Category: Foods

Soy and Testosterone: The Hamilton-Reeves Meta-Analysis, Honest Evidence, and Practical Guidelines

There are lots of foods and natural supplements that can improve men’s fitness and performance by boosting androgen levels. Soy and testosterone, however, isn’t a combination that many consider beneficial.

Soy foods have been under a lot of flak lately due to scientific studies reporting of its detrimental effects on hormonal balance. Even the term “soy boy” has emerged to make fun of effeminate men.

So, is there truth in that? Does soy kill testosterone?

Is there an actual need to stay away from it?

Let’s find out what’s really going on here.

The Many Faces of Soy

Soy has been a staple food in Asian cuisine for centuries.

It’s more or less part of the local culture to use lots of soy in meals. Historical research even shows that soybeans have been grown in China since early 9,000 BC.

Lots of strong and fertile men have come from China—it even boasts one of the highest populations in the world. And the rest of the world has come to use soy widely in food over the years.

Soy includes a wide variety of foods, including whole soy foods like edamame and tofu, fermented soy products like soy sauce and miso, and more processed soy-based foods like some yogurts and cheeses.

Heck, even soy supplements exist!

And still, soy might have an effect on testosterone levels. But how?

Soy and Testosterone: A Rocky Relationship

The potential culprit here, which we must investigate, is phytoestrogen.

Soy has high quantities of this stuff. Some studies pointed towards a link between phytoestrogen and hormonal imbalance in men. All in all, this resulted in the consensus that soy and flax, both of which have high phytoestrogen content, must be avoided at all costs.

Soy, in particular, has a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones that might just be the key to answering our questions. Let’s find out more.

Isoflavones: What Are They?

Soybeans contain estrogen-like molecules called isoflavones. It is believed that these biomolecules are the very reason for the feminizing effects observed in those who regularly have soy in their diets.

As previously mentioned, they’re a class of phytoestrogen—which is basically a plant-derived compound that mimics the action of estrogen in the body. This is a very likely cause of hormonal imbalance in men.

And, no surprise there, soy beans and soy products contain lots of it. Animal studies have shown negative effects of phytoestrogens on testosterone levels and erectile function.

It’s the stuff of nightmares, especially to anyone who is trying to reach peak masculinity. Imagine having your progress undone just because you’ve chowed down on meals containing soy.

But hold your horses—or your rats! These studies were all conducted on lab rats, whose metabolic functions are, at least somewhat, different from ours.

Uncovering the Real Impact of Soy

Is soy’s reputation as a testosterone killer truly warranted? Or, is it just getting a bad rep based on years of misinformation?

Unfortunately, we do have a few studies that involve not just phytoestrogens in general, but soy specifically. And not just its effects on rats, but on men.

Let’s delve into the scary stuff first.

In 2008, Harvard researchers studied the semen of 99 men along with their soy and isoflavone intake over the course of three months. They discovered that soy and isoflavone did have a negative effect on sperm count.

Basically, men who ate lots of soy foods had about 41 million less sperm per milliliter than the men who did not eat soy foods.

A counterbalance to that study is another one from 2010, which was conducted by scientists from the University of Guelph in Ontario.

They analyzed the semen quality of 32 men. Some of these participants ate a lot of soy protein for 57 days, while others had little to none of it. Surprisingly, there was no noticeable effect.

The main difference between the two studies is that the Guelph study used healthy subjects, while the Harvard study used sub-fertile subjects.

This means it might just be people with preexisting fertility issues who have reason to fear soy.

In support of that idea, another 2010 study, this time conducted in Minnesota, yielded similar results—neither soy foods nor isolated soy compounds proved to be detrimental to men’s testosterone levels. At least, not on a major scale.

And, there’s another study that seems to point towards the same conclusion, particularly that soy protein intake doesn’t have much of an impact on sex hormones.

Another reason you don’t have to worry too much about soy products like soy sauce is the fact that they’re heavily fermented.

These have greatly reduced estrogenic potential due to the fermentation process. So, they’re probably not the isoflavone monsters some make them out to be.

Likewise, products that have undergone prolonged cooking times or have passed through an ultra-filtration process have their isoflavone content significantly lowered.

Final Verdict: Err on the Side of Caution

Given all this speculation and research, where should soy be on the list of foods to avoid?

The truth is, there’s no reason to fear it. At the same time, it shouldn’t be in your diet every day either.

Even if phytoestrogens don’t really have a notable effect on testosterone, it’s still not good for men to ingest.

Those with normal hormonal levels don’t have to go out of their way to avoid this just to be masculine. However, men with preexisting hormonal imbalance issues might want to stay away.

You wouldn’t want extra estrogens, no matter how little, to screw up your whole hormonal situation.

In short, soy isn’t really good, and it isn’t really bad either.

Its effect on testosterone could be a minor side effect, which is still questionable at best, but if that still worries you, then by all means avoid it.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Even if soy has potential benefits to offer, knowing that there’s a chance of it interfering with your testosterone makes it a questionable choice—especially if you’re after achieving your ideal physique and improving your masculine qualities.

Now, with this deeper understanding of soy and testosterone, what’s left for you to do? Well, you could check this article for a comprehensive list of foods you can eat to naturally boost your testosterone levels.

October 22, 2019
Foods With the Highest Dietary Nitrate Content: Ranked, Mechanism, and Practical Daily Use

Doctors, nutritionists, and sport scientists often recommend enriching the diet with foods with the highest nitrate content. This is due to nitrates being an essential component in your body’s production of nitric oxide (NO), which is the compound responsible for keeping your blood vessels flexible and dilating them when needed to control blood pressure.

From there, the main use of NO might seem to be as simple as keeping your blood flow healthy.

However, nitric oxide production goes well beyond maintaining a healthy blood flow throughout your body. Its importance becomes evident when insufficient production of NO increases your chances for atherosclerosis, hypertension, and chronic inflammation.

Optimal nitric oxide production improves erectile function, immune function, physical performance, and neuroprotection in the brain. It may also decrease cancer risk and post-workout muscle soreness.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Now that we have established the importance of nitric oxide, here’s a quick list of the foods with the highest nitrate content to support its production:

1. Arugula

This plant also goes by the following names: rucola, rocket, and colewort. Its leaves are known for its fresh, peppery, tart, and bitter flavor. Use it raw in salads, pizza, and as garnish, or chopped and cooked with omelettes, seafood, and boiled potatoes.

100 g of fresh arugula contains up to 480mg of nitrates.

2. Beet Greens

Beet greens contain high levels of inorganic nitrate that can help nitric oxide production in the body. Saute it in olive oil and mix it into your egg, pasta, or rice dishes. Beet greens go well with other nitrate-rich foods like mustard greens and spinach.

3. Beetroot

Beetroot contains very high levels of nitrates (more than 250 mg per 100 g) according to a scientific review of nitrate-rich foods. It is often juiced and used as a pre-workout or breakfast smoothie. Features an earthy and gritty taste that goes well in salads, soups, sides, and sandwiches.

