Curcumin - beneficial properties, use in sports and bodybuilding. Raising testosterone without medications The effect of turmeric on testosterone

The male hormone testosterone performs many important functions in the body of a representative of the stronger half of humanity, namely, it is responsible for the formation of:

  • secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth, Adam's apple, wet dreams);
  • figures with broad shoulders and a narrow pelvis;
  • low timbre of voice;
  • courageous character;
  • sperm and the possibility of fertilization;
  • sexual desire and erection.

Testosterone levels are not constant and can vary significantly. It depends on many factors.

But even with certain problems it is possible to increase it. And in a completely natural way.

Norm for testosterone growth

The production of male sex hormone is normal if three main factors are met:

  • sound healthy sleep with sufficient duration (at least 8 hours). This condition can provoke an increase in testosterone even in the absence of additional means of stimulation;
  • physical activity - pain and discomfort in the muscles after training cause active secretion of testosterone. True, all force effects on the body must be within reasonable limits so as not to cause a backlash;

  • positive emotions caused by victory in any activity. The endocrine system of the male body will immediately react to the feeling of euphoria.

And if you add to the above a good diet with a diet containing necessary products, such as turmeric, then there will be no problems with testosterone levels.

Such healthy turmeric

Turmeric is a plant that contains essential oils and yellow dye in sufficient quantities and is used not only as a medicine, but also as a food additive.

The list of cuisines in which this spice is used is wide:

  • Chinese;
  • Japanese;
  • eastern;
  • Central Asian.

Dishes with the addition of turmeric are spicy and piquant. You can either love or hate the taste of spice, but you definitely won’t be able to forget it.

Why is the effect of turmeric so beneficial on the human body? Its composition, which includes not only vitamins, but also minerals. The spice is rich in vitamins:

And also minerals:

  • calcium;
  • phosphorus
  • iodine
  • iron

Turmeric performs a number of significant actions:

  • strengthens the body's resistance to the negative influence of the environment;
  • stimulates the gastrointestinal tract;
  • treats intestinal microflora;
  • promotes the removal of bile;
  • produces anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of antibiotics;
  • fights germs and bacteria;
  • improves the condition of the epidermis;
  • is a means of preventing Alzheimer's disease.

A number of contraindications

The active influence of turmeric on the human body is undeniable. But there are a number of contraindications for its use that should not be neglected:

  • Chronic diseases are a reason to introduce spice into the diet only in small doses. It is better to do this after consulting a specialist;
  • Combining medication therapy and turmeric consumption is recommended only after a visit to the doctor. His recommendations should be followed strictly, otherwise side effects may occur;
  • refusal to use spices for any diseases of the gallbladder;
  • period of bearing a child;
  • childhood;
  • individual intolerance in the form of allergic rashes.

Turmeric and testosterone

There is no medical evidence whether turmeric can increase testosterone. There are few studies in this area, and they were conducted on animals. But many athletes talk about its positive effect on testicular function and protecting them from negative environmental influences.

In addition, in large quantities, the spice converts testosterone into another hormone -. True, this is only the case when the daily dose of its consumption is high. But in such a situation, the likelihood of developing negative side effects – nausea and stomach upset – also increases.

In reasonable quantities, turmeric reduces the level of estrogen in the body of the stronger sex, increases the functioning of internal secretion and the production of the much-needed testosterone.

Properties of turmeric

All properties of yellow spice can be divided into several blocks.

Anti-inflammatory

To fight infection, inflammation must develop. But there are also cases where the process of resistance to the virus is so strong that it causes discomfort and pain. In this case, turmeric will have an indispensable effect, as it blocks the enzyme that stimulates inflammation. It will easily eliminate this condition caused by diseases such as:

  • arthritis;
  • arthrosis;
  • rheumatism;

The effectiveness of using yellow powder is very high:

  • the intensity of pain decreases;
  • swelling is eliminated;
  • motor activity of the joint increases.

Antioxidant

Turmeric normalizes the metabolic process, because its functioning often has significant disturbances. The oxidative process in the cells of the human body as a result of exposure to negative factors from the outside can disrupt metabolic processes in the body. And this, of course, will negatively affect testosterone production.

A teaspoon of turmeric diluted in a glass of warm water can cope with this problem. Cell permeability will be significantly higher, and, therefore, resistance to the environment will increase.

Sensitizing

Men are constantly trying to gain muscle mass. Pumped up biceps and triceps are a real dream. And the hormone insulin will help with this. The substance is a natural anabolic agent. This occurs by stimulating protein synthesis. In the case of muscle mass growth, we can also talk about an indirect increase in testosterone levels.

