Men with higher testosterone levels eat more than this food
A new French study could explain these YouTube videos of men suffering from self-inflicted pain of spicy peppers. Although these cracking videos are no doubt powered by the desire for attention, this study finds a connection between testosterone levels and a preference for spicy foods.
The study published inPhysiology and behaviorAsked 114 men aged 18 to 44 on their spice preferences before serving a mashed potato dish, they were allowed to assare with as much salt and hot pepper they liked.
Researchers found that men with higher testosterone levels in their saliva showed greater preference for spicy foods and potatoes with the largest amount of hot sauce even after the data were controlled for Age differences. More research must be made to clarify causality because it could be hot sauce giving testosterone levels a boost; An earlier previous study showed an increased level of testosterone in rats fed a capacity containing capsaicin.
The authors note that the hormone has long been associated with many other factors related to the preference of capsaicin, domination, aggression and bold behavior, while "low levels of testosterone have been associated with a Lethargic or depressive mood ". Thus, until they prove causality, it could be worth the basis of Sriracha.
