Key foods to boost testosterone in the body for both men and women – RSVP Live

Testosterone is a key hormone for both men and women, meaning it is important for everyone to pay attention to how it is being managed in our bodies.

It is now Movember, which sees men all over the world try to raise awareness and be more in tune about male health issues -- which levels of low testosterone can cause.

However, it is important for women to boost testosterone - although they produce smaller amounts, it is still a vital hormone in the female body.

If you have low levels of testosterone, you may experience symptoms such as decreased sex drive, less energy, weight gain, feelings of depression, moodiness, low self-esteem and thinner bones amongst other things.

One way to boost testosterone in the body is by eating the correct foods which will help production of the hormone.

The Marian Gluck Clinic has shared the top testosterone-boosting foods to include in your diet - all of which can be incorporated in different recipes and mealtimes.

Garlic contains a compound called allicin which can be useful for lowering your cortisol levels. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal gland, which is where testosterone is produced. When your body is under stress it produces cortisol and this has an impact on other bodily functions, including the production of testosterone. Therefore, by reducing the amount of cortisol in your system you allow testosterone to be produced more effectively by the adrenal gland. So whilst garlic doesnt itself act as a testosterone boosting food, it is a cortisol reducer and by association boosts testosterone levels.

Almonds contain high levels of the mineral zinc which is known to raise testosterone levels in people who are zinc deficient. If you are low in zinc this could stop the pituitary gland from releasing some of the key hormones for stimulating testosterone production. By eating zinc rich foods, you can help make sure this doesnt happen and avoid a reduction in your testosterone levels.

Spinach has long been considered one of the best testosterone boosting foods around. One of the most popular super foods, it was Popeyes food of choice for a reason! Spinach is a natural source of magnesium which has been shown to correlate positively with testosterone levels. Spinach also contains vitamin B6 and Iron which are both excellent testosterone boosters.

Lemons, along with other citrus fruits, are great testosterone boosting foods! Much like garlic they help to lower your levels of cortisol which means testosterone can be more readily produced. Not only that but they contain vitamin A which is required for the production of testosterone and can help lower estrogen level which means testosterone can be more effective.

Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain which is known to help boost testosterone levels. Bananas are also excellent for maintaining energy levels and reducing antioxidants so make the perfect on the go snack.

Porridge oats are an excellent source of B Vitamins which are key for good testosterone production. There are a number of different B Vitamins, many of which are found in testosterone boosting foods. One B Vitamin which plays a very direct role in testosterone production is Vitamin B6 which supresses the production of estrogen, thereby helping testosterone levels to rise. Oats are an excellent source of a variety of B Vitamins and therefore are one of a range of excellent testosterone boosting foods.

If you think you may have low testosterone levels seek medical advice. Your symptoms may be down to a hormonal imbalance. The Marion Gluck Clinic treat a range of symptoms that can be reduced and even irradicated by bio-identical hormonal replacement treatment.

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Key foods to boost testosterone in the body for both men and women - RSVP Live