A study warns: This is what the “diet” does to the male hormone

A new study warns that low-fat diets reduce levels of the male hormone testosterone in men, which may increase the risk of a whole host of health problems for them.

British researchers from the University of Worcester say in their study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology that low levels of the hormone testosterone are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
In a sample of 206 men with an average age of 46, university nutrition experts found that low-fat diets lowered testosterone levels by 10 to 15%.

The experts found that the lower testosterone was higher for men who followed a low-fat vegetarian diet, by up to 26%.

These tests initially put the men on a high-fat diet, made up of 40 percent fat, and then moved them to a low-fat (20 percent fat) diet to reduce testosterone as a percentage.

The researchers linked their findings to similar studies in humans and mice, and found that high intake of monounsaturated fats may boost testosterone production.

Low-fat diets usually contain foods from whole grains and lean meats, such as skinless chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables and legumes, and while these are healthy options, experts stress the importance of including fats in the men’s diet, which is found in Meat, nuts and dairy products, such as cheese and milk.

The scientists also noted the authors of the recent study that men should ideally consume a lot of monounsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, avocados and nuts, in order to increase their testosterone levels.

But at the same time they advise not to overdo it with saturated fats, which are found in butter, fatty meats, and desserts, such as cakes and pastries.

Testosterone is a male hormone and is made mostly in the testicles, as well as in the adrenal glands near the kidneys.

Natural testosterone levels are essential to men’s athletic performance, mental health and sexual health.

The study also found that men of European descent may experience a greater decrease in testosterone, due to their response to a low-fat diet.

Already, high testosterone levels have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease and death, and a study in 2000 reported that a team of researchers from the University of Cambridge reported a link between low testosterone and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.