver, sesame and pumpkin seeds, beef, egg yolk, beans, cauliflower, and milk.

Omega-3 fats are found in fatty fish, nuts, olives, vegetable oils, beans, and wheat germ.

Fiber is found in all fruits, vegetables, legumes and grain products (fresh greens, bran, apples, broccoli, rice, raisins, almonds, young carrots, green peas).

Protein can be found in eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, poultry, beef, Brussels sprouts, soybeans, lentils, cereals.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, cabbage, and rose hips.

Foods That Boost Testosterone in Men

Products that increase testosterone in men are quite common and can be easily purchased in stores.

Fiber, which is found in large quantities in vegetables, fruits, and grains (papaya, pineapple, peaches, cabbage, celery, tomatoes, eggplant, rice, buckwheat, millet), stimulates blood circulation in the pelvic organs and promotes testosterone production.

Also, substances that stimulate the production of testosterone in the male body are contained in fresh herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and also in some spices (garlic, onions, red pepper).

Foods That Boost Testosterone in Women

Testosterone in women is responsible for increased muscle tissue, energy, mood and sexual desire, but unlike men, women's testosterone levels are much lower - up to 70 ng/dL, while men's levels range from 200 to 1200 ng/dL.

In addition, this hormone promotes rejuvenation, maintains skin elasticity, converts fat into muscle, increases bone density, improves mood and helps resist stress.

Typically, after the removal of the ovaries or the onset of menopause, the level of testosterone in the female body drops, which causes weakness and low sexual desire. Usually after menopause, estrogen is prescribed, which provokes even stronger suppression of testosterone production in the body.

Products that increase testosterone in the female body should contain zinc, healthy fats, and vitamins.

Zinc plays an important role in testosterone production in women, as it prevents testosterone from turning into estrogen. Zinc is found in seafood (especially oysters), liver, poultry, and nuts.

Healthy fats also play an important role in testosterone production and are found in fatty fish, avocados, beans, nuts, and natural peanut butter.

With obesity, the level of testosterone in the female body decreases, since subcutaneous fat contains a substance that promotes the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.

But when choosing a diet, you should not limit yourself in calories too drastically, as this can lead to the body completely stopping producing testosterone.

Foods That Boost Testosterone Production

Products that increase testosterone:

  • berries – black currant, pomegranate, raspberry, red grapes, cherry, plum, blueberry.
  • grains, fiber – millet, rice, pearl barley, buckwheat.
  • fish and seafood – salmon, oysters, sardines, anchovies, crabs, shrimp, halibut, trout, shellfish.
  • raw fruits – apricots, persimmons, pineapple, citrus fruits (except grapefruit), pears, etc.
  • Vegetables – sweet potatoes, peppers, all types of cabbage, zucchini (caviar), pumpkin, celery, tomatoes.
  • red wine.
  • greens – dill, spinach, horseradish, parsnip, cilantro, lettuce, wild garlic, etc.
  • spices – turmeric, cardamom, saffron, onion, etc.

Products that increase testosterone and a balanced diet are one of the main points in normalizing hormonal levels. Vitamins, nutrients, and minerals found in many products help stimulate testosterone production, which is extremely important for both male and female organisms.

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