Women only produce one-seventh the amount of testosterone that men do, but this doesn't mean it isn't an important hormone. Testosterone is one of the most vital hormones for a woman's sexual development and sexual regulation throughout life. It increases fertility, regulates a woman's libido and generally strengthens and energizes the body.
If you are experiencing a low sex drive, and if it is causing you distress, or embarrassment, then worry not. Luckily there are certain foods that are known for increasing testosterone levels. We explore the reasoning behind why salmon can be so advantageous for improving testosterone levels.
How Will Salmon Affect Testosterone Levels?
- Zinc. Zinc is vital for the production of natural testosterone because it prevents testosterone from turning into estrogen. If you are trying to add zinc into your diet, salmon is one of the best options. Due to the effects that zinc has in testosterone levels, it is often the nutrient that is most commonly suggested nutrient for combating a loss of libido.
- Vitamin A. Vitamin A is another nutrient that increases testosterone. It is also vital for ensuring the reproductive organs function normally, and efficiently. Most fish are high in vitamin A which is why salmon comes highly recommended.
- SHBG. Fish oil, and therefore salmon, decreases the amount of SHBG in the body which ultimately means that there is more testosterone to be biologically active.
How Can I Incorporate Salmon Into my Diet?
- Breakfast. Enjoy a few slices of smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. Combining eggs with salmon will be beneficial because the HDL cholesterol that is in eggs is good for the reproductive organs.
- Lunch. Combine smoked salmon with cheese to make a tasty sandwich. Cheese is also high in zinc, so it will aid testosterone levels too. Enjoy with wholegrain bread.
- Dinner. Cook a salmon filet in the oven and serve with a healthy portion of steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes. Make this dish even tastier by squeezing fresh lemon juice onto the fish.
Naturally, salmon doesn't have to be included into every meal, but incorporating more salmon in your diet will certainly have a positive impact on your testosterone levels.
Recommendation
If adding more salmon to your diet does not seem to impact your testosterone levels, or if you feel that your hormonal imbalance is out of control, consult with your physician. Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough, and alternative treatments or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be necessary, but because of the possible risks and side effects, should always be used as a last resort. Follow this link to find out about other ways you can boost your testosterone levels.