What is the role of turmeric here? The thing is that spice, with a balanced diet, normalizes insulin production. This is primarily due to the fact that turmeric improves the functioning of the entire human digestive system. It also stimulates the metabolic process.

Secrets of proper use

The best way to use turmeric is as a seasoning. It can be added to the following dishes:

  • meat;
  • fish;
  • bakery;
  • coffee.

To increase testosterone production, it is important to maintain daily consumption of the spice. The ideal distribution during the day would be:

  • In the morning, a glass of water with half a teaspoon of turmeric added. You can put a spoonful of honey or add lemon juice to this drink. This will improve its taste;
  • during the day as a seasoning. Dose – no more than 0.5 teaspoon;
  • add to milk in the evening or repeat the morning diet again.

The daily dose for an adult male should not exceed 2 grams, only in this case it will be safe.

Turmeric is a useful spice for the stronger sex. But you shouldn’t expect a sharp jump in testosterone using only it. Only the balanced presence of all factors can increase the level of male hormone production.

Turmeric is a bright yellow or orange spice. It contains the polyphenolic compound curcumin, which is responsible for both the color and properties of turmeric. For thousands of years, turmeric root powder has been used as a therapeutic and preventative agent in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medical practices.

You can use the spice to raise testosterone levels, but this should only be done in combination with other folk remedies and in the absence of serious hormonal imbalances.

Research on the effects of curcumin and turmeric on testosterone levels has been conducted, but only on animals. It was found that curcumin actually has a positive effect on the body of males, increasing the content of the main sex hormone.

The basis was the assumption that the synthesis of testosterone is affected by the so-called oxidative stress in Leydig cells (cells located in the testicles and responsible for the process of spermatogenesis). It occurs in cellular structures under the influence of metabolic processes. It was found that in a group of male rats treated with curcumin, testosterone levels increased by more than 250% compared to the results of the control group. It was also found that in addition to increasing sex hormone levels due to a decrease in oxidative stress, overall testicular function improved.

In addition to directly affecting testosterone levels, curcumin may reduce estrogen levels, which can send a signal to the brain that overall steroid hormone levels have been reduced. In response to this, the brain triggers the synthesis of luteinizing hormone, which stimulates testosterone production.

Other Benefits of Curcumin for Men

In Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine, turmeric was considered an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Numerous studies on the benefits of curcumin have found:

  • in men with prostate cancer, taking the substance normalizes dysuric disorders;
  • in men with an enlarged prostate who took curcumin, the number of infectious diseases of the genitourinary system decreased, and there was also a general improvement in its functioning;
  • curcumin stimulates male fertility, partially or completely eliminating the effects of negative factors such as stress, excess free radicals, low production of thyroid hormone, toxic drug effects;
  • Taking curcumin regularly improves erectile function.

Application

You can take turmeric in its natural form, adding it as a seasoning to a variety of dishes, as well as in the form of dietary supplements. Curcumin exhibits the greatest activity in combination with black pepper. This spice has been found to improve the absorption of curcumin by 2000%. The greatest effect can be obtained by seasoning with a mixture of turmeric and black pepper (8:1) to dishes containing healthy natural fats, both plant and animal origin. Ayurveda recommends adding turmeric powder to ghee and cooking with it.

If you don’t like the taste of turmeric in dishes, you can take it as a medicine. To do this, you need to mix a mixture of spices and black pepper in a ratio of 8:1 with 1 tsp. cold pressed olive oil. You need to take this mixture two or three times a day.

The same combination of turmeric and black pepper can be added to a glass of water and boiled for ten minutes and then drunk. It has been established that, unlike many natural substances, curcumin is not destroyed by thermal effects, and its digestibility after heating increases significantly.

Contraindications

Not all men are recommended to take turmeric. You should avoid using this spice if:

  • have any diseases of the digestive tract;
  • there are pathologies of the gallbladder or kidneys;
  • there is a tendency to allergic reactions.

If a man has neoplasms or chronic pathologies, it is better not to experiment on his own, but to consult with his doctor. It is also not recommended for young boys and teenagers to use turmeric to increase testosterone.

It should be noted that modern doctors do not consider turmeric as a medicinal and prophylactic agent due to the low bioavailability of curcumin. It has been established that when it enters the gastrointestinal tract, it acts there locally, almost without being absorbed into the blood.

