Low fat diets men's testosterone levels decrease by 10-15%, according to a new study conducted at the University of Worcester and published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Low testosterone levels are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Healthy testosterone levels are also key to men's sports performance, mental health, and sexual health.
Hypogonadism since 1970
The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis, combining the results of six well-controlled studies with a total of 206 participants. These studies first put men on a high-fat diet (40% fat) and then transferred them to a low-fat diet (20% fat) and found that their testosterone levels decreased by 10-15% on average. Particularly bad were low-fat vegetarian diets that caused a decrease in testosterone of up to 26%.
A high intake of monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts can increase testosterone production. However, omega 6 polyunsaturated fats, found predominantly in vegetable oils, can damage the cells' ability to produce testosterone. This is because highly unsaturated fats, such as polyunsaturated fats, are more prone to oxidation, which causes cell damage.
Since the 1970s, there has been a decline in the average testosterone levels of men and women. hypogonadism rates (medically low testosterone) have increased.
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The news
Low-fat diets lower testosterone levels in men
was originally published in
Xataka Science
by
Sergio Parra
.