4. Bok Choy

Bok choy is a cabbage variant popular in Southeast Asia and Southern China. It has a nitrate content of around 102 to 309 mg per 100 g.

Bok choy has a similar appearance to Swiss chard and comes in three variants: light green leaves, white stem with dark green leaves, and moderate green leaves. These are popular ingredients in stir-fry and sautéed vegetable dishes. Goes well with endive, garlic, sesame oil, chicken, eggs, and noodles.

5. Carrot

Carrots contain around 92 to 195 mg of nitrates per 100g. It’s also high in Vitamin A, C, and K; magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Try roasting, stewing, or stir-frying carrots for a change. Also, they are just delicious in their raw form or paired with a healthy dip.

6. Celery

Celery contains very high amounts of nitrates. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, choline and folate.

Try celery raw as part of your salad or by itself, with a yogurt or peanut butter dip. You can also stir-fry it or add it as an ingredient to your chicken or tuna salad.

7. Chervil

Chervil contains more than 250 mg of nitrates per 100g. It has a sweet and soothing taste with a faint hint similar to that of licorice or aniseed. Best used in soups and other mild-tasting dishes.

8. Chinese Cabbage

Often mistaken for bok choy. Chinese cabbage leaves have a lighter color than any of the bok choy variants. It shares similarities to the appearance of the Swiss chard and Romaine lettuce.

Chinese cabbage has an estimated nitrate content between 43 to 161 mg per 100 g. It goes well in salads, stews, and stir-fry dishes.

9. Cress

Also known as garden cress, this green has a peppery and tangy taste and aroma. Its sprouts, and fresh or dried seed pods are used in soups, sandwiches, and salads. Cress features a nitrate content exceeding 250mg per 100g.

10. Endive

This is another food item exceeding a nitrate content of 250mg per 100g in this list. Endive leaves are crunchy with a slightly bitter taste that becomes mellow when cooked. You can eat it raw as part of your salad or try steaming, grilling, or braising this green.

11. Leek

Leeks have a nitrate content ranging from 100 to 250 mg per 100 g. It has a mild onion taste. You can eat leeks raw or cooked. In general, it’s a fabulous ingredient in soups, dips, vinaigrettes, and salads.

12. Lettuce

Lettuce contains more than 250 mg of nitrates in every 100g. It has a mild nutty flavor. Use it in salads, sandwiches, and hamburgers.

13. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens contain 70 to 95 mg of nitrates per 100 g. This food has a strong bitter taste which earned it its other name – “bitter greens”. You can eat mustard greens fresh but their bitter taste might be overpowering. Braise or steam them to tone down the bitterness a bit.

14. Parsley

Parsley contains around 100 to 250 mg of nitrates per 100 g. Although often used as a garnish, it has a bright taste that can balance dishes with opposing flavors.

15. Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice contains an average of 13 mg of nitrates per liter. This delicious drink is often used as a way to improve exercise performance, erectile function, and cardiovascular health.

16. Rhubarb

Rhubarb contains around 250 mg of nitrate per 100 grams. Featuring large triangular green leaves with crimson red, pink, or light green stalks, its stalks taste like green apples. Rhubarb has a sour taste when raw and a sweeter flavor when cooked.

17. Spinach

Aside from containing more than 250 mg of nitrates per 100 g, spinach is also a good source of Vitamins A, K, and C, iron, and folate. Widely used in Chinese, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine.

18. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard has a nitrate content of more than 250 mg per 100 grams. It has a similar taste to beet greens and spinach. Goes well in stir-fry, sautéed, and salad dishes.

19. Turnips

Turnips contain high amounts of nitrates. Young turnips have a taste similar to carrots but older ones tend to have a slightly bitter taste. They’re often sautéed in butter with garlic and pepper.

The Verdict

What’s great about nitrates is that they do not deteriorate from cooking.

So, you can pair the nitrate-rich foods in this article with any of the items from our testosterone-boosting foods list and get yourself some extra health benefits.

Talk about a fabulous double action for men!

September 2, 2019
Oyster Extract for Men: Zinc Mechanism, Honest Testosterone Picture, and Stack Placement
One particular testosterone booster is getting great reviews and yielding positive results lately. It’s called oyster extract.

However, is it really potent when it comes to increasing energy levels, both at the gym and in the bedroom?

Well, you’ll have to consider that testosterone is a key male hormone and an essential anabolic element. It improves libido, enhances muscle recovery, and helps build lean muscle mass.

Let’s take a look at how oyster extract could help with your testosterone levels.

What Exactly Is Oyster Extract?

Oyster extract is basically dried up and powdered oyster meat stuffed into capsules or tablets for easier consumption.

If manufactured with consideration to the time of harvest, oyster extract contains all 59 trace elements needed by the body. It’s also loaded with amino acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Oyster is also known as the best natural source of zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral both for general health and testosterone production.

The use of oyster extract isn’t new though. Eastern folks have been taking it for centuries as a remedy for erectile dysfunction and liver cleansing.

However, only in recent decades have medical and scientific research proven that oyster, particularly its zinc content, is beneficial to health.

In fact, zinc controls the reaction of more than 300 enzymes in the human body. These enzymes affect the way we think, feel, and look.

Who Needs More Oyster

Men who are not getting enough zinc may take oyster extract as a health supplement.

However, how would you know if you’re likely deficient in this particular nutrient?

Simple! Just go through this checklist:
- You’ve been consuming too much alcohol.Excessive alcohol intake causes the kidneys to excrete high amounts of zinc, meaning you end up flushing down your supplies of the mineral.
- You’re currently on a vegan or vegetarian diet.Zinc can only be found in minimal amounts in non-animal food sources. Extensive and careful planning is often necessary to continuously meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) for zinc when on such diets.
- You’ve already hit your golden years.Zinc absorption drops as we age. And so, the unfortunate truth is that the older we get, the less zinc we get from the food we eat.This further highlights the need for supplementation.
- checkYou’re into bodybuilding or intense athletic pursuits.Zinc is released through perspiration—in other words, the more you sweat, the less zinc you have available. To stay perfectly healthy, you’ll need to keep up with the amount you’re losing.
- checkYou’re sexually active.Each time you orgasm, you lose roughly 5 milligrams of zinc and your testosterone drops a bit. Oyster extract, being a source of zinc and a T-booster, is well suited for supporting your adventures in the bedroom. Fun fact! Giacomo Casanova, the legendary 18th century lover, supposedly ate 50 oysters for breakfast and several dozens more throughout the day. Now you know why. 😉
Perks to Ponder Upon

Regardless of your lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and age, you may still enjoy the many perks associated with oyster extract. Do note, however, that the extent of these benefits may vary from one person to another.

Boosts Energy

Oyster extract is an excellent source of glutathione, meaning it can help indirectly in reducing oxidative stress—something that can cause fatigue, especially among with demanding lifestyles.

