With a lot of testosterone, the man eats very hot

The higher the testosterone, the sharper the man eats

14/12/2014

Men who have a high testosterone level seem to have a stronger craving for spicy food, according to a new study. Regular consumption of spicy foods may also increase the proportion of male sex hormone.

Preference for spicy foods
According to a new study, a high testosterone level in men apparently leads to a stronger desire for spicy foods. The French news agency AFP reports that the French researchers at the University of Pierre Mendès-France in Grenoble investigated a connection between the male sex hormone and the preference for spicy foods in their study. The results of the study appear in the current issue of the journal „Physiology and Behavior“.

A lot of Tabasco at high testosterone levels
The study looked at preferences for spicy or mild foods in 114 male volunteers aged 18 to 44 years. The men were each served a plate of puree on the pretext of organizing a meal for a company. In each case 50 cans of Tabasco chilli sauce and 80 cans of salt were added. The subjects were able to decide for themselves how to season their respective puree portion. In advance, the study participants had a saliva sample taken to measure their testosterone levels. The participating men were asked to rate the food after the meal and state whether it was salty, spicy, floury or creamy, for example. The analysis made it clear that men with high testosterone levels mixed a lot of Tabasco into their food. On the other hand, the scientists found no relationship between the addition of salt and the testosterone level.

Higher risk with high testosterone
As social psychologist Laurent Bègue from the University of Pierre Mendès-France said, the study confirms other work that suggests a link between testosterone levels and financial, sexual and behavioral risk appetite: „Here is the context in the flavor risk appetite applied.“ He said that the hormone strengthens the craving for sensations and that people with a lot of testosterone took a higher risk in many areas. „It is also possible that regular consumption of spicy foods increases testosterone levels“, Bègue added. „But this has only been noticed in rodents so far.“

Health effects of low testosterone levels
The male sex hormone has been studied in 85,000 studies. For example, a study conducted by Northwestern University in Evanston, United States, years ago revealed that nearly all men had significant changes in hormone levels as soon as they became fathers. The more a man cared for his offspring, the more the testosterone dropped. Numerous studies have also shown that low levels of testosterone in old age can lead to various symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression and a decrease in bone density (osteoporosis). In addition, physicians believe that therapy with testosterone may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke. However, the American scientist James Dabbs had been less concerned with the health effects of testosterone and once called it the hormone „the hero, the rogue and the lover“. (Ad)