If you’ve ever looked up remedies for testosterone deficiency, you may have come across the simple advice to eat more bananas. But do bananas actually increase your testosterone levels?
To answer this question, we researched the nutrients found in bananas and their scientifically proven benefits. Here’s the link we found between bananas and testosterone production!
What’s the relationship between bananas and testosterone?
Regular consumption of bananas can help maintain and boost your testosterone levels. Here’s how:
Bromelain
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in bananas and other fruits like pineapples that can boost testosterone production. It is most effective when testosterone levels are likely to drop after exhaustive workouts like cycling or lifting. A study with competitive cyclists found that bromelain maintained testosterone concentration throughout the recorded races and reduced the feeling of fatigue for many competitors. Other benefits of bromelain include its anti-inflammatory properties for minor muscle injuries and its possible use as a cancer-preventing supplement. Some studies also show improvements in sperm quality and testicular health, which can lead to improved libido and testosterone in men.
Vitamins & Minerals
Bananas are rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and Potassium. Many of these nutrients can counter the negative effects of testosterone deficiency and boost testosterone production. Magnesium, for example, is a highly effective testosterone booster for athletes and men who work out regularly.
Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause your body to produce more estrogen than testosterone — throwing off the delicate balance. The high concentration of Vitamin B6 in bananas counteracts this deficiency by promoting testosterone production.
The nutrients found in bananas
Bananas are often referred to as a superfood due to the sheer number and concentration of nutrients found in them. They are an excellent source of:
Other health benefits
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world and for a good reason. They are delicious, convenient, and (most importantly) healthy. The most notable health benefits of regular banana consumption are:
Improved blood sugar levels
Bananas contain a high concentration of soluble dietary fibers and starch, which aren’t digested by your body. The combination of these two types of fibers can improve your blood sugar levels in the long run. They also play a beneficial role in preventing insulin resistance and obesity in young adults.
Digestive health support
The starch found in bananas is a probiotic. It reaches your large intestine without getting digested and becomes sustenance for the beneficial bacteria residing in your gut. Additionally, the pectin fiber in bananas can prevent and eliminate constipation. Some studies on pectin show its effectiveness in preventing colon cancer as well.
Aid with weight loss
An average banana is filled to the brim with nutrients like Vitamin C and Potassium as well as fibers like starch; what’s better is that it only contains just over 100 calories. This combination of essential nutrients, fibers, and low calories makes bananas an excellent part of your weight loss diet.
Cardiovascular health support
Potassium is an essential component for maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure. Luckily, an average banana contains 10% of the DV (Daily recommended Value) of potassium. Consuming at least one banana every day keeps your Potassium levels in check and promotes cardiovascular health. Bananas also contain the 8% DV of Magnesium which is also essential for keeping your heart in order.
Faster exercise recovery
You lose a lot of electrolytes during exercise through sweat. The Potassium and Magnesium in bananas act as electrolytes and can reduce muscle cramps and soreness caused by intense workouts.
Eating bananas right after exercise will show the fastest effects.
Add bananas to your diet if you want to boost testosterone
The Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and bromelain enzymes in bananas make them excellent testosterone boosters. All you have to do is include this convenient and delicious fruit in your daily diet if you want to maintain and/or increase your testosterone levels. As for how many you should eat — one or two bananas are more than enough for a healthy person per day.