Some of the most stressed-out individuals include athletes and employees. Still, anyone who’s often exposed to chemical and environmental stress (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption) is likely to benefit from a potent antioxidant.

Improves Sexual Performance and Virility

Testosterone greatly affects sexual health and oyster extract provides the body with the required nutrients for the production of this hormone, such as vitamin D and zinc.

Erectile dysfunction and impotence are common to men aged 60 and above. It’s a good thing that oyster extract can help improve sperm quality, increase sperm count, and even prevent prostate swelling.

Enhances Immunity

Oyster extract has been proven to boost the immune system by giving the body additional vitamin C. As you may know, this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant.

The high zinc content of the oyster extract also improves the body’s production of immune cells, making it more capable of fighting off both bacteria and viruses.

Supports Heart Health

Heart issues are common in aging men, so they could benefit from a supplement that would keep their cholesterol within the healthy range. Oyster extract can improve lipid metabolism, which in turn can help with chronic high blood pressure.

Slows Down Aging

Antioxidants are nature’s fountain of youth as they renew the cells and protect them from free radicals that cause premature aging and disease.

Oyster extract contains antioxidants that can improve keratin and collagen production for younger-looking hair, skin, and nails.

Zinc and Antidepressants

People who take antidepressants are prone to many of their side effects.

One of them is a significant decrease in energy levels. Since antidepressants are designed to calm the patient, this can also lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.

A study was carried out by Japanese doctors on a group of patients that included both individuals diagnosed with depression and those not suffering from the condition. Each of the subjects was given specific doses of oyster extract.

After only a few days, all subjects exhibited increased energy levels and there were no rebound scenarios even after the trial. The ones with an existing diagnosis showed reduced markers for depression.

Both depressed and healthy subjects didn’t experience any adverse side effects. They all felt that their energy increased and that their feeling of fatigue disappeared.

Simply put, oyster extract may benefit those who are currently taking antidepressants by lifting their mood and making them more energetic, possibly improving their quality of life by a large margin.

And One Last Thing…

Just to be perfectly clear, however, this particular supplement isn’t entirely incapable of causing adverse reactions. Those who have allergic reactions to seafood might get the same effect when supplementing with oyster extract.

For anyone else who isn’t allergic, well, there should be no adverse reactions when consuming oyster extract within the recommended amount. But, it’s always better to talk to your doctor before taking a new supplement, no matter how safe it may seem.

Remember that different supplements have varying amounts of oyster extract in them, despite most products being set at 500 milligrams per tablet or capsule—with Swanson’s Japanese Oyster Extract being a great example.

Swanson Japanese Oyster Extract
August 25, 2019
Natural Viagra for Men: 13 Evidence-Based Alternatives, Compared

Viagra is always the first thing your doctor prescribes for erectile dysfunction, but, with its side effects and risks for those with diabetes and hypertension, a natural and healthier alternative to cure erectile dysfunction is always preferable. Here are some of the most effective types of natural Viagra for men:

1. Arginine

Nitric oxide is the substance that is essential for vasodilation – which refers to the dilation of your blood vessels that occur when the walls are relaxed. Vasodilation is the mechanism that enables more blood to flow into your penis to make an erection possible.

Your body requires the amino acid arginine to create nitric oxide. It is for this reason that arginine supplementation has been found to nitric oxide in the bloodstream.

However, similar to other nitric oxide-related supplements, increased nitric oxide levels can only be observed in healthy individuals who engage in a low to moderate amount of physical activity. Highly-trained healthy individuals do not seem to experience increased nitric oxide levels from the same amount of supplementation.

Foods rich in arginine include turkey breast, pork loin, chicken breast, and dairy products.

2. Watermelon

The rind of the watermelon is rich with the amino acid citrulline. This amino acid is used by the body to produce arginine.

Citrulline can be recycled by the body to produce more nitric oxide. This is evident with how citrulline supplementation can increase nitric oxide by as much eight times as the amount of the said amino acid.

3. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains significant amounts of the flavonoid epicatechin. This flavonoid can improve your erection by enhancing your blood flow and testosterone levels.

The increase in blood flow arises from the enhanced production of nitric oxide. And, as mentioned previously, this substance is crucial for prompting and maintaining an erection.

As for the increase in testosterone levels, it is due to the stimulation of the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. These hormones are the ones responsible for prompting theLeydig cells found in your testes to produce testosterone.

Be sure to only choose dark chocolate that contains a minimum of 70% cacao. Milk chocolate is unacceptable as most of its natural flavonols have been removed.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

4. Oysters

You’ve heard stories of Casanova consuming oysters for its aphrodisiac effects. Now, modern science actually agrees.

According to research, oysters contain substances that can increase libido. Tests confirmed this when ananimal test subjects showed an increase in initiative to mate.

However, claims on the oyster’s ability to boost physical endurance are unfounded. Also, the increase in libido is only evident after consuming 50 milligrams of oyster extract per kilogram of bodyweight.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli contains the organic compound glucobrassicin that breaks down into diindolylmethane (DIM) upon digestion. When it is absorbed into your bloodstream, DIM encourages your body to metabolize estrogen, which causes estrogen levels to drop.

Another product of this more active estrogen metabolism is the chemical compound hyroxy-estrogen. This chemical compound can displace sex hormone-binding globulin from SHBG-bound testosterone. The displacement frees up bound androgens and causes your free testosterone levels to increase. Testosterone is useless while it is bound to SHBG.

6. Bananas

Bananas are abundant in the enzyme bromelain. This enzyme can manage the symptoms of diabetes and hypertension – both of which contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Bromelain can also remove clots that develop along the blood vessels. These blood clots can actually block blood flow to your penis and cause erectile dysfunction.

Bananas also contain significant amounts of potassium and riboflavin (vitamin B2). These micronutrients boost your body’s ability to generate energy, which could obviously help you to perform better in the bedroom.

7. Pomegranate

Pomegranate, particularly its juice, has been widely studied for its benefits on erectile dysfunction. Its effects are mainly attributed to its high content of potent antioxidants.

These antioxidants protect the nitric oxide molecule from free radical damage. With this protection, your body has more nitric oxide available for various uses in your body.

Also, this high antioxidant content protects the nerve and muscle tissues responsible for eliciting the hormonal response to sexual stimulus.

Black Maca Powder

8. Maca

Maca, also known as Peruvian Ginsend, is a plant native to the Andes of Peru. Its root is traditionally used as an aid for enhancing fertility and libido.

Based on various studies, maca root provides these benefits by helping the body cope with stress. And, as your body becomes more able to cope with stress, stress-related ailments (like sexual dysfunction and hypertension) also improve.

Improved sperm count, fertility, and seminal volume was evident in males with poor fertility after four months of supplementation.

9. Korean Black Ginseng

In some cases of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone could actually be the issue due to a poor lifestyle or an underlying health condition. Korean black ginseng can help with this problem by stimulating your Leydig cells to increase your testosterone production.

