Study: Men Who Enjoy Spicy Foods Have Higher Testosterone Levels

Self-conscious men who yearn to be super macho may need to increase their daily jalapeño intake, that is if a new discovery out of France is to be believed. David Chazan of The Telegraph reports:

“Scientists at the highly-respected University of Grenoble have published a report suggesting that regular consumption of chili peppers may raise levels [testosterone], which is believed to make men more adventurous, enterprising and sexually active.

Laurent Begue, one of the authors of the study, said: ‘These results are in line with a lot of research showing a link between testosterone and financial, sexual and behavioural risk-taking.'”

Chazan says the report, fittingly titled “Some Like It Hot,” will soon be published in the journal Physiology and Behavior. The scientists tested saliva samples from 114 men who were given the option of adding hot sauce to a plate of mashed potatoes. They found a direct correlation between the amount of sauce added and the testosterone levels of the sauce adder.

Chazan posits that perhaps the study will trigger a rise in the popularity of spicy foods among French males. He notes that curries aren’t nearly as big in France as they are in Great Britain, and that France’s traditional cuisine relies more on delicate flavors and effects. Yet Chazan says the promise of virility could be enough of a reason for the men to alter their diets. Whether there’s truth to this assertion or Chazan is just being silly, I’ll leave for you to decide. If he’s right though, you can be sure that French cooks will be absolutely steaming.

Check out his full story linked below for more.