Do Bananas Increase Your Testosterone? Scientific Facts
While looking for some quick and safe ways to boost your testosterone, one of the very first things you might have come across as a solution is to make bananas a part of your regular diet. This fruit surely makes a great snack when you are feeling low on energy and is considered a superfruit. But how much can eating bananas actually increase testosterone levels is the question.
To find that out, we took a deeper look into the nutriment of bananas and how it has actually helped some people in relation to improving testosterone. There are some scientifically proven facts that might surprise you. Take a look.
Overview Of Major Findings
How Does Banana Help Increase Testosterone Levels
Regular consumption of bananas can help maintain and boost your testosterone levels. Here’s how:
Bananas are fortified with numerous crucial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients (all in one fruit!) that help counter many health problems. The bromelain in bananas has proved to be an excellent source for increasing testosterone. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C helps in the proper functioning of the brain and nerves which regulate hormone production. Bananas are also rich in potassium which maintains the level of sodium content in the blood which is again important in this aspect. All of these and more, thus, make bananas an excellent natural option to spike testosterone production.
The Nutrients Found In Bananas
Bananas are universally known for having high concentrations of several important nutrients despite being quite an affordable and easy-to-get fruit. So what do bananas have that aid in a better production of testosterone hormone? Here’s the list for you-
One of the top ingredients in a banana, although less popular, sets it apart from many other fruits, is Bromelain. It is a body-friendly enzyme that is often used as a dietary supplement, thanks to its many health benefits. Aside from bananas, it is also found in pineapples- in the fruit as well as in its stem.
Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in better digestion. Research has shown that this enzyme plays a vital role in regulating testosterone production in men. This in turn helps in reducing fatigue, better sexual health, increasing bone density, and strengthening the muscles. Bromelain has the best effect on the body right after the workout session when the hormone level tends to drop.
Aside from this, the vitamins and minerals in the bananas also have a major contribution in improving testosterone levels. The fruit is rich in Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, all Vitamins Bs (except B12), magnesium, and copper– all of which have an individual role to play in better functioning of the body. Note that these are just a few of the numerous other nutrients that a banana has!
Some of the major health benefits of bananas that are directly linked to better testosterone health are:
Lowers Stress Levels
Stress has been directly associated with reduced testosterone production which then leads to several related health issues like erectile dysfunction etc. The vitamin B and C present in the banana reduces the level of stress in the body by relaxing the muscles and nerves. Vitamin C controls the cortisol in the body which is also called the “stress hormones”. This in turn boosts the production of testosterone.
Regulates Blood Pressure
The high concentration of potassium and magnesium in the banana regulates the sodium content in the body which then regulates the blood pressure. This aids in better heart health and also gives rise to testosterone levels.
Controls Blood Glucose Level
Lower testosterone levels have also been associated with abnormal levels of sugar in the body. Banana helps in controlling the sugar level in the blood by making your body more responsive to insulin. So, unless you have type 2 diabetes or otherwise advised by your doctor, bananas can be a great option to manage the blood sugar level thus making a positive impact on testosterone.
Other Benefits Of Eating Banana
Banana falls under the category of superfruit for some solid reasons. While it is potentially a good fruit for elevating the levels of testosterone, it also contributes to improving health in many other ways which may indirectly aid better testosterone release. That said, some of the other benefits of this amazing fruit include:
Better Digestion
Bananas have good fiber content and are probiotic in nature. A medium size banana contains around 3 grams of fiber (pectin) which along with the starch helps in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. This promotes gut health, thus preventing the growth of cancerous cells.
Strengthens The Immune System
The presence of vitamin B6 and other B vitamins in the banana makes it an amazing food for a healthy immune system. Having good immunity means preventing several diseases. B6 helps in generating red blood cells (RBC) in the blood which keeps the level of hemoglobin high. Both of these are essential in boosting the immune system.
Promotes Weight Loss
Obesity has been a common cause of several health problems including reduced testosterone levels, heart-specific ailments, and more. Introducing bananas into your diet can be a great way to lose weight. The main reason is that bananas are a powerhouse of multiple different nutrients including fibers, starch, vitamins, and minerals. The best part is, one banana can be decently filling and you are consuming just about 100 calories.
Maintains Heart Health
Potassium is a vital nutrient in maintaining good heart health and should be an essential part of the diet. Luckily, banana is a hub of potassium and forms nearly 10 to 12 percent of the daily recommended value (DV) of potassium. Therefore, eating one banana every day can maintain the level of potassium in your body and give you a happy heart. Similarly, magnesium is yet another vital element for good functioning of the heart and a banana has about 8% of the DV.
Conclusion
So- does eating bananas increase your testosterone level? The short answer is- yes they do when coupled with a good lifestyle and regular exercise.
Bananas store a lot of vital nutrients that are critical for good health. Therefore, they directly or indirectly do have a positive effect on the testosterone level. A promising fruit that it is, adding one to your diet on a regular basis will cause no harm at all. However, you should also note that no single food alone can keep a check on testosterone health. In order to regulate the hormone, you will have to have a well-planned diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Ensuring that you intake a good amount of all the essential vitamins and minerals that we discussed in this blog will help your body’s ability to produce testosterone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bananas Increase Testosterone Levels?
Yes, bananas contain several essential nutrients like Vitamin B, C, Potassium, and Magnesium which help in improving overall health. It also contains an enzyme called bromelain which is known for giving a good boost to testosterone levels.
What Are The Other Testosterone-Boosting Foods?
If banana is out of your option for some reason then there are a few other foods that are equally good for promoting testosterone production. Ginger, pomegranate, egg yolk, oysters, onion, and plant-based fortified milk can help with your goal of boosting the hormone.
How Many Bananas To Eat Every Day To Boost Testosterone?
Bananas are a great fruit that you can add to your daily diet. One to two bananas a day depending on the size is safe to consume for a healthy individual.
Which Fruit Is Best For Testosterone?
Bananas, pomegranates, and berries are some of the best fruits that work well when it comes to boosting testosterone levels.