And, thanks to the increase in testosterone production, you could get better bedroom performance as it improves muscle function and endurance.

10. Yohimbe

Yohimbe is a tree native to central Africa. It is valued for its extract that contains the active ingredient yohimbine.

This ingredient is compatible with the receptors that prompt the release of nitric oxide in the smooth muscles. Studies have shown it being effective in increasing nitric oxide levels and libido.

11. Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed is a flowering plant used in traditional Chinese medicine as an aid for erectile dysfunction. This is due to it containing high amounts of the flavonoid icariin.

Icariin is a naturally occurring compound that has been confirmed by studies to act as a PDE5 inhibitor. PDE5 inhibition is basically the mechanism by which Viagra words, but in this case, you can get it from a natural source.

Like Viagra or sildenafil, it does not affect your testosterone levels as it only prompts your body to boost nitric oxide production.

Horny Goat Weed

12. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a tree with fan-shaped leaves. It is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for conditions related to poor blood flow.

Research on its benefits supports this use in traditional medicine. Studies have shown that it increases blood circulation by promoting nitric oxide release along the blood vessels.

It is this increase in nitric oxide activity that makes it a viable aid in restoring erection and sexual vitality.

13. Black Ginger

Black ginger, or kaempferia parviflora, is a root used in traditional Thai medicine. It is popularly used by Muay Thai fighters as it is believed to increase their vigor, endurance, and strength.

It has been proven to contain significant amounts of antioxidants, improves sensitivity to erotic stimuli, promotes nitric oxide production, and may increase penile girth and length (not proven).

Create a Lifestyle That Supports Your Sexual Health

If you’re someone who has a sedentary lifestyle, excessively drinks, and a habitual smoker, a time will come when you have difficulty achieving an erection.

Take advantage of the excellent natural viagra for men mentiones above and prevent the embarassment that comes with it.

Although these have been proven to work, be sure to combine them with an overall healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and good food choices.

September 4, 2018
5 High Testosterone Foods You Should Actually Be Eating: The Honest Evidence Ranking
In one of our previous posts, we have provided you with the ultimate list of foods that can boost testosterone levels. Now, we’re here to give the top 5 high testosterone foods you must be eating.

We understand that it can be intimidating to choose which foods to buy. That’s why we have also taken the foods’ availability into consideration.

Knowing what causes lower testosterone levels and what to avoid might sometimes be better than knowing what to pick. However, in this article you get to know both.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Causes That Lower Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone levels can affect your overall health. Some negative effects that you may experience include fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and osteoporosis.

If you experience any symptom, get checked immediately and ask your doctor about prescription drugs or supplements that can help boost your male hormone. You can also go for the safer and cheaper option—natural ways to increase your testosterone levels.

The reasons why levels of testosterone decline are unknown in many cases. But, here are some known causes of low testosterone levels:
- HIV/AIDS
- Genetic Abnormalities
- Medications
- Pituitary Diseases
- High Prolactin Levels
- Trauma
- Castration
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
Your lifestyle and food choices also affect your T-levels. A study shows that an unhealthy diet, especially in men who are aged 45 and above, results in declining testosterone levels.

Another study was conducted involving about 8,500 adults and children. It showed that eating junk food exposes people to phthalates.

When you’re more exposed to phthalates, your testosterone levels can decrease by up to 29%.

5 Foods With Natural Testosterone Boosting Effects

1. Pomegranate

Not only is pomegranate delicious, it’s also a good source of vitamins C and A. These vitamins aid in preventing nitric oxide breakdown in the body.

A study on the effects of pomegranate shows that it can increase sperm count and testosterone production. Other positive effects of pomegranate include:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts immune system
- Helps prevent cartilage damage and osteoarthritis
- Improves digestion
We recommend that you make your own fresh pomegranate juice. Commercially made juices often contain huge amounts of sugar and preservatives which can end up doing more harm than good for your body.

There are other foods that have the same effects as pomegranate:
- Citrus fruits
- Ginger
- Grapes
- Onions
- Celery
2. Oysters

The popular belief that oysters are great aphrodisiacs has scientific basis.

Oysters contain high amounts of zinc which boosts the body’s testosterone levels. They’re also rich in vitamin D, selenium, and magnesium.

According to research, having zinc deficiency will cause your testosterone levels to decline.

If oysters aren’t available in your area, there are readily available foods which are also rich in zinc:
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Breakfast cereal
- Beef
- Low-fat or non-fat milk
Oysters also contain Omega-3 fatty acids that are usually found in fish. Omega-3 can help prevent heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even depression.

3. Eggs

Eggs are packed with healthy cholesterol which plays a big role in increasing testosterone levels. It’s a misconception that eating eggs regularly is unhealthy.

Eggs also contain protein, vitamin D, and amino acids. This makes eggs a great source for increasing resistance, endurance, and muscle recovery as well. That’s why they have become a popular addition to bodybuilders and athlete’s diets.

Other foods that can increase your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) a.k.a. “good cholesterol” are:
- Olive oil
- Whole grains
- Fruits high in fiber
- Flax
- Nuts
D-aspartic acid can also be found in eggs. A study has found that D-aspartic acid can increase testosterone levels in middle-aged and young men who aren’t physically active.

Note that D-aspartic acid isn’t as effective for young men who do weight training. A study showed that their testosterone levels didn’t change. So if you’re physically active, you might not be able to reap the benefits of the D-aspartic acid in eggs.

4. Organic Meat

Meats such as beef, lamb, or chicken have high-protein content and healthy fats. These can boost testosterone levels in your body.

However, we highly recommend that you only consume organic, grass-fed beef and other meats. These are more nutritious and leaner.

Consuming commercially bred meats might do more harm than good.

Meats that come from animals raised commercially are often treated with growth hormones. These can have disastrous effects on your own hormones.

Also, excessive protein intake may even lower testosterone levels, so watch your daily protein intake.

Here are other foods rich in protein:
- Dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat milk)
- Soy products (tofu, soybeans, soy milk)
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nuts
5. Beans

If you need more zinc and protein in your body, you can also include beans in your diet.

White beans and kidney beans are protein-rich foods that are great alternatives to meat.

Beans are also good sources of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals such as:
- Vitamin B6
- Thiamin
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Another kind of bean that needs to be in your diet is the fava bean.

Fava beans contain L-dopa, which increases the brain’s dopamine levels and growth hormone levels. And when the levels of growth hormone increase, the Leydig cells in the testes will be able to produce more testosterone.

Featured Testosterone-Boosting Food: Fenugreek

Fenugreek has often been used in cooking. But, it’s now considered as a supplement for boosting testosterone levels.

