Human growth hormone, or HGH for short, is one of the most vital hormones utilized by the body. Also referred to as Somatotropin, this hormone is considered to be a powerful anti-aging agent
because it stimulates the growth and repair of muscles, bones, ligaments, tissues, cells, collagen and other proteins.
By the time we reach our 40’s, growth hormone levels become more and more diminished in the body, resulting in many negative effects, such as poor sleep quality, brittle bones, wrinkled skin, dry hair, increased fat and hormonal imbalances.
HGH is also a primary substance for triggering fat burning in the body when attempting to shed those extra pounds. It increases the process of lipolysis, which is when the body uses its own fat stores for energy.
Fortunately, there are a few foods you can add to your diet to help increase the production of HGH. Here are 17 foods that help to naturally boost human growth hormone.
1. Turkey Breast
Consuming free-range turkey breast is one of the best foods for increasing HGH. It’s loaded with L-Arginine, which is an amino acid used to produce growth hormone by the body. L-arginine also helps strengthen muscles and bones as we age.
2. Pork Loin
After turkey, pork loin is the second-best source for l-arginine, the building blocks for growth hormone. For the most benefit, be sure to only consume organic, hormone-free, and/or grass-fed meats.
3. Avocados
Whenever you eat sugar your insulin levels spike, resulting in decreased amounts of growth hormone in the body. Avocados are a fantastic source of potassium, which has been shown to reduce cravings for sugar, and helping to boost HGH production.
Avocados also contain healthy fats which are helpful when building muscle and burning body fat.
4. Beet Tops
One of the best sources of potassium is found in the leaves at the top of beets. Potassium works together with growth hormone to stabilize blood sugar levels, decrease insulin, and regulate muscle function. Consuming beet tops encourages younger-looking skin, muscle growth and a stronger, healthier heart and body.
5. Kelp
Kelp is a sea plant which is loaded with iodine and trace minerals. These help to stimulate hormones in the thyroid gland as well as growth hormone production in the body.
Thyroid gland hormones work with HGH to help the body to effectively break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
6. Nutritional Yeast
Research shows that niacin (vitamin B3) is a potent growth hormone stimulator. Nutritional yeast is one of the richest dietary sources of niacin, as well as the entire complex of B-vitamins.
This results in the pituitary gland secreting more growth hormone.
7. Beef Liver
Beef liver is another excellent source of vitamin B3 to help boost growth hormone production. Additionally, grass-fed beef liver also contains all of the essential amino acids, which are used by the body as the building blocks for creating hormones.
9. Lemon Juice
Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to your glass of water and drink throughout the day. Lemon juice helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and develop a healthier, more youthful body.
For best results, it’s recommend to drink lemon water while intermittent fasting. Studies show that fasting can boost growth hormone by up to 2000% in men, and 1300% in women!
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
For increasing HGH levels, high intensity interval training (HIIT) is the best type of exercise, boosting growth hormone production by up to 400%. By adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water before every meal, you help your body to burn fat and raise energy levels.
The end result is better workout performance that will see a rapid rise in HGH.
11. Celery
Celery contains natural compounds that have a calming effect and help balance blood sugar levels. This leads to better sleep quality and lower blood sugar, enabling the body to release more growth hormone.
12. Eggs
Free-range eggs are another excellent source of l-arginine, the amino acid necessary for producing HGH in the pituitary gland. In men, growth hormone works in conjunction with testosterone to add muscle mass, and in women, it increases collagen production for healthy, younger-looking skin.
13. Chamomile Tea
HGH is mainly produced while we’re asleep, so it’s crucial to get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Chamomile tea contains a compound called apigenin, which naturally has a tranqulizing effect, leading to better sleep and increased HGH levels.
14. Pumpkin Seeds
Consuming a handful of pumpkin seeds every day is a good way for you to get more arginine into your diet. They can be eaten roasted, raw, or added to delicious recipes.
Pumpkin seeds are also packed with minerals that help to maintain healthy glands in order to optimize hormone production.
15. Watermelon
Snacking on a slice of watermelon is an excellent source of citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that gets converted into arginine, which increases blood flow and then growth hormone. However, watermelon is high in fructose, so eat it in moderation.
16. Coconut Oil
For a healthy lifestyle, it’s recommended to eliminate all unhealthy vegetable oils and switch to extra virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is loaded with MCT’s (Medium Chain Triglycerides) that naturally boost HGH production for up to 4 hours after consuming, leading to benefits in bone density, immune function, digestion and heart health.
17. Beef
Lastly, but not leastly, organic grass-fed beef is loaded with important amino acids, such as arginine, glutamine, ornithine, valine, leucine, and Co-Q10. These aminos have a significant impact on increasing growth hormone levels and optimizing the production of all hormones in the body.
Conclusion
So as you can see, there are quite a lot of foods that you can consume in order to naturally increase HGH in the body. Try eating a combination of these foods every day and eliminate refined grains and sugary foods.
In no time at all you’ll likely notice healthier hair and nails, greater joint flexibility, stronger muscles and even fat loss. Keep in mind that HGH production occurs mainly during sleeping, so it’s important that you find a way to relax into a deep, restful sleep at night.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is the best type of exercise to quickly increase growth hormone, and will also help you to get a good night’s sleep, which only further improves the production of HGH. Since growth hormone helps optimize blood sugar levels, you’ll feel more alert and throughout the day, without the need for sugary snacks or other junk food for a pick-me-up.
Having healthy HGH levels is crucial for losing weight, as it stimulates the body’s cells to burn fat faster. It will also help to maintain memory, concentration and mental acuity as you age, or when studying or learning.
To learn more about healthy foods, hormone balancing and nutrition, please visit the Nutritional Supplements Directory.