In addition, curcumin, which helps increase testosterone and achieve other positive effects, is contained in the spice in an amount of only slightly more than 3%. In order to ensure the necessary supply of this substance to the body, you will need to consume tens of grams of turmeric daily. For this reason, it is better to consume curcumin with high bioavailability in specially formulated forms. For example, Curcumin C3 Complex from Sabinsa is the only product whose properties have been confirmed by scientific research and clinical trials.

There are other curcumin supplements that are formulated to make the curcumin more bioavailable, more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and have beneficial effects. The disadvantage of such funds is the rather high cost.

What is the purpose of testosterone? He is responsible for a large number of functions. He plays a key role in a man's sexual life. It also normalizes cholesterol. Maintaining optimal testosterone levels prevents the development of heart and vascular diseases.

The hormone maintains weight at an optimal level, even a man’s appearance depends on it. A deep voice, strong muscles, narrow hips and broad shoulders indicate that testosterone is produced in sufficient quantities.

If testosterone is not reduced to a critical level, you can try to normalize it in natural ways. Turmeric has both direct and indirect effects on its levels. This occurs by eliminating the causes that caused its reduced production. Lead to a deterioration in the production of this male sex hormone:

  • high cholesterol;
  • poor nutrition;
  • overweight;
  • bad habits;
  • decreased physical activity;
  • age after 40 years.

Attention! Among the main tasks of testosterone is the formation, quantity and concentration of sperm, which is directly related to a man’s sexual activity and erectile function.

Turmeric has enormous therapeutic potential. It normalizes metabolism, burns excess calories (thermogenesis), and also prevents the formation of excess fat deposits.

The spice affects the level of estrogen, the female sex hormone. Curcumin in its composition reduces estrogen levels and, accordingly, provokes a lack of steroid hormones in the blood. This process stimulates testosterone synthesis.

Mechanism of action

As mentioned above, a decrease in estrogen synthesis leads to normalization of testosterone levels. How does this happen? During a special experiment, we were able to notice an interesting feature.

As soon as the level of free estrogen in the blood decreases, the brain receives a signal that the body does not have enough steroid hormones. He reacts to this by increasing the secretion of the hormone LH by the pituitary gland. This is what leads to stimulation of testosterone synthesis.

Other scientific experiments have revealed that curcumin activates genes involved in the production of male sex hormones.

What else will help men's health?

Anti-inflammatory properties

The body reacts to infection with an inflammatory process. This is a response from the immune system. But sometimes the pain becomes intense and causes discomfort.

This is especially noticeable in arthrosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Using turmeric in your daily diet allows you to get noticeable results, reduce pain, remove swelling of the joints and improve their mobility.

Those men who actively engage in strength training are at risk of developing inflammation in their muscle tissue. This negatively affects muscle building and makes it difficult to exercise in the future. Turmeric avoids this by blocking an enzyme that activates inflammation.

Antioxidant effect

Turmeric normalizes metabolism at the cellular level.

When the body functions normally, so-called oxidative stress is observed. It is he who acts as a metabolism stimulator.

Unfavorable external factors lead to an increase in the intensity of the above oxidative stress, which adversely affects the functional characteristics of testicular cells that synthesize testosterone.

You can improve the functional state of cell membranes and protect against harmful environmental influences by drinking water with a small amount of turmeric every day.

Insulin-sensitizing effect

Insulin helps increase protein production in muscles. This anabolic property has been successfully used to increase muscle mass.

Turmeric normalizes the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, while optimizing insulin synthesis.

Turmeric for high testosterone

Having high levels of male sex hormones, there is no need to consume large amounts of turmeric. But is it worth excluding it completely? This is not necessary if you do not want to deny yourself spicy food.

Consuming small quantities several times a week will not cause any harm to health. The main active ingredient is curcumin, which is present in turmeric in small concentrations. It is equal to only 3% of the total mass of the powder. Therefore, by seasoning a dish with this spice, you are unlikely to increase testosterone production.

Experiments have shown that curcumin is not absorbed well enough due to its rapid metabolism. Its bioavailability increases only in the presence of the alkaloid piperine. It is found in black pepper. If you use this combination of seasonings, the digestibility of curcumin will increase tenfold! Keep this in mind!

Turmeric and low testosterone

You can safely use the seasoning to normalize the level of one of the main male sex hormones. But no matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to influence its production if it has dropped to critical levels.

First, consult your doctor. Once approved, you can use turmeric as part of a combination therapy or separately.

When a large amount of curcumin enters the body, testosterone is converted into another active substance - the hormone dihydrotestosterone. However, to do this you need to significantly increase the daily amount of spice, this is fraught with side effects. Spice, consumed in small doses on a regular basis, can reduce the production of estrogen in a man’s body and naturally lead to normalization of testosterone levels.

