Testosterone is the dominant male sex hormone that is responsible for aggression, strength, sexual health, fertility, muscle mass, definition, libido, and much more besides. Because of this, boosting our natural testosterone levels can be particularly helpful, especially when it comes to muscle mass, as well as libido and sex drive as well. Bodybuilders and individuals looking to increase their muscle mass tend to use testosterone compounds, as well as natural testosterone boosters, to help increase the levels of this hormone within their bodies.
As we hit puberty, our testosterone levels go mad and reach their peak in our late teens – early twenties. After that, however, they gradually begin to decline, so obviously as we grow older, the lower our testosterone levels drop. The good news, however, is that we are able to greatly increase our levels of this hormone in a number of ways, and because of that reason, here’s a look at 6 top natural testosterone boosters and methods which have been proven to spike natural testosterone levels in no time at all.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a natural herbal ingredient that is native mainly to eastern Asia. It has many potential health properties, but its main use is to naturally increase testosterone levels. Because of this, health stores and supplement companies all across the globe sell a great abundance of this herb every single year, mainly to men who happen to be looking to boost their testosterone levels. Not only can it help contribute towards lean muscle growth and repair, but it also helps boost libido and sex drive, which is also a great benefit in most people’s eyes.
Lift more weights
Another fantastic natural testosterone booster is to actually head to the gym and pump some iron in the first place. Studies have shown that exercise, in general, is an effective test booster, but weight and resistance training in particular has been proven to be one of the most effective natural testosterone boosters you could ever wish for.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to lift weights like a bodybuilder, or indeed look like a bodybuilder to benefit from the testosterone boosting effects of weight training. Any form of consistent weight training is an effective way of boosting testosterone production within the body, as well as human growth hormones in the process, so if you need any more reason to head to the gym and lift weights, there’s your motivation.
Get a decent night’s sleep
As far as natural testosterone boosters go, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more natural method of doing so than by getting more sleep. Lack of sleep, or erratic sleeping patterns, have both been found to greatly reduce an individuals’ testosterone levels, and what’s more, during the day on less sleep, testosterone levels can dip dramatically from early afternoon up until late evening. Generally, you should aim to get around 7 – 9 hours of sleep, try to get to sleep and get up at the same time each day, and if possible, try to get to sleep before midnight.
Eat healthy fats
For years upon years, we were led to believe that all fat was bad for us, especially from a health and fitness perspective, but recently we’ve discovered that that is not the case at all. Yes, some fats are bad, particularly trans fats and saturated fats in non-animal products, but some fats, poly and mono-unsaturated fats, for example, have been found to be incredibly healthy and beneficial for us.
What’s more, these healthy fats have also been found to play a key role in the production of natural testosterone levels within the body. One recent study actually noted that individuals who switched from a diet relatively high in healthy fats to a diet low in the same fats had much lower testosterone levels than those who remained on a high-fat diet. Look for healthy fats such as oily fish, avocados, coconut and olive oil, nuts, and seeds for example.
Oysters
Oysters are drastically underrated seafood, both in the taste and the health departments, and with natural testosterone production, the benefits of oysters really become apparent. Oysters are considered an aphrodisiac because they’re able to increase testosterone so efficiently. Oysters, in particular, are especially rich in mineral zinc, which has been found to play a very important role in testosterone formation. Individuals who suffer from a zinc deficiency, for example, are able to more than double their testosterone levels by supplementing with zinc and consuming foods rich in zinc, such as oysters. They’re also high in protein and low in fat and calories as well.
Natural testosterone boosters
Finally, as we’re looking for methods of naturally boosting testosterone, what better way than by using natural testosterone boosters? Natural testosterone boosters are often enriched with Tribulus Terrestris, ginseng, zinc, amino acids, and many more vitamins and minerals which have been scientifically proven to help increase testosterone levels. More often than not, these supplements come in pill or tablet form and have to be consumed throughout the day with a whole food source for rapid absorption. There are many natural testosterone boosters on the market, many of which work great, so read reviews, take your time, and always purchase from reputable suppliers.