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Health Line
3 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
6 Foods That Lower Testosterone Levels
Certain herbs, seeds, and beverages, among other foods, may lower testosterone levels, which can affect muscle mass, sexual function, and overall strength. Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a decisive role in health. It's estimated that 1.2–12.8% of males have low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism. Low testosterone levels may put you at risk of developing a number of health conditions, including: obesity metabolic syndrome type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease osteoporosis Many factors are involved in regulating testosterone, but a healthy diet may help you keep your levels in check. Here are six foods that may help lower your testosterone levels. A note on sex and gender We use 'women' and 'men' in this article to reflect the terms that have been used in the cited research. That said, your gender identity may not align with how your body responds to lower levels of testosterone. A doctor can better help you understand how your specific circumstances will translate into diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. 1. Mint Research suggests that mint may cause a dip in testosterone levels. In particular, spearmint and peppermint —two herbs from the mint family of plants—have been shown to directly affect testosterone. One 12-week study of 150 subjects, divided between a group with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a control group without it, showed that drinking spearmint herbal tea daily caused a significant decline in testosterone levels, with a slightly greater decline for the individuals with PCOS. Similarly, an animal study found that administering spearmint essential oil to rats for 20 days resulted in reduced testosterone levels. However, most research on mint and testosterone focuses on women or animals. High-quality human studies focusing on all sexes assigned at birth are needed to assess how mint affects testosterone levels in both males and females. 2. Licorice root Licorice root is an ingredient commonly used to sweeten candies and beverages. It's also a popular natural remedy in holistic medicine and is used to help treat everything from common colds to chronic pain. In recent years, several studies have found that licorice may also influence hormone levels, potentially leading to a decline in testosterone over time. In a 2003 study, 25 men consumed 7 grams of licorice root daily, which caused a 26% drop in testosterone levels after just 1 week. Another older study showed that licorice may reduce testosterone levels in women as well, reporting that 3.5 grams of licorice daily decreased testosterone levels by 32% after just one menstrual cycle. That said, a recent 2021 animal study found that licorice extract helped raise testosterone levels in mice who were injected with methotrexate, which lowered testosterone levels. Newer research in humans is needed to further support the effects of licorice root on testosterone. It's also important to note that this applies to licorice root rather than licorice candy, which often doesn't contain any licorice root. 3. Flaxseed Flaxseed is packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and various important vitamins and minerals. In addition, some research shows that it may cause a decrease in testosterone levels in certain populations. This is because flaxseed is high in lignans, which are plant compounds that bind to testosterone and force it to be excreted from your body. Furthermore, flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may also be linked to a decrease in testosterone. In a 2001 study of 25 men with prostate cancer, supplementing with flaxseed and decreasing overall fat intake was shown to significantly reduce testosterone levels. Similarly, a case study reported daily flaxseed supplements decreased testosterone levels in a 31-year-old woman with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition characterized by increased male hormones. However, more large-scale studies are needed to further evaluate the effects of flaxseed on testosterone levels. 4. Trans fats Trans fats are an unhealthy type of fat that has been banned in the United States since 2015, but may be present in some imported or older products. These fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. Plus, some studies have found that regularly consuming trans fats from sources like processed foods could decrease testosterone levels. For example, one study of 209 men showed that those who consumed the highest amounts of trans fats had 15% lower testosterone levels than those with the lowest intake. Animal studies have also found that a high intake of trans fats could lower testosterone levels and even impair reproductive performance. 5. Alcohol While enjoying the occasional glass of wine with dinner has been linked to health benefits, a small 2004 study in 19 healthy adults showed that consuming 30–40 grams of alcohol per day, which equates to about 2–3 standard drinks, decreased testosterone levels in men by 6.8% over 3 weeks. Another study in 2014 reported that alcohol consumption reduced semen and changed reproductive hormones in young Danish men. However, the evidence isn't entirely clear-cut when it comes to the effects of alcohol on testosterone. In fact, both human and animal studies have had mixed results, with some research indicating that alcohol could actually increase testosterone levels in certain cases. Further research is needed to understand how different doses of alcohol affect testosterone levels in the general population. 6. Nuts Nuts are a great source of many important nutrients, including fiber, heart-healthy fats, and minerals like folic acid, selenium, and magnesium. However, some studies suggest that certain types of nuts may decrease testosterone levels. One small study in 31 women with polycystic ovary syndrome showed that walnuts and almonds increased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) by 12.5% and 16%, respectively. SHBG is a type of protein that binds to testosterone, which can lead to a decrease in the levels of free testosterone in your body. Nuts are also generally high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been associated with decreased testosterone levels in some older studies. Despite these findings, more research is needed to determine if and how certain types of nuts may affect testosterone levels. In the meantime, current research supports nut intake for cardiovascular and endocrine health unless you have an allergy. What about soy? There is a common belief that regularly eating soy products like edamame, tofu, and soy milk may cause a drop in testosterone levels. One older rat study from 2001 seemed to show that consuming phytoestrogens significantly decreased testosterone levels and prostate weight. However, more recent human studies have found that soy foods did not affect testosterone levels in men. While more research is needed to confirm, the belief that soy products affect testosterone appears to have been debunked. Frequently asked questions What foods decrease testosterone? Research in both animals and humans suggests that certain foods may decrease your levels of testosterone. These include: mint nuts