Black Ginger & Testosterone: Boost Testosterone Levels Naturally
Our hormones dictate so much in our bodies and in our lives. Testosterone, one of the sex hormones present in both men and women, is linked with regulating the libido (sex drive), bone mass, distribution of body fat, strength and muscle mass, and the production of blood cells and sperm.
This is why there are so many supplements claiming to boost testosterone, especially for men. Whether you need some help with your sex life or are looking to boost your physical performance in the gym or at your favorite sport, testosterone plays a big role.
If you wish to get a natural boost in testosterone levels, black ginger extract is a perfect solution. Read on to find out how and why it helps with testosterone production, as well as what the effects of black ginger can be on your health and wellbeing as a whole.
Does Black Ginger Boost Testosterone Levels?
Black ginger extract (Kaempferia parviflora) has long been used in traditional medicine as a remedy in the case of reduced libido. It’s also been prescribed to improve blood circulation, stimulating energy levels and helping to increase the metabolism to help lose weight. There are lots of black ginger benefits that have come under increased scrutiny from clinical studies recently - you can read more about these here.
When it comes to testosterone levels specifically, there are a few ways in which black ginger extract supplements can help. They have been found to increase blood flow to the testes, thanks to various mineral compounds such as magnesium, chromium, and zinc. This supports sexual health and encourages the production of sperm.
Black ginger is also a natural PDE 5 inhibitor - which has been used to treat erectile dysfunction. PDE stands for Phosphodiesterase and PDE 5 inhibitors refer to a group of medications used to treat erectile problems. They were discovered while studying their use to treat high blood pressure and angina. Instead of using drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, therefore, you can reach for black ginger extract instead.
The Effects of Low Testosterone Levels in Men
Low testosterone levels can affect energy levels, strength and vitality, and libido. They can come about as a result of some medical conditions, but have also been observed in men who are training hard for a competition or athletic goal (e.g. running lots in training before a marathon), and are therefore fatigued. Moreover, we produce less testosterone naturally as we age - this is a normal process.
What does a lowered testosterone level mean in everyday life? There are a few possible effects:
- Lowered sex drive and interest in sex in general. This can also be linked with erectile dysfunction or erectile problems;
- Fatigue without as much energy expenditure as usual. In other words, you feel like you have less energy overall;
- Reduced muscle strength;
- Poorer mood and possible mood swings;
- Worsening sleep quality;
- Potential increase in body fat;
- A visible reduction in facial and body hair growth.
All these are linked with the role of testosterone in regulating mood, sexual desire, and bone and muscle strength, as well as supporting the creation of new blood cells and helping the testes make sperm for a healthy reproductive system.
How Does Black Ginger Work to Increase Testosterone?
Black ginger extract contains chemical compounds that are linked to increased production of the testosterone hormone in men. Among these, ethanol extract has been shown to improve sexual health. According to a 2018 study, 13 generally healthy men aged 50-68 with self reported mild erectile dysfunction benefited from taking ethanol extract from Kaempferia parviflora - leading to a better sex life. Of course, more clinical studies are needed to establish closer links between black ginger extract, increased testosterone levels, and improved sexual wellness. But this is a good start.
Additionally, black ginger increases the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood circulation throughout the body. It also activates smooth muscle tissue relaxation in the penis, which further facilitates erectile function and ejaculation. Overall, this contributes to more testosterone being produced - with added benefits for wellness and sexual health.
Finally, black ginger extract stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone, which is also linked with testosterone production. This hormone stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes, which then produce more testosterone (Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone in men).
The Effects of Black Ginger and Increased Testosterone
Countering the effects of ageing and/or a medical condition that has led to low testosterone means that the whole body will get benefits. Healthy testosterone levels are linked with good energy levels, increased mood and better cognition, better physical performance and endurance, and increased sex drive and improved sexual satisfaction in men.
Here are the effects of taking black ginger extract to support testosterone production.
Boosts Testosterone Production
Black ginger extract supports nitric oxide production, which in turn, helps dilate blood vessels and encourages healthy blood circulation. This is essential for the whole body to work at its best. Better blood flow also stimulates testicular production of testosterone and helps facilitate better erectile function.
Moreover, black ginger helps the body produce more luteinizing hormone, which is the key hormone for sexual health in both men and women. For healthy males, more luteinizing hormone leads to better activity for the Leydig cells in the testes, which are responsible for producing testosterone.
Increased Nitric Oxide Levels
Taking black ginger extract has been found to increase production of nitric oxide in the body. This compound is essential for blood circulation, allowing blood vessels to dilate and let more blood flow throughout our bodies. This is beneficial for the erectile function.
Improved Sexual Function and Increased Libido
Sex drives and sexual satisfaction have both been shown to increase when more testosterone is being produced by healthy males. After taking black ginger extract, participants in some clinical studies have reported increased vitality, sexual interest, and satisfaction.
Enhanced Muscle Mass and Strength
Testosterone is one of the key hormones to support developing muscle mass and improving body composition. While many athletes take testosterone supplements (some illegal!) to help them grow muscles quicker, natural supplementation with black ginger extract helps achieve better performance in the gym and on the sports courts.
Better testosterone levels are also linked with more energy and endurance, also key for athletic activity. They also lead to weight loss and a significant increase in mood overall.
How to Use Black Ginger Extract for Testosterone
Black ginger has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. It’s prepared as either a powder or an extract and sometimes used in teas, added to smoothies, or brewed into a drink. However, the most effective way to get black ginger benefits is to supplement with black ginger extract.
Taking black ginger extract gives you a concentrated amount of all the beneficial compounds from the Kaempferia parviflora plant. It also allows for a more controlled dosage and makes it easy to take with you anywhere you’d like. We recommend taking two 300-mg capsules daily, in the evening. But, be careful: you may get a bit more energy after taking them, so don’t use them too close to your bedtime, or switch to taking your capsules in the morning if you experience trouble with your sleep.
Is it Safe to Use Black Ginger to Boost Testosterone?
Unlike various testosterone-boosting supplements on the market, black ginger extract is completely natural and safe to take. Most users don’t report any side effects from black ginger supplementation, and the plant has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat various conditions.
Taking black ginger extract supplements doesn’t interfere with your body’s natural processes. It simply stimulates the blood flow, the production of luteinizing hormone, and in turn, the production of testosterone. You can find out more about the safety of black ginger extract as a dietary supplement in our article here.