Testosterone is a class of male hormones called androgens. It is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Moreover, it regulates a number of processes in the male body. While men produce more testosterone, women also need this particular hormone.
As a man ages, his body’s amount of testosterone naturally declines. Alongside sperm production, testosterone is beneficial in various bodily functions including the following:
- Muscle size and strength
- Red blood cell production
- Sex drive
- Bone mass
- Fat distribution
For those individuals who are worried about their testosterone levels, certain foods must be avoided.
Listed below are some of these foods.
Alcohol
According to studies, excessive alcohol intake can cause testosterone levels to plummet — especially in men.
Experts have found that consumption of 30-40 grams of alcohol each day can lead to decreased testosterone levels in men by 6.8% over three weeks. On the other hand, heavy drinking may cause an increase in testosterone levels in women.
Dairy Products
Avoid dairy products to boost testosterone levels. They contain synthetic or natural hormones that can affect testosterone levels. Some of the products that should be avoided are cheese, butter, cream, and yogurt.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are extremely high in unhealthy PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and sodium.
PUFAs affect the body’s production of testosterone. Meanwhile, excessive sodium consumption can lead to high blood pressure and hypertension. These are some of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction.
Bread, Desserts, And Pastries
Results of a study published in the journal Nutrients revealed that foods like bread, pastries, and other desserts can decrease total testosterone levels in Taiwanese men. Eat more leafy greens instead of these sugary foods.
Soy
Soy products have high amounts of “phytoestrogenic isoflavones,” which mimics estrogen activity within your body. Estrogen is the exact opposite of hormone testosterone.
Also, soy is anti-thyroid. It messes with iodine uptake, thus causing disruption in the thyroid hormone production. A suppressed thyroid is one of the major causes of low testosterone in men.
Moreover, soybeans also contain bad fatty-acid which increase insulin and blood sugar and impaired the immune system and digestive health.
Some of the soy products to be avoided are edamame and tofu.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are full of chemicals and antibiotics. These can affect testosterone adversely, especially at a young age.
Always opt for organic foods to maintain a healthy body.