Fenugreek also has a lot of health benefits:
- Lowers levels of LDL cholesterol
- Improves muscle mass and strength
- Helps improve digestion
- Increases sex drive
But like all good things, consuming too much fenugreek may also have side effects.
- Digestive system issues (stomach ache, diarrhea, and bloating)
- Hypotension
- Gynecomastia
Testosterone is the most significant anabolic hormone in the body, and it’s building blocks are literally formed by the foods you eat.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Conclusion

Eating foods that help increase testosterone levels will have positive effects on your overall health. If you’re experiencing any symptom that your testosterone levels are declining, you may need to make changes in your diet.

Include foods high in protein like organic meats, eggs, and beans, as well as zinc-rich foods like oysters in your diet. Also, don’t forget fresh pomegranate that’s rich in vitamins C and A.

Consuming these foods in right amounts will help boost your testosterone levels.

Now that we’ve given you a list of 5 high testosterone foods you must be eating, there’s no reason not to get that testosterone level boost that you need.
September 3, 2018
How to Increase Libido in Men: The Honest Foundational + Acute Intervention Stack
Having strong sex drive indicates that your health is in an excellent condition, so if you’re having issues in bed you may need to make some changes in your lifestyle, including your diet. Learn how to increase libido in men quickly through this quick guide.

Eat T-Boosting Foods

There are many foods that act as natural aphrodisiacs. They help boost testosterone levels, reverse erectile dysfunction, and increase your libido in a safe and natural way.
- Watermelon – Watermelon contains phytonutrients (beta-carotene, lycopene, and citrulline) which help relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, thereby increasing their functionality and consequently, sex drive.Citrulline converts into arginine upon entering the body. Arginine increases availability of nitric oxide in the body, which in turn helps increase testosterone levels.
- Eggs – Egg yolks are rich in cholesterol, which the body needs to maintain high testosterone levels and sperm count. Egg whites, on the other hand, contain protein for muscle-building.Eggs are also a rich source of vitamins B5, B6, and D which help maintain hormonal balance and relieve stress. Eating this food is sure to give you a harder erection and increased energy and stamina.
- Bananas – Due to their high levels of bromelain, B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium, bananas make a powerful energy- and T-boosting food.During workout, T levels and sex drive typically go down. But according to this study, supplementing with bromelain prevents testosterone levels from dropping during and after intense exercise.
- Pumpkin Seeds – Pumpkin seeds contain rich amounts of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both essential for increasing male libido and testosterone levels. Zinc is also instrumental in producing healthy sperm.
- Dark Chocolate – High quality dark chocolate (cacao) has been shown to help with the production of serotonin and phenylethylamine, resulting in elevated mood and increased libido. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants which improve immunity and overall sense of well-being.
Many other foods naturally stimulate testosterone production and enhance your performance in bed. These include avocados, almonds, brazil nuts, goji berries, spinach, black raspberries, cayenne pepper, tongkat ali, Korean ginseng, desert hyacinth (cistanche deserticola), and many more.

Avoid These Foods
- Fried Foods – Fried and greasy foods often contain trans-fats which increase abnormal sperm production in men. Trans-fat also has negative effects on general health, especially on cardiovascular health.
- Processed Foods – These foods contain chemicals and artificial ingredients which adversely affect T production and impair sexual performance.
- Sugar – A 2013 study shows that glucose consumption reduced testosterone levels in the blood by 25% on average, regardless of whether the male subject had pre-diabetes, diabetes, or glucose tolerance. T levels also remained at low levels after sugar consumption.
- Cow’s Milk – Milk, cheese, cream, and all other dairy products often contain synthetic hormones which negatively affect testosterone and estrogen levels.
- High-Sodium Foods – These foods can cause high blood pressure which consequently reduces blood flow to the genitals. Processed and canned foods are examples of high-sodium foods.
- Factory-Farmed Meat – This type of meat contains antibiotics and added hormones which disrupt hormonal balance when consumed by humans. Always choose grass-fed meat products.
- Caffeine – Caffeine can increase energy but overindulgence in it can have unpleasant effects on your sex life.
- Alcohol – Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages reduces sexual desire, sensitivity, and sexual arousal. Limit alcohol intake to just one glass of red wine.Red wine contains antioxidants that help widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the sex organs, just be sure to not overdo it.
Get Rid of Harmful Toxins

Many self-care products negatively impact the body’s hormonal balance. Shaving creams and lotions, for instance, contain parabens and phthalates which disrupt testosterone production and harm the testicles.

Moreover, plastic bottles contain BPA, which is also an anti-androgen, meaning they can disrupt the function and production of sex hormones in the body.

Seek natural alternatives when it comes to personal care products (e.g. deodorant, sunscreen, toothpaste, soap, etc.), as well as cleaning products. Use environment-friendly containers such as stainless-steel reusable bottles.

Take Your Supplements

Certain minerals and vitamins are highly essential in the production of testosterone and androgen. Be sure to get ample amounts of vitamins A and E, zinc, and selenium.

As much as possible, get your dose of these nutrients from natural foods. Otherwise, take your supplements to ensure your diet includes optimal levels of important vitamins and minerals.

Other natural supplements recommended for boosting libido in men are L-arginine, ginkgo biloba, maca, niacin (vitamin B3), and Tribulus. These supplements improve blood flow to the sexual organs, help with blood vessel vasodilation, and increase sexual desire naturally.

Exercise to Improve Sex Drive

According to research, regular exercise increases sex drive by improving blood circulation and increasing stamina. Any type of exercise will do – that includes weight lifting and aerobics like walking, running, biking, or swimming.

Yoga is another excellent option. It improves your flexibility which in turn enhances your performance in bed. It also improves blood flow and endurance.

You can also practice meditation to relax your mind and body and relieve stress. Stress is one of the major factors that contribute to loss of libido as it increases cortisol levels in the body.

Get 8-9 hours of sleep each night to boost your most essential male hormone. Maintain good sleeping environment by keeping your bedroom slightly cool and dark.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Get Enough Sleep

Quality sleep is vital for a sound mind, body, and libido, but having a hectic lifestyle can sometimes get in the way. Balancing work and family responsibilities can also leave you exhausted and reduce your sex drive.

In one study, participants who only had 5 hours of sleep every night for one week showed a drop in testosterone levels by 10-15%. While getting by with only a few hours of sleep may sound macho, it’s actually wearing down your testosterone.

As much as possible, hit the sack at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Limit screen times and do relaxing activities (e.g. read a light-themed book, take a warm bath) before bedtime to stimulate sleep.

Conclusion

By knowing how to increase libido in men quickly in a natural way, you can get rid of the need for artificial male enhancement products which, while effective, result in many unwanted side effects. By putting the above methods to use, you are sure to enjoy the pleasures of sex while keeping your general health in a peak condition!
September 2, 2018
10 Foods for Harder Erections, Backed by Research

Before you eat foods for harder erections, there are some crucial things you need to know. There are three elements for a healthy erection: healthy blood flow, healthy erectile tissue, and healthy sexual stimuli response.

Erectile dysfunction happens when any of these are negatively affected by a health condition. It could be due to poor cardiovascular health, decreased nerve response to stimulation, or substantial blood vessel oxidative stress.

