Whether you drink coffee or eat chocolate, they both contain a central nervous system stimulant called caffeine. Although caffeine is mostly known for increasing energy and alertness, evidence indicates that consuming caffeine, particularly around workout time, can have a positive effect on testosterone levels in your body.
Testosterone
Testosterone is found in both men and women, but it's considered a male hormone that is associated with a number of functions, including maintaining muscle mass, improving libido and increasing bone density. According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone levels start to drop as you age. Besides improving your diet and exercise, increasing your caffeine intake also might boost testosterone levels.
Caffeine and Exercise
Increasing caffeine intake around workout time might increase your testosterone levels, according to a study conducted by researchers at Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand. One hour prior to resistance training, rugby-league players ingested one of the following caffeine dosages: 0, or the placebo; 200 mg; 400 mg; or 800 mg. Scientists discovered that all caffeine groups experienced increases in testosterone compared with the group without caffeine. The findings were reported in the April 2008 issue of the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism."
Caffeinated Gum
Scientists at the Eastern Institute of Technology in New Zealand investigated the impact of caffeinated gum on hormone levels in male cyclists. Subjects performed four sets of five 30-second sprints while receiving caffeinated gum, which contained 240 mg of caffeine, or a placebo. Researchers reported in the December 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Applied Physiology" that those in the caffeinated gum group experienced increases in testosterone compared with those ingesting a placebo.
Side Effects
Although caffeine consumption seems to increase testosterone levels, keep in mind that too much caffeine might cause side effects, such as insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and stomach upset, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult your health care provider before taking caffeine.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality?; April 2010
- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Dose Effect of Caffeine on Testosterone ... ; C.M. Beaven, et al.; April 2008
- "European Journal of Applied Physiology"; Caffeinated Chewing Gum Increases Repeated Sprint Performance and Augments Increases in Testosterone in Competitive Cyclists; C.D. Paton et al.; December 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?; March 2011
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