Testosterone is a hormone that promotes muscle and bone mass as well as general well-being. For athletes, adequate testosterone levels are essential for stimulating muscle growth and recovery. There are a number of reasons why men may want to boost their testosterone.
As men age, their natural testosterone secretion tends to decrease, which results in a loss of libido, muscle mass and vitality. Younger men who suffer from low testosterone find it difficult to make progress in their strength and endurance. Many products claim to boost testosterone, but rely on “proprietary formulas” that leave consumers in the dark. The following demystifies the most common testosterone booster ingredients.
D-Aspartic Acid
D-Aspartic Acid is one of two forms of aspartic acid, which is an amino acid. It temporarily boosts testosterone by stimulating the central brain region to release hormones including growth hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. It has been shown to provide athletes with a temporary boost in testosterone.
B-Complex Vitamins
B-Complex vitamins play an important role in the conversion of food into energy. They increase testosterone by improving protein and fat metabolism, which is essential for hormonal production. B vitamins also provide athletes and the general population with more energy and enables them to train harder and more often.
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American cultures as a natural stimulant and male aphrodisiac. The scientific research on the effect of ginseng on testosterone is disputed. Studies indicate that ginseng does, and does not, increase testosterone production. Moreover, the mechanism behind ginseng’s hormonal affects is unknown. Nevertheless, ginseng improves energy and alertness that enables many men to achieve more effective workouts.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been around for thousands of years and possesses myriad health benefits. Some would say that God put this herb on the planet as man’s best friend because it has so many characteristics that aid the male species. It is widely accepted that Fenugreek is one of the most potent aphrodisiacs and libido boosters know to man but it is also strongly linked to natural testosterone boosting.
Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna Pruriens is a rich source of L-Dopa, which is the body’s precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mood and happiness. Dopamine also triggers the body to increase testosterone production.
Oyster Extract
Oyster Extract was used frequently in traditional Chinese medicine to booster fertility. It turns out, the effectiveness of Oyster Extract is the high level of zinc that it contains. Zinc is well known to be a vital component of testosterone production.
Tribulus Terrestris
Although Tribulus Terrestris is somewhat disputed as a testosterone boosting supplement, the underlying theory behind its effectiveness is that it elevates luteinizing hormone levels, which gives instructions to the testes to produce testosterone.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the most well understood testosterone boosting supplements. Multiple controlled studies show that zinc supplementation over time increases a man’s testosterone to a significant degree.
Vitamin D3
It turns out that Vitamin D3 is more than just a sunshine vitamin. Studies have shown that men who supplement with Vitamin D can have up to 25% more testosterone than men who do not. Moreover, Vitamin D3 regulates more than 1000 functions, such as hormone secretion, growth, sexual function and fertility.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2, otherwise known as menaquinone, may have a significant effect on testosterone secretion. In a study involving rats in Japan, researchers found a 70% increase in plasma testosterone levels than the control group. The carryover to humans in currently unknown, but the outlook is bright for this emerging supplement.
Selenium
Selenium is well known to boost testosterone, particularly when it is supplemented with zinc. Any man who wants to boost his testosterone levels should certainly include selenium in his supplement stack.[hr]
When shopping for a testosterone booster, ensure some, if not all, of these testosterone booster ingredients are included. The supplement industry is full of misinformation and proprietary supplements that will leave your wallet lighter and testosterone level unchanged.
Tongkat Ali
So it has a weird name but the real question is does this Malaysian flowering plant deliver testosterone boosting qualities? Known as Malaysian Ginseng, Tongkat Ali has many benefits in regards to male enhancement and there are studies that show positive results in terms of testo-boosting. Is it safe? What are the Tongkat Ali side effects?