Knowing this, logic would dictate that addressing these would be the solution to erectile dysfunction. This is why we’ve researched foods that have been proven to address these underlying causes.

Now, here are foods for hard erections and improved erectile function:

You are what you eat. It’s essential to know the types of foods you should be consuming in order to maximize the blood flow to your erectile tissue.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

1. Whole Grains

An erection requires blood to flow into the smooth muscles of your erectile tissue. To achieve this, your blood vessels serve as the pathways for blood to flow into these muscles.

It is for this reason that there’s more likelihood for individuals with cardiovascular disease or type-2 diabetes to have erectile dysfunction. Both conditions can damage the endothelium and smooth muscle that results in decreased blood circulation to the penis.

This is where a diet rich in whole grains can help you.

Due to its high fiber content, you absorb carbohydrates at a slower rate. This leads to slower blood sugar increase, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased vascular inflammation. These prevent and mitigate cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes.

2. Bananas

Bananas are great sources of potassium. It is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in generating and regulating heart muscle contractions.

By incorporating it to your diet, you are ensuring that your heart gets what it needs to be healthy and to keep the blood flowing in your body. In fact, deficiency of this mineral can lead to arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm.

Moreover, potassium improves a variety of health conditions that arise from a diet rich in salt. These health conditions include hypertension and endothelial dysfunction – both of which often result in decreased erectile function.

Aside from its role in keeping your cardiovascular system functioning, potassium also plays a crucial role in your nervous system. It generates nerve impulses through the movement of potassium ions into nerve cells.

It is these nerve impulses that trigger your corpora cavernosa to relax and let blood flow into the erectile tissue. Without adequate amounts of potassium, these nerve impulses are often reduced, which can result to erectile dysfunction.

3. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit are abundant in Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is essential in improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Particularly, it has been found to aid in keeping a healthy blood pressure and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Also, vitamin C plays a crucial role in nitric oxide synthesis and, consequently, vascular relaxation. Without the vascular relaxation induced by nitric oxide, an erection would not be possible as there would be no added blood flow to fill up the smooth muscles of the erectile tissue.

Other than that, citrus fruits are also great sources of the bioflavanoid quercetin. Like vitamin C, it increases nitric oxide levels and decreases blood pressure. It can also lower your LDL-cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol.

When its effects on erectile dysfunction were studied, citrus fruits have been found to decrease the incidence of erectile dysfunction among the test subjects by as much as fourteen percent. When combined with exercise, this increases to twenty-one percent.

4. Garlic

Being the male sex hormone, testosterone plays a crucial role for your erectile quality. Moreover, garlic has been observed to significantly increase testosterone levels while, simultaneously, decreasing cortisol levels.

Aside from this, it also increases nitric oxide production by directly activating your body’s endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) system. It also reduces inflammation and blood pressure that increases risk for atherosclerosis – a disease known to significantly decrease erectile function and quality.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, quercetin, resveratrol, and proantocyanidin. It is these substances that give blueberry the ability to decrease blood pressure and arterial stiffness, and improve contractions in vascular smooth muscle tissues.

Blueberries can also increase your testosterone levels. This is due to their resveratrol content. The naturally occurring polyphenol does this by boosting cholesterol-to-testosterone conversion, by decreasing the rate of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) degradation, and by activating androgen receptors.

6. Nitrate-Rich Vegetables

These vegetables include kale, arugula, beet greens, spinach, swiss chard, and butter leaf. These are rich in natural nitrates that are converted into nitric oxide by your gut. And, as mentioned before, having more nitric oxide circulating in your blood vessels improves the blood flow throughout your cardiovascular system.

Also, research has proven that increased intake of nitrates in the diet boosts the biological benefits of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway of your body. These include improving systemic and pulmonary hypertension which induces decreased erectile function.

7. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers contain the extract capsaicin. It is this compound that is responsible for the spicy heat of chili peppers.

Studies have shown that its consumption can boost smooth muscle relaxation by as much as fifty percent. This is attributed to capsaicin increasing nitric oxide content.

It also increases blood flow through increased stimulation of the nervous system and protects testosterone molecules in times of stress and hunger.

8. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are sometimes referred to as a natural Viagra. This is due to it being observed to increase the erectile strength and testosterone levels of an individual.

One study has shown that daily consumption of pomegranate for three years can significantly reduce arterial plaque, increase nitric oxide levels, reduce blood pressure, decrease bad cholesterol levels, and slow-down lipid oxidization.

As for testosterone, daily consumption has been shown to increase testosterone levels by as much as a quarter of baseline levels.

9. Walnuts

Walnuts contain significant amounts of the amino acid L-arginine. This amino acid is the pre-cursor needed by your body to synthesize nitric oxide.

It has also been attributed to improve erectile dysfunction in old age. This has been assumed due to its role in repairing and reversing damage of oxidative stress on blood vessels.

10. Raw Cacao

Raw cacao, or raw chocolate, can significantly lower the blood pressure of pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertension individuals. This is said to be due to its capability to increase nitric oxide production and promote production of healthy vascular cells.

By eating foods for harder erection and healthier erectile function, you’re making your erections better than what you can get in your unhealthy state.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Conclusion

Certainly, medication for erectile dysfunction can be useful for the speed in which it induces an erection. But, like any medication, its effects are temporary and dependent on your continuous use of it. Because of this, it is more beneficial to address the underlying problems in the long term. After all, medicine would just induce the best possible erection that you can have in your given condition.

September 1, 2018
10 Best Viagra Foods To Enhance Your Sex Life

While effective, Viagra comes with many undesirable side effects including vision impairment, priapism (persistent erection), and increased risk of heart attack. Fortunately, there are a lot of natural Viagra foods available.

These foods don’t come with any side effects and are beneficial for enhancing not only your sexual health, but your overall health and wellbeing as well.

1. Oyster

Oysters have long been known as an aphrodisiac. It contains important vitamins including protein, magnesium, and zinc, which have been shown to boost both testosterone levels and sperm count.

Oysters also stimulate the production of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitters that are essential for a healthy libido in both men and women.

This shellfish is also rich in T-boosting amino acids, such as D-Aspartic Acid (D-AA) and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA), which are not common in most foods.

2. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants which repair damage to blood vessels, consequently increasing blood pressure to the penis. As a result, you will experience increased sex drive and better performance in bed.

If taken daily for at least a month, pomegranate juice will also increase your stamina and energy levels, and reduce your risk of developing heart disease and prostate cancer.

3. Broccoli

As men age, their testosterone levels decline while their estrogen levels increase. Broccoli helps counter this as it contains Diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound that helps flush out excess estrogen that hinders testosterone production.

Actually, among the many foods that contain flavonoids, broccoli has the most beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. So apart from promoting testosterone production, you can also count on broccoli for improving blood circulation.