Advice! Don't get carried away with turmeric, hoping to increase testosterone production in a short time! Regarding the seasoning, there is a list of contraindications and warnings for use. An overdose can lead to allergies, pain and discomfort in the abdomen, and intestinal upset.

How to use for lifting correctly?

Use turmeric as a seasoning or spice in your favorite dishes. It goes great with meat and fish, as well as baked goods. It is added to coffee and tea for flavor. This drink improves your mood and normalizes your emotional state.

Optimal dosage regimen:


The safe dosage for an adult male in terms of curcumin is 1-2 g. in a day. This amount eliminates any kind of side effects.

Contraindications to taking turmeric in any quantity are:

  • gastrointestinal disorder;
  • gallstones and blockage of bile ducts;
  • allergy to seasoning components.
  1. Whenever possible, buy clean, organic product if possible.
  2. Combine the seasoning with healthy fats and other herbs.
  3. For maximum effect, prepare a spice mixture consisting of 8 parts turmeric and 1 part black pepper, tightly seal the container with spices and shake until everything is mixed. Add this mixture to your favorite foods and drinks.

You can find dietary supplements with curcumin on sale, but it is better to take natural turmeric powder and add it to food.

Let's watch a video on this topic:

Make this spice part of your diet and you will be able to see how effective it is in normalizing testosterone levels. As an added bonus, you'll reap overall health benefits.

In folk medicine, it is customary to use turmeric powder to influence testosterone, or rather to raise its level in a man’s blood.

Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family. Its stems and rhizomes contain rich concentrations of essential oils and a yellow natural dye called curcumin.

They cultivate turmeric for the production of spices, as well as for therapeutic effects.

According to the studies, it was found that the effectiveness of therapy with the presented product is explained by the content of various components in it in the form of a specific vitamin and mineral composition:

  • group B;
  • ascorbic acid;
  • vitamin K;
  • tocopherol;
  • iodine concentration;
  • calcium;
  • phosphorus;
  • iron.

Thanks to the above elements, turmeric exhibits the following properties:

  • increased body resistance to negative environmental factors due to antioxidant properties;
  • a positive effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, restoration of intestinal saccharolytic microflora is observed, and an almost imperceptible choleretic effect is manifested;
  • antimicrobial;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • antibacterial;
  • an excellent preventative tool to prevent the development of Alzheimer's disorder;
  • positive effect on the skin surface. An improvement in its external indicators will be observed both when taken orally and when applied externally.

A number of contraindications

Due to the fact that the plant is highly active, there is a small list of contraindications that should always be taken into account when carrying out therapy or prevention:

  • before using the plant as a folk remedy against the background of traditional treatment, you must consult with your doctor;
  • against the background of a chronic disorder, it is possible to use turmeric in small doses and in no case should they be increased;
  • Use is strictly prohibited in case of development of cholelithiasis, or other pathologies associated with the gallbladder.

Specific properties

Increase testosterone levels

One of the specific properties that makes turmeric so popular among men is its increasing effect on testosterone levels.

Can the plant be used to increase testosterone, it was originally tested on animals. The study resulted in a positive result. Subsequently, the effect of curcumin on the functioning of the testicles was also proven.

In addition, it is noted that if you increase the dose of turmeric consumed, then under the influence of the active component, testosterone is converted into its more active form, dihydrotestosterone. However, this requires a significant increase in the daily dose, which is fraught with negative consequences.

It is also a proven fact that regular consumption of turmeric daily in small quantities reduces the concentration of estrogen in men, and this in turn increases the content of testosterone in the bloodstream.

Anti-inflammatory properties

The occurrence of inflammation is due to the need to fight an emerging infectious disorder, viral microorganisms, existing trauma or other negative factor.

However, sometimes there is an increase in the intensity of inflammatory phenomena, which leads to severe pain. This, in turn, negatively affects hormonal levels, and therefore testosterone.

If you start using the product in question regularly, you will notice:

  • reduction of pain syndromes;
  • removal of swelling.

As a result, all processes in the body are normalized, hormonal levels are also adjusted, and based on this, there is an indirect effect on the concentration of the male hormone - testosterone.

As you know, intense physical activity of a strength nature contributes to an increase in testosterone. But at the same time, they lead to the development of inflammatory phenomena. To prevent (block) such processes and normalize hormone levels, curcumin can be used.

Antioxidant effect

Turmeric has a unique ability to influence intracellular metabolic processes and normalize them.

If the body functions correctly, the cells carry out an oxidative process that stimulates metabolism. However, due to the presence of a large number of negative factors, this process is disrupted, and stress increases, which affects the functioning of the testicular structures. As a result, the production of cortisol begins, a hormone counter to testosterone and causing a decrease in its concentration.
Cortisol Formula

You can prevent the development of such events by drinking one glass of water with the addition of a teaspoon of turmeric. Thanks to this mix, there is a decrease in the permeability of cell membranes, which helps protect them from the influence of harmful factors.

Insulin-sensitizing function

Insulin is a hormone that increases the reproduction of protein structures in muscle tissue. This is necessary to increase muscle size, which also indirectly has a positive effect on testosterone levels.

The use of this spice has a stabilizing and optimizing effect on insulin production, subject to the principles of a balanced diet and the ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

This happens due to:

  • improving the passage of processes in the digestive tract;
  • stimulating metabolism;
  • inhibition by curcumin of the mechanism that suppresses insulin production and activation of the hormone.
What is insulin

As a result, turmeric is one of the food products that can be used to increase testosterone in men, both during therapy and during prevention.

However, before using the spice, in any case, you should consult a specialist in order to avoid negative consequences that may occur due to the high activity of the product.

In addition to training, every bodybuilder undoubtedly pays special attention to his nutrition and carefully thinks through his diet. This is not surprising, because no matter how intensely you train, without a competent nutrition plan it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve your goals.

Various dietary supplements rightly play a special role in a bodybuilder’s diet. One of the natural food additives is curcumin, which is rapidly gaining popularity. We’ll talk about its useful and not so useful properties today. Read to the end - it will be interesting.

Origin

First, you need to figure out what it is. Curcumin is obtained from the roots and leaves of the turmeric plant and is a common food coloring. Its industrial name is E100 and it can often be found in those products that need to be given a yellowish tint, for example, cheeses, margarine, some yoghurts, etc.

The dye is obtained from powder, which, in turn, is the root of this plant. This powder is a popular spice and is used, for example, in preparing pilaf. It is this that gives this dish an appetizing yellowish tint and a special slightly burning taste.

Features of application

Today, curcumin can be purchased at pharmacies in the form of dietary supplements. Moreover, this is exactly what is recommended to do, since they contain curcumin in addition to piperine (the so-called black pepper alkaloid).

One of the problems with taking curcumin is that it is not fully absorbed by the body. It is piperine that significantly improves digestibility.

A similar effect, albeit on a smaller scale, can be achieved by preparing an oil solution of curcumin. The base can be either olive or sunflower oil. However, tablets are still the preferable option.

Dosage

Naturally, it is important to know how to take this supplement correctly. The recommended dose is calculated based on the person's weight. So, with a weight of 70 kilograms, it will be 7 grams of dye per day.

When taking curcumin in capsules, the task is greatly simplified, since one capsule contains the required amount of curcumin for an adult. The instructions recommend taking them one to three times a day.

However, an overdose of curcumin is unlikely. To do this, it is necessary to exceed the recommended dose several times. In small dosages it is completely safe and does not cause side effects.

The price of a package of capsules is just over one and a half thousand rubles for 60 pieces.

What are the benefits of curcumin?


The beneficial properties of curcumin have been known since ancient times. This explains its wide popularity in Eastern medicine. It has a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect, and therefore is recommended for use in a fairly wide range of diseases: oncology, asthma, diabetes, etc.

Another important property of this supplement is that it is an essential antioxidant.

For a bodybuilder, what is primarily interesting is its anti-catabolic properties.

It enhances the action of insulin, as a result of which the rate of breakdown slows down, which allows you to preserve muscle mass during intense training, and numerous reviews confirm this fact.


The anti-inflammatory properties also have significant benefits for the athlete. The inflammatory process is an integral part of any, but if the inflammation is too intense, it significantly slows down the growth of muscle mass.

As a result of using curcumin, pain in muscles and joints is significantly reduced and muscles grow much more efficiently.

It is worth noting that curcumin helps accelerate the process of fat catabolism, leaving proteins intact. Thus, by taking it, you can achieve truly impressive results.

Is it harmful?

In fact, no harm to the body has been identified when taking curcumin in recommended doses. However, it is worth remembering that it is a fairly strong allergen. That is why, if you have a tendency to allergies, you should not take it, otherwise you can negate the entire effectiveness of the drug.

I hope that the article was useful and will help make your training even more effective. If you liked it, don’t forget to share it on social networks, perhaps your friends - this information is just not enough.

Thanks for your attention and check back often.