Foods that Increase Testosterone

Testosterone is a sex hormone. It is found in both men and women, but more abundantly in men. Testosterone affects your mood and sex drive, according to "Life Extension" magazine. As you age, testosterone levels decrease, leading to a low libido, increased moodiness and even depression. Foods containing certain nutrients may help increase your testosterone levels.

Foods High In Zinc

Zinc is a mineral. It plays a major role in protein synthesis, DNA synthesis and cell division. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to low testosterone levels, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. A 1996 study in "Nutrition" investigated the effects of marginal zinc deficiencies on serum testosterone levels in healthy men aged 20 to 80. The study showed that low dietary intakes of zinc cause low testosterone levels in men of any age. Food sources of zinc include oysters, beef shanks, pork shoulder, crab legs, chickpeas, cashews and fortified breakfast cereals.

Foods High in Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin found in only a few foods. It plays an essential role in helping to keep your bones healthy, but a recent study shows vitamin D may also effect testosterone levels. A 2010 cross-sectional study published in "Clinical Endocrinology" investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and testosterone levels in over 2,000 men. The study showed the men with higher levels of vitamin D had higher levels of testosterone. If you live in an area with limited sun exposure, you could be at risk for a vitamin D deficiency, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, and you may want to include food sources of vitamin D in your diet on a regular basis. Food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, fortified milk, mushrooms, tuna and egg yolks.

Foods High in Boron

Boron is a trace mineral. There is some evidence showing it may play a role in alleviating menopause symptoms and enhance bodybuilding, according to Medline Plus. A 1987 study published in "The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology" investigated the effects of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen and testosterone metabolism in post-menopausal women. The women were supplemented with 3 mg of boron per day. The study showed a significant increase in testosterone levels in the supplemented women. Medline Plus says Americans consume about 1.17 mg of boron a day.  To increase your intake of boron include more peanut butter, wine,  grapes, beans and peaches in your diet.

Prunes are naturally high in Boron