Ditch the cortisol, then the testosterone can get to work. The International Journal of Impotence Research reports that 47% of impotent men found their condition improved after a daily glass of antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice. Chinese researchers found the equivalent of 500mg – roughly the amount in 5-10g of grape skins – was enough to raise T-levels and improve epididymal motility (your sperm’s ability to swim). The best proteins for testosterone aren’t just high in protein—they’re rich in zinc, cholesterol, and healthy fats. "Lack of protein boosts testosterone-de-activating hormones." On the other hand, a University of Utah study found a diet overly rich in the sat fats in beef and lamb can also make it dip. A review of dozens of clinical trials showed that DHEA supplements do increase blood testosterone levels in men and women. Long-term zinc supplementation may lead to increased testosterone levels. Several types of supplements claim to increase your testosterone levels. Keep scrolling for the best foods to boost testosterone. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Sign up for HEALTHBeat and receive trusted health information delivered right to your inbox. Other supplements contain protein isolated from eggs, split peas, rice, and hemp seeds. While it’s possible to get all the protein you need from protein-rich foods, some people may struggle to do so. Moreover, some research shows that creatine could decrease the breakdown of proteins in your muscles. Greater strength allows you to perform better during exercise, leading to larger increases in muscle mass over time. This article reviews supplements that may help you gain more muscle with your exercise program. While it’s possible to meet all these criteria without taking dietary supplements, certain supplements may help you meet your goals. Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a molecule that’s produced when your body processes the amino acid leucine. It’s unclear whether taking them as a supplement is helpful when you already consume enough protein. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are important for muscle growth. However, adding BCAA supplements did not achieve any significant gains. BCAAs are critically important for muscle growth and make up around 35% of the amino acids in your muscles. For optimal health and nutrition, you should emphasize plant-based protein and protein from a variety of sources. A high-protein diet that is predominantly made up of red meat or processed meat is a cause for concern. It's important to keep in mind that your daily protein need is not a fixed number. To determine your target daily protein intake, you can multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36, or use this online calculator. One-quarter cup of tofu provides seven grams of protein. Soy products such as tofu and tempeh are good sources of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Greek yogurt is a great option, as it is high in protein as well as nutrients such as calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Even though soy protein may have only a small direct effect on cholesterol, soy may still benefit the heart in other ways. Some of these inconsistencies may have resulted because soy was compared with a variety of alternative foods. Soy protein took center stage after research showed that it might lower levels of harmful cholesterol. Thus, there are many factors that make it difficult to construct blanket statements about the health effects of soy. If you are over age 50, you should increase protein intake to one gram per kilogram of your body weight just to maintain muscle mass, which declines with age. One meta-analysis found that replacing red meat with healthy plant proteins decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease. While meat provides high-quality protein, some meats also provide unhealthy amounts of saturated fats and sodium. They are not only rich in protein but also provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Try to eat a variety of protein-rich foods to ensure you are meeting your daily protein needs as well as getting the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimal health. Including protein-rich foods in your diet is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. Some research shows that people who have high intakes of calcium from food and supplements have a lower risk of cancers of the colon and rectum, but other studies do not. According to recent research, dietary soy and soy isoflavones are unlikely to affect testosterone levels in men, regardless of the amount of soy they eat. People who regularly eat soy-rich foods such as tofu may also have a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer.