Do Bananas Boost Testosterone Levels – Scientific Evidence
If you are scouting for affordable, simple, and safe ways to enhance your testosterone(T) naturally, one of the top-notch solutions is to harness the power of bananas – a nutrient-packed yellow-coloured superfood.
Many horticulturists believe it originated in the dense forests of Southeast Asia – predominantly Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia – and is the earliest fruit on earth. Cultivated in 150+ countries today, bananas offer myriad health benefits and are fantastic energy boosters.
To discern whether bananas stimulate testosterone production, we conducted comprehensive research. The findings of the same have been presented below.
How Do Bananas Facilitate Adequate Testosterone Maintenance?
While Mother Nature bestows mankind with numerous foods fortified with essential nutrients, what sets bananas apart is their bromelain content. According to a 2015 research, bromelain supplementation jacked up muscle rebuilding and T-formation in cyclists.
Bananas also contain vitamins B6 & C – vital nutrients for strengthening the brain & nerves that regulate/control hormone secretions. Besides, the comestible fruit encompasses significant amounts of potassium – a mineral that helps contract muscles, normalize blood pressure, and maintain ample liquid inside cells.
The amalgamation of the “Fantastic 4” – bromelain, potassium, pyridoxine, and ascorbic acid – in bananas augments Testosterone levels & deters moodiness.
Banana Nutrients And Benefits!
The prime constituent of bananas is bromelain – a proteolytic enzyme that fosters and stabilizes T-production. As per a study conducted on mice, it alleviates the adverse effects of Bisphenol-A – a chemical causing endocrine disruptions, sperm anomalies, testicular impairment, and oxidative stress – on the male reproductive system.
Bromelain also reduces healing time from burns, wounds, bruises, sprains, and swells. Most importantly, it lessens inflammations due to sinusitis/injuries/infections/surgeries. The protein-digesting enzyme also has anti-tumor properties, eliminates dead skin, mitigates Arthritis pain, and slays viruses & bacteria.
Another key macronutrient found in bananas is magnesium. According to a 2011 study, magnesium supplementation enhances bioavailable Testosterone concentrations – unattached plus albumin-bound testosterone – in both inactive & athletic men. The increases were greater in the latter group. Rationale?!! – Exercising/physical activities like sports ramp up free T.
As specified by USDA, 115g of raw/ripe banana contains 32.2mg of magnesium – 7.67% of updated DV. Thus, this component alone may not modify Testosterone levels as its quantity is below the prescribed minimum day-to-day magnesium intake (420mg). Nevertheless, it works in tandem with bananas’ other potent constituents to buttress overall body functioning.
Some critical benefits of bananas that directly/indirectly impact Testosterone production are:
- Maintains Blood Sugar.
Bananas are fiber-rich; a moderately-sized ripe banana has 5.31g of soluble fiber – 19% of DV. It dissolves in gastrointestinal fluids/water to produce an easily digestible gel. Thus, blood glucose remains controlled, assimilation/metabolism soars, insulin resistance nosedives, and Testosterone levels are steady.
Fiber also bolsters gut health, dampens liver cancer risk, and nurtures beneficial bacteria growth in the intestines. Thanks to its probiotic nature! But, if you have Type-2 diabetes, abstain from eating bananas as they have a high sugar & starch content.
- Curtails Stress
Stress and T-generation are inversely related. Clinical studies have evidenced that chronic stress causes mitochondrial vitiation, hindering T-production in Leydig cells and exacerbating the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
Bananas encompass vitamins B6 & C – nutriments that regulate the secretion of stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, etc., and catalyze the production of “feel good” neurotransmitters/hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Thus, consume the apples of paradise to minimize stress-induced testosterone depletion.
- Regulates Blood Pressure
Bananas comprise a high potassium proportion (375mg) that lowers sodium secretion and dilates blood vessels. Consequently, blood pressure plummets, improving the body’s ability to make sufficient testosterone and manage hypertension. Your cardiovascular & kidney health becomes better, too.
Additional Benefits Derived From Banana Consumption!
Aside from pumping up your Testosterone levels, bananas offer the following notable benefits:
- Strengthens Immunity
A robust immune system safeguards you from innumerable infections. Banana’s components – Vitamin B6 and folate – help the body engender new RBCs that carry oxygen to various tissues; each RBC contains haemoglobin – a globular protein with traces of iron. Hence, bananas can mollify the anaemia risk.
- Induces Weight Reduction.
Though bananas have a high carb content that hinders excess fat melting, their magnesium component makes your workouts, particularly weight training, more effective. The calorie content is less – slightly >100 cal. The inherent dietary fiber & resistant starch act as appetite tamers by creating a sense of fullness. Hence, cravings are reduced and you don’t binge.
- Powerful Antioxidant
Bananas have antioxidant compounds, namely, flavonoids & amines. They ensure the number of free radicals in the body does not spiral out of control and cause oxidative stress – a condition that harms DNA triggers cancer/heart ailments, accelerates ageing, and proves fatal at times.
- Speeds Up Recovery
Devouring a banana after intensive workouts activates insulin release; the sugar in your bloodstream is transported to the muscle cells, where the glucose transforms into glycogen. Increased insulin sensitivity, glycogen replenishment, and banana’s anti-inflammatory constituents – dopamine, polyphenols, etc., rake up recovery time.
Chomping a protein-rich snack along with bananas prevents muscle breakdowns due to exercising, especially resistance training, and encourages new muscle formation.
Final Words!
Bananas indeed elevate your testosterone. Their ability to boost male virility isn’t a myth. Besides, they nourish each body system and help build lean muscle mass. Therefore, you must include them in your daily diet.
If you aren’t fond of bananas, try plantains – another species from the Musaceae family. They have incredible zinc concentrations that enhance testosterone, bone density, and sexual performance.
Lastly, for optimum T synthesis, also ingest pineapples every day as they are equally bromelain-rich, eat balanced meals, and exercise regularly.
