Foods that Lower Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. It has an essential role in maintaining the good health of men. Maintaining optimal levels of testosterone results in many benefits. You will have a leaner body with stronger bones and a healthy heart. Optimal testosterone levels also mean better libido. Having optimal testosterone levels also leads to better development of sexual characteristics.
Low testosterone levels are a common issue in men above 25 years. Now, this can be due to the natural depletion of testosterone levels after the age of 25. In addition, some foods decrease the levels of testosterone. Having low levels of testosterone leads to many health problems. Men with a lower level of testosterone suffer from more obesity due to lower development of muscle mass.
People with lower testosterone levels may also suffer from weaker bones. There is also a chance of worse sexual performance due to a lack of testosterone in the body. Men with lower testosterone even suffer from decreased brain function.
In addition to the natural decrease of testosterone levels, you should be wary about other factors. There are some foods that affect testosterone levels in our bodies. If you want to have optimal testosterone levels, you should avoid eating these foods. Here is a list of foods that adversely affect the testosterone levels in our body.
5 Foods that will Lower your Testosterone Levels
1. Soy and Soy-Based Products
Soy and soy-based products like tofu and soy protein contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant-based hormones that have similar characteristics to Estrogen. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. Phytoestrogens mimic estrogens and alter hormone levels of our body and lead to a decrease in testosterone.
There is a lack of research on the effect of phytoestrogens on the human body. However, a rat study showed a significant decrease in testosterone levels due to phytoestrogens.
A study of 35 men found that consuming soy-based protein led to lower testosterone levels. As compared to WHEY protein, men using soy protein had much lower levels of testosterone. Due to a lack of research, scientists haven't yet figured out why this happens. A study found out that estrogen concentrations returned to normal levels after men stopped using soy.
Many scientists figure that phytoestrogens introduce symptoms like that of Estrogen. This is carried out without altering hormone levels in our bodies. Hence, if you want to preserve testosterone levels, you should avoid eating soy or soy products.
There are conflicting results that show there are no effects of soy on testosterone. However, to be on the safe side, you should not consume soy products for now.
2. Mint
Mint has been a part of people's diet since ancient times. Due to its stomach-soothing properties, it is a popular ingredient in many dishes across the world. However, new studies show that consuming mint has an adverse effect on testosterone.
Spearmint and peppermint, which are popular herbs from the mint family, show similar effects. Studies show that spearmint and peppermint have a direct effect on testosterone levels. A 30-day study of women showed that consuming mint herbal tea had similar effects. The women under study consumed mint herbal tea for continuous 30 days. In the end, the testosterone levels of the body had decreased significantly.
A study by the Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin showed some striking results. This study was conducted on female rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome. After consuming spearmint essential oils, the testosterone levels decreased.
However, there is no significant evidence on its general effects. For better evaluation, there is a need for studies for its effects on men. For now, it is better to avoid the usage of mint.
3. Licorice Root
Licorice Root is a common ingredient in many beverages and candies. This ingredient is used to sweeten candies and beverages. Licorice Root is also a common ingredient in many home remedies.
It has holistic effects and is used to cure anything from headaches to coughing. Licorice Root has some effects on hormone levels. It also takes a hit on the testosterone levels of our body.
A study involving men eating seven licorice roots every day for a week showed these effects. Just after a week of this habit, a 26% drop in testosterone levels was seen. Another study showed such adverse effects in women too. It is fair to say that licorice root has an immediate impact on the testosterone levels of our body.
A study in Integrative Medical Research showed that testosterone levels in women decreased with the use of licorice root. The study noted that testosterone levels in women during the menstrual cycle reduced. Hence, it would help if you avoided the consumption of licorice roots.
Studies on both men and women showed similar effects on testosterone levels. Licorice root makes a significant impact on the testosterone levels of our body. Its continued consumption can lead to a significant decrease in testosterone levels.
4. Vegetable Oils
Most of the common vegetable oils like canola, soybean, or corn oil have unsaturated fatty acids. The consumption of these unsaturated fatty acids has an adverse effect on testosterone levels. Generally, unsaturated fatty acids are classified as healthy sources of fats. But they have a negative effect on the testosterone levels in our body.
There is no doubt that vegetable oils are healthier alternatives, but they have some adverse effects. Many studies have shown similar results, including a decrease in testosterone levels.
A study of 69 men consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids showed similar results. Persistent consumption of polyunsaturated fats took significant tolls on testosterone levels. Another study of 12 men which studied the effects of diet on testosterone levels had similar results. The study focused on effects taken after exercise. There was a significant decline in testosterone levels.
Before taking any major steps, it is worth noting that most studies have a smaller sample size. This is an obstacle in proving these effects in general. However, to be on the safe side, you can avoid using vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are much healthier than other cooking oils and quite effective for your diet.
Thus, before removing them from your diet, think of what is more important. You can choose between a healthier diet or better chances of optimal testosterone levels.
5. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a healthy ingredient in many people's diets. This herb has positive effects on the heart and is filled with tons of vitamins and minerals. However, some studies suggest that flaxseed has adverse effects on testosterone levels in our bodies.
The reason behind this is the presence of lignans and omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans are plant compounds that stick to testosterone and force it out of your body. The omega-3 fatty acid is also linked to lower testosterone levels in many studies.
A study on women with PCOS showed daily consumption of flaxseed took a toll on testosterone levels. Most studies on its effect are taken on specific sample sizes. A study on men with prostate cancer showed similar results. In this study, fat intake was decreased while supplementing with flaxseed. After completion of the study, a significant decrease in testosterone levels was observed.
To fully support the claim, we need more extensive studies showing similar results. Also, flaxseed is a healthy choice for people with bad digestive health. It is also popular for lowering total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Flaxseed is also pretty helpful for reducing the chances of heart-related disease.
Our Say
Having an optimal testosterone level is essential for the good health of men. Now, there is a natural decrease in testosterone levels taking place after the age of 25. There are also some foods that adversely affect testosterone levels. We compiled a list of some popular food components that decrease testosterone levels in your body. It would help if you avoid or lower their consumption to achieve optimal levels of testosterone.