4. Dark Chocolate

While other kinds of chocolate tend to taste better, they do you far less good than natural dark chocolate or cacao. It may take some time to get used to the bitter taste especially if you’re used to sweets, but once you appreciate the flavor, you’re in for a great treat.

Chocolate is known to be an effective stress reliever, mainly due to its dopamine-stimulating effect. Dopamine reduces stress, elevates mood, and boosts libido by enhancing your sense of love, passion, and excitement.

Chocolate also contains high levels of antioxidants for improving the immune system and overall health.

5. Banana

Banana is another powerful food for boosting T levels due to its high B vitamin, bromelain, potassium, and magnesium content. These vitamins and minerals also help maintain high energy levels.

Bromelain is an enzyme with ergogenic testosterone-protective effects. During exercise, T levels typically go down, but not with bromelain supplementation.

In a study involving 15 elite cyclists, the group that received a daily dose of 1,000mg of bromelain saw no decline in their testosterone levels, whereas the group that received placebo experienced significant reduction in their T levels after intense training.

6. Eggs

Eggs are another excellent food for harder erections. They are cheap yet packed with micronutrients and proteins, which are beneficial for increasing hormone production.

Eggs also contain vitamins B5, B6, and D that balance the hormones, relax the blood vessels and the body, and relieve stress, which is one of the primary causes of reduced libido.

Additionally, eggs give an instant energy boost—enhancing stamina, strength, and sexual performance. It’s a good source of aspartic acid and calcium for bone health.

There are many tasty egg recipes but it has been shown that eggs are best eaten raw.

7. Maca

Often referred to as “nature’s Viagra,” maca is a plant native in Peru that has been traditionally used to increase stamina, strength, energy, libido, and fertility. It helps balance the hormones and reverse hyperthyroidism.

Maca root is rich in iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus, which help improve fertility and sperm quality. It also reduces stress and nourishes the body with vital nutrients.

In addition, maca improves the function of the hypothalamus, the master gland that regulates the function of other glands.

8. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkins seeds are rich in zinc and fatty acids, which are essential for regulating the sex hormones. Zinc also plays an important role in the formation of healthy sperm and the production of testosterone.

These seeds are also a great source of vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, as well as calcium, niacin, phosphorous, and potassium. These help stimulate sexual activity and prevent testosterone deficiency.

Eat a tablespoon of pumpkins seeds a day for better overall health. You can eat them alone during snack time or include them in your sandwiches and salads.

9. Garlic

More than being a common spice in the kitchen, garlic has immense health benefits such as treating erectile dysfunction and increasing sex drive.

It contains allicin that improves blood flow to the genital area by dilating the blood vessels. Its nitric oxide content is responsible for improving erections.

It also helps boost the immune system to fight disease-causing viruses and bacteria. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, making it beneficial for people with chronic pain.

Garlic makes a good addition to many recipes but eating it raw is believed to provide the most benefits. Eat about two to three cloves daily for a month and you will have increased sexual desire.

10. Watermelon

The green part just above the skin of the fruit is dense with citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood flow to the reproductive system, which in turn increases sex drive.

While 92 percent of watermelon is water, the remaining eight percent contains various nutrients such as vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as a wealth of antioxidants, amino acids, and lycopene.

Not only can these nutrients help enhance sexual health, they also reduce inflammation in the body and provide an overall sense of well-being.

Better Sex Without the Meds

Equipped with this information, you can now be well on your way to having a much better sex life—without having to rely on Sildenafil or any other well-known drug for erectile dysfunction.

This list is by no means exhaustive though. There are many other Viagra foods that naturally boost T levels and prevent or treat erectile dysfunction, such as ashwagandha, ginseng, spinach, artichoke, and more.

August 27, 2018
Iodine & Testosterone: Understanding How Your Key Hormones Work
Are you taking enough iodine Testosterone levels, after all, can be negatively affected whenever you’re not getting enough of this common yet often overlooked mineral.

And don’t forget that today’s lifestyle drastically reduces testosterone. For example, the food we eat could contain compounds that hinder the production of this male hormone.

Toxins from things like plastic bottles, medication, pollution, and even seemingly harmless personal care products also lead to lower testosterone levels.

One natural way of bringing your total testosterone back up is by eating food that naturally raises the hormone’s levels. As you’d expect, foods containing iodine can help in that aspect.

But What’s Iodine?

Iodine is a trace mineral that we typically get from dietary sources. It’s among the most important nutrients when it comes to keeping your thyroid healthy.

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating many critical bodily processes. One of which is the rate at which natural hormones are produced, and that includes testosterone.

Iodine is absorbed by the thyroid glands from the blood. In the thyroid, this trace element is converted into two kinds ofthyroid hormone called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).

These thyroid hormonesare released into the blood to reach the target organs—one of which is the testes. The testes is where all the body’s testosteroneget produced.

If the body’s iodine supply is significantly reduced over a long period, well,things become problematic. The thyroid is among the most affected when iodine levels are too low, leading to a condition called hypothyroidism.

Of course, with hypothyroidism, thyroid function is limited. And as a result, the balance between testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol becomes sub-optimal.

If you’re interested to know whether your thyroid if still working optimally, you should definitely consider getting a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.

The Three Hormones

Low levels of testosterone can lead to an increase in both estradiol (estrogen) and prolactin. This can cause problems such as enlargement of the breasts in men, called gynecomastia.

This condition can also lead to reduced secretion of growth hormones such as luteinizing hormones and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are crucial in maintaining virility.

Also, not having enough of those two can lead to further reduction in the production of testosterone. Keep in mind thatlow testosterone can increase the risk for prostate cancer and even breast cancer.

So, simply put, low iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, and in turn hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in the body’s estrogen levels. Again, having too much estrogen negatively affects testosterone levels.

Fighting Deficiency

There aremany causes of iodine deficiency, but the most common is having too little dietary iodine intake. People just do not eat enough iodine-rich foods.

This trace mineral is can be found in the soil. Plants can absorb this mineral through their roots and so, fruits and other plant parts should contain a good amount of iodine.

Unfortunately, modern farming practices strip the soil of iodine. As a result, plants no longer contain sufficient amounts of iodine for us to harness—highlighting the need to look for alternatives.

Well, it’s a good thing that we don’t have to rely on the land when it comes to getting our supply of iodine. Foods that contain high amounts of the trace mineral that can help alleviate iodine deficiency include:
- SeaweedSeaweed, such as nori, is a very rich source of natural iodine. The iodine content of a 100-gram serving of dried seaweed can be as high as 54 mg—that’s more than enough to meet the RDA.However, it is not advisable to eat lots of seaweed on a daily basis. High doses of the mineral can easily make you prone to toxicity, which can trigger symptoms such as delirium and vomiting.
- OysterOysters have long enjoyed its reputation for being a libido booster and for improving reproductive function as a whole. A 100-gram serving of oysters can give you 160 mcg of iodine—that’s about 106% of the RDA.However, some people do not have access to fresh oysters all the time. There’s also the risk of food poisoning from shellfish, particularly those harvested from dirty waters.
- Wild CodWild-caught cod is another topnotch source of iodine. A 100-gram serving of this seafood can supply you with 100 mcg of the mineral(about 66% of the RDA).Do you really have to go for wild-caught? Well, farmed fish are typically fed with soy pellets—and soy or soya beans contain a large amount of xenoestrogens.These xenoestrogens (and other estrogen-like compounds)can have an inhibitory effect on your body’s natural testosterone production process.
If you’re not into any of the things we’ve listed, you could at least getiodized salt—a kind of salt that’s specifically made to help iodine deficient people.

