Discover which common foods, like certain vegetable oils, soy products, and even licorice, may affect male libido and potentially lower testosterone levels.
Okay, so what foods might be messing with a guy’s mojo? It’s a question we’ve all probably pondered at some point, right?
We’re going to get into the details on food that might just be impacting male libido. I think you’ll find this pretty interesting. Let’s dive in, and later we’ll give you the main takeaways!
- Foods That May Lower Male Libido
- Vegetable Oils Rich in Plant-Based Fats
- Licorice and Anise
- Soy Products
- Industrially Produced Fatty Foods From Hydrogenated Oils
- Licorice Root
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
Foods That May Lower Male Libido
So, what are these foods that could potentially be affecting a man’s sex drive?
1. Vegetable Oils Rich in Plant-Based Fats
Now, some studies suggest that consuming a lot of vegetable oils might play a role in lowering a man’s libido. It’s worth noting that frequently used oils, especially those from plant sources and treated in various ways for cooking, could be the ones to watch out for.
See, high amounts of plant-based fats, generally, aren’t usually something we think about being harmful; however, they can impact the process of testosterone production because of things like:
- Hydrogenation.
- Eliminating short-chain fatty acids.
- Eliminating saturated fats.
These steps strip the foods of their vital nutrients and, therefore, affect what foods contribute to lowering the libido in men.
It’s important to remember that high consumption of vegetable oils, especially hydrogenated ones, can hinder testosterone production. And, get this, the impact of different types of fats on testosterone could be either positive or negative. Huh, who knew?
- Excessive intake of hydrogenated oils weakens testosterone levels.
- Excessive intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) weakens testosterone levels.
- Excessive intake of monounsaturated fatty acids weakens testosterone levels.
- Excessive intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduces testosterone levels. By the way, the vegetable oils that contain them are usually:
- Corn oil.
- Cottonseed oil.
- Avocado oil.
- Sesame oil.
2. Licorice and Anise
Licorice and anise, in their various forms, are considered foods that might lower libido in men. How so? Well, they can potentially reduce testosterone levels.
Both are used extensively for medicinal or nutritional purposes, and their effects can be found in soaps, shampoos, supplements, cough drops, and breath fresheners, even toothpastes.
Many licorice types contain extracts of plants, or plant compounds, which are factors impacting the libido in men.
On the other hand, licorice products tend to be sweets and beverages. The impact these have on testosterone might not be very noticeable. In one study, 48 healthy men were divided into two groups:
- The first group received a commercially available soft drink.
- The second group drank licorice tea at 20 grams/liter.
Compared to their impact on male hormones, licorice tea led to a reduction in testosterone levels by around 23%.
3. Soy Products
Consuming soy and legumes is generally thought to have a negative effect on male testosterone levels.
Soy contains a high amount of plant-based Isoflavones that impact things like:
- Diminishing the effect of androgen receptors that assist in the development of secondary male characteristics.
- Disrupting thyroid hormones and interfering with iodine absorption, where impaired thyroid function is one of the main reasons for reduced levels of the testosterone hormone in men.
Studies on both humans and animals indicate that men who consume large amounts of soy—even if it’s a source of plant-based protein free from Isoflavones—may experience hormonal shifts.
We’ve touched on what foods to avoid, but what about the things we *should* be eating to support healthy testosterone levels and overall sexual function? Think lean proteins, foods rich in vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium. Things like oysters, leafy green vegetables, and fatty fish can contribute positively to hormonal balance and libido. A well-rounded diet is key.
4. Industrially Produced Fatty Foods From Hydrogenated Oils
Industrially produced fatty foods made with hydrogenated oils are among the foods that lower a man’s libido, as they reduce the production of natural androgens, especially affecting testosterone levels. These oils are usually found in many processed foods, including:
- Breads.
- Sweets.
- Fast and fried foods.
- Cakes.
Hydrogenated oils are bad for health and testosterone production because they cause:
- Elevated harmful cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart and vascular diseases by up to 23%.
- Reduced levels of good cholesterol, which is considered essential in testosterone composition.
- Reduced sperm count and testosterone levels in men.
5. Licorice Root
Despite the popularity of licorice root, it’s actually one of the foods that could lower libido in men. This is because the main compound in licorice root is Glycyrrhizic, which has negative effects on testosterone and sex drive in men.
Key takeaways
- Be mindful of vegetable oil intake, focusing on healthier fats.
- Limit processed foods with hydrogenated oils to support testosterone production.
- Consider soy consumption in moderation, balancing it with other protein sources.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Does soy always lower testosterone?
Not necessarily. Some studies suggest a link, but the effects can vary greatly from person to person. It might be more about the quantity consumed and individual sensitivity.
Are all fats bad for testosterone?
Nope! Healthy fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, are actually essential for hormone production. It’s the processed and hydrogenated fats you want to watch out for.
Does licorice only affect libido in large quantities?
Even small amounts of licorice can have an effect, especially if consumed regularly. It’s best to be mindful of how much you’re ingesting.
A guy I know used to eat fast food every day. He started feeling sluggish and his sex drive tanked. Once he cut out the processed stuff and started eating more whole foods, he noticed a huge difference in his energy levels and, well, everything else improved too.
I was a licorice fiend for years. I didn’t realize it could be affecting my testosterone. After I cut back, things definitely perked up.
My friend swears by cutting out soy from his diet. He says it made a world of difference for him, but everyone’s different, right?
Alright, so after looking at all this, I think it’s pretty clear that what we put into our bodies really does affect, well, everything. It’s a good reminder to pay attention to our diets and how they make us feel—and not just in the bedroom, but overall.
