Does protein increase testosterone?

New Research Suggests Eating Too Much Protein May Lower Testosterone Levels in Men. Consuming excessive amounts of protein may lower testosterone levels in men, new research suggests.

forksoverknives.com - New Study: Eating Too Much Protein May Lower Testosterone in Men

Does cranberry juice have negative effects?

Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts are likely safe for most adults. Drinking too much cranberry juice might cause some side effects such as...

Last updated Feb 20, 2020

Is garlic good for your sperm?

May enhance male fertility In addition to increasing blood flow, some studies have found that garlic may help promote male fertility. One review of...

Last updated Jun 16, 2021

Promotion

Consuming excessive amounts of protein may lower testosterone levels in men, new research suggests. In a meta-study published in the March 2022 issue of Nutrition and Health, nutritionists at the University of Worcester in the U.K. conducted a statistical analysis of 27 interventional studies to assess how low-carb and high-protein diets might impact testosterone. They also looked at the impact that such diets might have on the stress hormone cortisol, because levels of the two hormones are closely linked, with higher cortisol indicating lower testosterone and vice versa. Master plant-based cooking with Forks Get 25% off through January 4 Learn More A total of 309 healthy adult males participated in the 27 studies included in this meta-analysis. The specific focuses of the studies varied, but all measured participants’ testosterone and/or cortisol levels, and all assigned participants to low-carb and high-carb diets. In some studies, the low-carb groups ate high amounts of protein (defined here as 35 percent or more of total calories); in others, the low-carb groups ate moderate amounts of protein. In pooling the data, they identified a notable trend among participants assigned to high-protein, low-carb diets: Their testosterone levels decreased by about 17 percent on average. Additionally, they found that resting and post-exercise cortisol levels increased during the first three weeks on a low-carbohydrate diet. Beyond that period, resting cortisol rates returned to baseline, but post-exercise cortisol remained elevated. Joseph Whittaker, MSc, who led the study, says the findings fit within a still-developing picture of the effects of excessive protein consumption. “The long-term effects of very high-protein diets are largely unknown, but what data we have strongly suggests going above 35 percent protein leads to all sorts of nasty effects,” says Whittaker. “Our study adds low testosterone to this list.” “Bodybuilders and weightlifters are most at risk of excessive protein intakes, along with those on extreme weight-loss diets,” says Whittaker, noting that the average person consumes around 17 percent of calories from protein—a much lower proportion than the 35-percent amount examined in the study. Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets have gained popularity in recent years because of their ability to promote weight loss. However, research suggests that these diets may have serious drawbacks in the long term, including an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, elevated cholesterol, and all-cause mortality. To learn more about a whole-food, plant-based diet, visit our Plant-Based Primer. For meal-planning support, check out Forks Meal Planner, FOK’s easy weekly meal-planning tool to keep you on a healthy plant-based path.

Can ashwagandha cause brain fog?

Ashwagandha works to support your body's innate stress management system, ultimately helping to relieve stress and ease those negative effects that...

Last updated Mar 6, 2022

What does saw palmetto do for females?

Saw palmetto sterols and other components affect female hormones through various mechanisms: It inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme activity,...

Last updated Mar 27, 2020

Promotion

Are onions good for muscle growth?

Onions are a good source of the antioxidant quercetin. This flavonoid may help offset oxidative damage to muscle fibers and body tissues caused by intense exercise. In fact, in a study using lab animals, quercetin helped prevent oxidative damage to brain tissue after a long workout.

runnersworld.com - Runner-Specific Uses for Onions

Protects Your Brain

Keeps Your Heart Healthy

The pungent odor from onions (and garlic) comes from sulfur-containing compounds called allyl sulfides. These compounds, combined with onions' rich quercetin content, may help protect blood vessels from damage caused by cholesterol, boosting heart and vascular health.

Strengthens Bones

In a study published in 2009, women who ate onions daily had greater bone density than those who didn't eat onions. And among older women, onion-eaters had a 20 percent lower risk of hip fractures. Researchers think sulfurous compounds, quercetin, and other antioxidants may be responsible for the beneficial effect.

Reduces Cancer Risk

A host of flavonoid compounds in onions (including quercetin) may help ward off cancer by preventing damage to genetic material inside cells, ultimately blocking cancer-causing agents from wreaking havoc. Studies show that frequent onion-eaters have lower risk for some types of cancer and heart disease compared with people who don't eat them.

Aids Digestion

Onions contain a special type of carbohydrate called fructo-oligosaccharides (or FOS) that, while not digestible by our enzymes, serve as food for our intestinal-tract bacteria. FOS promotes the growth of healthy, immune-boosting bacteria—while keeping the bad bacteria at bay—and also helps improve digestive function by relieving constipation.