Very few food products actually contain testosterone, which is an anabolic steroid hormone produced by the male reproductive glands. Little is known about the long-term effects of externally ingested testosterone, and as a steroid, it is considered a form of doping by most athletic organizations. However, many foods exist which facilitate the natural increase of testosterone in the body, and those looking to increase their testosterone levels can seek them out fairly easily (or, conversely, avoid them if they seek to decrease their testosterone).
Effects
The effects of testosterone are similar to those experienced by boys in the throes of adolescence. It can include increased libido, a deepening of the voice, hair growth and improved muscle mass. People take artificial testosterone as a means of improving their sexual performance, or to increase their strength and body size for athletic purposes. In addition, a lack of testosterone may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in some patients.
Considerations
The drawbacks of testosterone are also similar to those of adolescence: most notably increased acne and irritation of the skin. Men have also complained of increased breast size and inexplicable types of weight gain. Difficulty urinating, yellowing of the skin, irritated gums, and fluctuations in the sex drive are common symptoms as well. The FDA has approved testosterone use for treating certain conditions--usually those in which the body's own testosterone production is inadequate, such as male hypogonadism--but direct use of testosterone beyond that is not recommended. It goes without saying that athletes found to have excessive amounts of testosterone in their system run the risk of being banned from their sport for doping.
Types
The good news is that there are ways to increase testosterone levels in your body through healthy means--notably different forms of food. The mineral zinc has been shown to stimulate testosterone production in healthy people, as do reasonable amounts of Vitamin A. Accordingly, you want to look for foods with a lot of zinc in them. Not surprisingly, many of them are considered aphrodisiacs and have been used for centuries as romantic stimulants. Chief among them are raw oysters, asparagus and broccoli: all high in zinc and all shown to improve testosterone levels. Other types of vegetables such as cabbage, beans, and brussels sprouts perform much the same function (though without the sexy reputation).
Types
Other foods which increase testosterone are those frequently associated with physical health. Lean meats such as fish and poultry are high in zinc content, as are game meats and lean cuts of beef. Lamb chops and pork chops improve testosterone levels as well, especially when they don't have a lot of fat content. Dairy products work well too, particularly milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. Many of these foods are already associated with a healthy diet, which shouldn't make it too difficult to switch to them if you want to increase testosterone levels.
Warning
Foods which reduce testosterone levels are those which you generally want to avoid anyway if you're pursuing a healthy diet. Fatty foods, deep-fried food, or foods high in sugar or caffeine all over-stimulate the adrenal glands, leaving them unable to produce testosterone. Alcohol and cigarettes also decrease energy levels and are not conducive to testosterone stimulation. A good doctor or nutritionist can set up a good personal plan for you to eat right and enjoy the kinds of foods to help your testosterone levels.
Tags: testosterone levels, increase testosterone, associated with, healthy diet, high zinc, improve testosterone
