Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for enhanced muscularity, extra hair and other manly features found in half the world's citizens. Dr Michael Colgan, a New Zealand-born nutritionist and the author of "Hormonal Health," also points out that disturbances in this steroid hormone can have major effects on mood and cognitive function. Athletes, too, should consider their testosterone balance in view of it's effects on recovery from training. Certain foods shown an ability to reduce testosterone levels.
Soy
Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that cause estrogenic effects in the human body by binding to estrogen receptors. This might serve as a therapeutic purpose in some cases, and the soy industry has spent many years promoting their products as health foods, although this is disputed by nutritional researchers Sally Fallon and Mary Enig, Ph.D. Both women, who contribute to health website Mercola.com, explain that the estrogenic properties seriously affect the testosterone levels in healthy men and note that 100 g of soy protein delivers the same amount of estrogen as a typical contraceptive pill. They also note soy's negative effects on mineral absorption and recommend against its consumption.
Alcohol
A boozy lunch can affect more than just your concentration. The Fitness Spotlight website highlights the testosterone-reducing effects of alcohol and concludes that chronic consumption can spell disaster for hormonal balance. They point to research that shows that five alcoholic drinks caused a 44 percent drop in testosterone levels and that chronic consumption of alcohol compromised both testosterone levels and the quality of sperm in men.
Low-Fat Diets
Although the mainstream media occasionally paint cholesterol as a cartoon villain and a leading cause of heart disease, Fitness Spotlight notes that the body requires a health amount of cholesterol to produce sufficient testosterone. They explain that low-fat diets significantly reduce testosterone levels through this mechanism, quoting the results of a 2001 study that appeared in the "Metabolism" journal; volunteers in this study who consumed a low-fat diet experienced a 12 percent reduction in their circulating testosterone.