alcohol trans fats flaxseed licorice root It's important to note that more studies with humans are needed to better support these findings. Research in both animals and humans suggests that certain foods may decrease your levels of testosterone. These include: mint nuts alcohol trans fats flaxseed licorice root It's important to note that more studies with humans are needed to better support these findings. Do eggs lower testosterone? Eggs are a great source of omega-3 fats, protein, and vitamins. Their yolks are also rich in selenium, which is a mineral that acts as an antioxidant in your body. One review of animal test-tube studies suggests that selenium may enhance testosterone production. Another study found that egg white powder helped increase testosterone levels in men with obesity. Although more research is needed, whole eggs are very nutritious foods. Eggs are a great source of omega-3 fats, protein, and vitamins. Their yolks are also rich in selenium, which is a mineral that acts as an antioxidant in your body. One review of animal test-tube studies suggests that selenium may enhance testosterone production. Another study found that egg white powder helped increase testosterone levels in men with obesity. Although more research is needed, whole eggs are very nutritious foods. What food has the highest testosterone? Certain foods may boost your levels of testosterone more than others, including: fatty fish dark, leafy greens avocados cocoa products berries shellfish Certain foods may boost your levels of testosterone more than others, including: fatty fish dark, leafy greens avocados cocoa products berries shellfish Takeaway Modifying your diet is a great way to help maintain healthy testosterone levels. If you're concerned about low testosterone levels, swapping out these testosterone-lowering foods and replacing them with healthy, whole-food alternatives may help keep levels in check and enhance your overall health.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Meera Sodha's vegan recipe for squash and fennel agrodolce
Being in the business of recipe writing means I am always seeking the new, always moving on and rarely resting on a single dish. Until summer starts knocking, that is. The sun makes me want to slow down, and I find myself wanting a variation of vegetables agrodolce on repeat. Agrodolce is Italian for sour (agro) and sweet (dolce), which in my kitchen translates to a pile of meltingly soft vegetables, all slick with olive oil, sweet with onions, and cut with vinegar and capers. Often, this takes the form of my husband Hugh's oven-baked caponata, but I also love the comfort of squash and the liquorice sweetness of the cooked fennel here. Prep 15 minCook 40 min Serves 4 1 squash (1.1kg), halved, deseeded and cut into 1½cm dice8 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra to finishFine sea salt 2 tbsp capers in brine, drained2 tbsp pine nuts 2 tbsp raisins 1 fennel bulb (300g), trimmed, halved and cut into ½cm-thick slices1 red onion, peeled and finely diced2 large tomatoes (300g), finely diced2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 30g mint, leaves picked, to get 15gGreek flatbreads, to serve Heat the oven to 240C (220C fan)/475F/gas 9, and line two medium baking trays (or one large tray) with greaseproof paper. Put the diced squash in a bowl, pour over three tablespoons of the oil, add a half-teaspoon of salt and toss to coat. Tip out evenly on the lined trays and roast for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and nicely browned. Meanwhile, put two tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan on a medium heat and, once hot, add the drained capers and cook for five minutes, until they start to crisp up. Add the pine nuts and raisins, cook for a further two minutes, until the raisins puff up and the pine nuts brown, then tip into a bowl. Put the remaining three tablespoons of oil in the same pan, set it over a medium heat, then add the fennel, onion and three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, until soft. Add the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, and cook for another eight minutes, until the mixture turns jammy. Fold in the roast squash and reheat, if need be, then stir through the mint. Top with the pine nut mixture and serve with grilled flatbreads.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I ended up in A&E when a colleague breathed on me after using toothpaste
A WOMAN allergic to mint was rushed to hospital after a colleague accidentally breathed on her after using toothpaste. Archaeologist Kyleigh Digiovanni, 25, went into anaphylactic shock. 3 3 She said: 'I was in for a few hours. "They pumped me with antihistamine and adrenaline.' Kyleigh, who is from the US but lives in York, was diagnosed with her allergy aged ten. She said: 'Public transport is like playing Russian roulette with five bullets in a chamber. 'If I take a train, I wear a mask. "I was on the Underground and people were chewing gum. "All they have to do is just walk past me and that sets me off.' She added: 'It took two years to find a toothpaste brand that was safe. 'I wasn't brushing my teeth for all of that time.' 3
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fresh Mint Syrup Is The Delicious, Historically Inaccurate Secret Weapon For Your Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
When the horses are at the gate in Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, there is no better drink to have in your hand than a cold, strong mint julep. Cocktail historians and experts will be the first to tell you that a proper mint julep should not be made with mint syrup but individually plucked mint leaves lightly muddled in the glass with sugar, the historically accurate and labor-intensive way of making the drink. The only problem with those objections? The fact that mint syrup is delicious. It is the refreshing scent of a summer herb garden distilled down into a sweetly potent secret weapon. Not only useful for making mint juleps, mint syrup is also delicious when spiked in a cold glass of iced tea or drizzled over ice cream. (MORE: Seasonal Lemonade Recipes For March) When my garden is overflowing with mint, which happens to grow like a weed, I can never resist harvesting a bunch for this sweet treat. Make a large batch of mint syrup before your Kentucky Derby party and you'll have more time to focus on the important things, like which horse to bet on. The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be on Saturday, May 3. It has a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. 1 cup water 1 cup raw sugar 1 large handful of fresh mint leaves Bring water to a boil and add sugar. Once dissolved, remove from heat. In the still-warm water, let mint steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any trace of the mint leaves. Keep refrigerated for a week. 2 ounces Kentucky bourbon 1 ounce mint syrup Crushed ice Fresh mint springs, for garnish Fill a lowball glass or chilled, silver goblet (if available) with crushed ice. Pour bourbon and syrup into the glass and garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy. writer Wyatt Williams is exploring the relationship between weather, food, agriculture, and the natural world. MORE ON Cozy Springtime Brews For Rainy Days Sweeten Your Easter With This Yummy Carrot Cake Sweet and Smoky Ham Recipes