On the other hand, if you’re currently following a vegan diet and you really want to get iodine from plant sources, you could add cranberries and potatoes to your dishes.

Again though, there’sthe issue of whether these are grown in nutrient-deficient soils. Also, some may have been exposed to chemicals such as fertilizers and insecticides.

Iodine Supplementation

To further improve your daily intake of iodine, you could try taking supplements. There are many iodine supplements available on the market but not every single one of them can help you.

Look for iodine supplements made from safe and high quality sources. Also, don’t forget that the way in which a supplement should be taken affects absorption and effectiveness as well.

One of the easiest ways to absorb iodine is through liquid drops—and this is why we recommend nascent iodine supplements, such as Go Nutrients’ Iodine Edge.

Better Hormonal Health

Iodine is a trace mineral with a large role to fulfill. It’s definitely a good thing that it can be obtained through natural food sources

Aside from getting enough iodine though, there are other ways to naturally improve your hormone health. Eating eggs, for instance, can be a great way to restore your hormonal balance.

Of course, it’s perfectly fine if you wish to take things one step at a time. So, don’t think twice about focusing on iodine—testosterone should still get the boost it needs.
August 17, 2018
Natural MAO Inhibitors: Fighting Depression the Natural Way
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) are commonly used for treating depression, which has been linked to low testosterone. It’s effective though it comes with serious side effects—and that’s why many are going for natural MAO inhibitors instead.

How Do MAOIs Work?

This class of drugs was first introduced in 1950. MAOIs can be categorized into two major types, namely Monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) inhibitors and Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors.

MAO-A inhibitors are best known for breaking down serotonin. On the other hand, MAO-B inhibitors such as Selegiline (L- deprenyl) and Rasagiline are used in treating Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

But due to food-drug interactions, those undergoing MAO treatment follow restricted diets. Specifically, they have to avoid foods with tyramine as it raises blood pressure which might lead to a hypertensive crisis.

Synthetic vs. Natural MAO Inhibitors

There’s no denying that MAO inhibitors are effective against neurological conditions. But it became less popular because of its possible side effects which include:
- High Blood Pressure
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Weight Gain
- Reduced Libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
Since patients rely on the positive effects of MAO inhibition, there was a clear demand for better alternatives. Fortunately, natural MAO inhibitors were found, and they’re essentially safer forms of antidepressants.

As you’d expect, scientific experts focused on herbal natural products to develop MAO inhibitors that are just as effective despite not causing the same side effects.

Natural Sources of MAO Inhibitors

A variety of naturally grown plants actually contain MAO inhibitors that have been proven to be as effective as their synthetic counterparts. Some of these common natural sources of MAO inhibitors are:

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort contains chemical compounds such as Hypericin and Hyperforin. It also has Quercetin and Scopoletin—which are known to be effective even against alcoholism.

St. John’s wort helps alleviate common depression symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, panic, guilt, fatigue, and insomnia. The herb’s flowers and leaves are used to make teas, capsules, and powders.

Red Grapes

This berry-type of fruit is more than just a tasty treat or something used for making wine. It has quite a list of medicinal properties, which is why it has piqued the attention of scientific experts for decades.

Red grapes contain resveratrol, an antioxidant which according to studies have possible anti-carcinogenic effects. It also supports cardiovascular health.

Wild Green Oat

Wild green oat (Avena sativa) is loaded with minerals, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids which are all beneficial to our brain and immune system.

In a recent study, it was found that wild green oat extract helps enhance the brain’s dopamine levels. That means it’s capable of lessening the destructive effects of neurological aging.

Furthermore, green oats improve brain activity, including concentration and memory. It also decreases stress and regulates energy levels.

Cocoa Beans

While not as extensively studied as the other entries in this list, cacao still deserves to be mentioned. Cacao contains tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, which a special kind of MAO inhibitor.

Aside from that, cacao (and by extension, chocolates) contain the phenylethylamine (PEA), which is known as a natural anti-depressant.

Cocoa beans are roasted and turned into an ingredient for chocolates. The PEA component according to scientists has shown effectiveness in lessening depression.

PEA helps create a lighter mood. By eating chocolate, feelings similar to those associated with falling in love and a generally positive outlook can be achieved.

Turmeric

Despite being commonly associated with Indian cuisine, turmeric actually comes with all sorts of health benefits. Reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals are just two examples of those perks.

As for MAO inhibition, turmeric is capable of inhibiting both MAO-A and MAO-B, meaning it can help in preventing both serotonin degradation and dopamine deactivation.

Black Pepper

A much more common cooking ingredient (compared to turmeric), black pepper contains piperine. This compound improves and supports brain health, aside from reducing signs of depression.

That’s not all though. Piperine has also been discovered to have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it arguably one of the healthiest spices available.

More on the Testosterone Link

For anyone who’s not worried about depression though, is there any advantage to consuming these natural sources of MAO inhibitors? Well, as mentioned, testosterone and depression are somewhat interconnected.

When your testosterone levels drop below the appropriate levels, you face greater risks of developing depression and mood-related disorders. This can be explained by the fact that the hormone directly affects serotonin activity.

With enough testosterone, you’ll have enough serotonin transporters in the brain, which in turn makes sure that the happy chemical gets to do its job—which is to keep you in a positive mood.

If you’re running low on T, you’ll have a hard time getting the effects of serotonin. With the help of food-sourced MAO inhibitors though (in relation to the MAO-A gene), your serotonin levels shouldn’t drop as much.

The same goes for the effects of these natural substitutes on the MAO-B enzyme. Dopamine, the organic chemical that has become synonymous with pleasure, is to an extent dependent on testosterone.

When levels of the male hormone become insufficient, dopamine release is inhibited and so, various signs and symptoms associated with low dopamine begin to manifest.

Satisfaction, for example, becomes a distant feeling regardless of what you do—and that’s not a good thing if you’re trying to improve your physique. With natural MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine deactivation should be alleviated.

Solution to Male Hormone Woes?

If you’re facing issues with your mood as of late or you’re battling depression, you might benefit from the natural alternatives we’ve listed. However, it’s a different thing if you’re mainly concerned with your hormone.

Don’t think that natural MAO inhibitors can solve all testosterone-related problems. Still, it’s safe to say that they can help you as you work towards regaining hormonal balance.
July 7, 2018