Why Do Nuts Decrease Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone that aids in the maintenance of male bodily strength and sexual performance.

Exercise, stress reduction, and weight loss may all help you increase your testosterone levels.

Certain nuts, on the other hand, might suppress testosterone levels; nevertheless, why does this happen?

In this piece, I’ll explain why nuts lower testosterone levels, which nuts are the most nutritious, and how they affect general health.

Can Nuts Cause a Drop in Testosterone?

Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone that promotes muscular development, strength, fat distribution, and the production of red blood cells.

Males have higher testosterone than women, yet this hormone appears in both genders.

Nuts may have a deleterious influence on testosterone levels for one of three causes. Let us investigate more.

Binding Protein

Nuts are high in binding protein, which binds to testosterone and regulates how much of the hormone your body can utilize.

A high concentration of binding proteins may significantly limit male hormone synthesis.

Fatty Acids and Phytosterols

Nuts contain fatty acids that are thought to be beneficial.

Yet, heavy dosages significantly reduce testosterone levels.

Nuts are also high in phytosterols, a cholesterol-lowering substance that is good for your heart.

Since testosterone is generated from cholesterol, this drug has a reputation for indirectly lowering testosterone levels.

Phytoestrogens

Certain nuts, such as soy nuts, have a high concentration of phytoestrogens, which are chemical substances found in plant diets.

These compounds imitate the female hormone estrogen in the body.

When phytoestrogens enter the body, the estrogen receptors recognize them as estrogen.

As a consequence, these medications reduce the action of testosterone in your body.

The majority of nuts include fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

They are, nevertheless, heavy in fat and calories.

Here’s a brief guide to which nuts have the most fat content, in order of highest to lowest:

Macadamia

Macadamia nuts have the greatest fat content of any nut (75% fat by weight).

It complements the ketogenic diet, which is heavy in fat and low in carbohydrates, and may increase testosterone production.

One ounce (28.35 g) of macadamia nut kernels has 204 calories and 22 grams (0.78 oz) of fat.

Around 78% of the fat in macadamia is monounsaturated, sourced from plant sources, and may help decrease your bad cholesterol.

These nuts’ antioxidants may also help to prevent inflammation and chronic illness.

Pecans

Pecan is a kind of walnut grown in the southern United States and northern Mexico.

Some studies have shown that consuming pecans as 20% of your daily calorie intake might help decrease bad cholesterol and boost blood antioxidant levels.

These nuts may also help to control blood sugar and hunger.

One ounce (28.35 g) of pecan halves (approximately 19 halves) has 196 calories and 20 grams (0.71 oz) of fat.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are endemic to the South American jungles and are high in selenium, an antioxidant.

These nuts have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol, oxidative stress, and inflammation. They may also increase testosterone levels due to their high selenium content.

A one-ounce (28.35-gram) serving (six nuts) has 187 calories and 19 grams (0.67 oz) of fat.

Walnuts

Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which minimize risk factors for heart disease and lower blood pressure.

Consuming walnuts may also help to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising good cholesterol (HDL) (HDL).

One ounce of 28.35 grams (seven English walnuts) has 183 calories and 19 grams of fat (0.67 oz).

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are high in magnesium, iron, antioxidants, zinc, and protein.

These nuts help to regulate diabetes, enhance heart health, boost HDL levels, and protect against cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

One ounce (28.35 g) of pine nuts (about 167 kernels) contains 191 calories and 17 grams (0.6 oz) of fat.

Hazelnuts (Unsalted)

Hazelnuts, like other nuts, have a protective effect against heart disease and high cholesterol.

They also lower blood fat and sugar levels and help to manage blood pressure.

A handful of hazelnuts (approximately 21 whole kernels) has 178 calories and 17 grams of fat (0.6 oz).

Peanuts (Unsalted)

Peanuts provide a variety of beneficial components, including protein, fiber, and B vitamins.

The majority of the lipids in peanuts are heart-healthy, helping to cut bad cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and aid in weight reduction.

One ounce (28.35 g) of peanuts has around 161 calories and 14 grams (0.49 oz) of fat.

The chart below demonstrates how the fat and other nutritional contents of the nuts vary. The nutrients are calculated based on one ounce (weight).

Protein is made up of chemical substances known as amino acids, which may be essential or non-essential.

Our bodies cannot generate vital nutrients, thus they must be obtained from plant or animal-based meals such as eggs, soy, beef, and quinoa.

The protein content of various nuts varies. In general, most nuts contain 8-18% of the recommended daily protein consumption.

From most to lowest in protein content, here are nine nuts:

• Hemp seed oil. They include more than 25% protein and nine important amino acids, as well as fatty acids such as omega-3, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Hemp seeds provide 8.8 grams (0.31 oz) of protein per ounce (28.35 g).
• Peanuts (dry roasted) (dry roasted). Peanuts are legumes, which implies they are members of a certain plant family. They are, nonetheless, considered nuts in the culinary system. They are less expensive than other nuts and a rich source of protein. One ounce (28.35 g) (about 35 peanuts) of peanuts provides seven grams (0.25 oz) of protein.
• Protein, fiber, and potassium are all abundant in pistachios. These minerals are important for heart and digestive health, as well as regulating blood sugar, muscle contractions, and nerve messages. Six grams (0.21 oz) of protein are included in one ounce (28.35 g) of pistachios (approximately 49 kernels).
• Almonds are high in fiber and might help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite. One ounce of whole almonds has six grams of protein (0.21 oz).
• Sunflower seeds are edible. These help to boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and treat heart disease. They are high in protein, vitamin E, and vitamin B1, all of which boost your energy levels. 5.8 grams (0.2 oz) of protein may be found in a quarter cup (34 g or 1.2 oz) of dry roasted sunflower seeds.
• They promote digestive health, relieve constipation, and reduce cholesterol levels as well as the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Five grams (0.18 oz) of protein are included in one ounce (28.35 g) of whole flaxseeds.
• Sesame seeds are a kind of seed. They are high in B vitamins, fiber, copper, manganese, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They contain up to 50% oil and 19% protein and may help with blood sugar and arthritic pain. Sesame seeds provide five grams (0.18 oz) of protein every ounce (28.35 g).
• Chia seeds are superfoods. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, and protein. They aid in the treatment of diabetes and heart disease, as well as digestion and intestinal health. Each ounce, chia seeds offer 4.7 g (0.17 oz) of protein (28.35 g).
• Cashews are high in micronutrients including copper, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. They’re low in sugar, high in fiber, and good for your brain, eyes, immune system, and bones. A handful of cashews has 4.3 g (0.15 oz) of protein (one ounce or 28.35 grams).
• Walnuts have a good quantity of fiber, fat, and protein. They boost brain and heart function, lower the risk of cancer, and remove bad cholesterol. One ounce (28.35 g), or around seven whole walnuts, contains 4.3 grams (0.15 oz) of protein.

Nut Nutritional Comparison Chart

This graph shows how the protein and calorie compositions of the nuts vary.

Almonds are becoming more popular among dieters due to their high nutritional value and adaptability.

They’re high in protein, fiber, monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and vitamin E.

A nutrition publication recommends eating almonds with their brown skin since it is high in antioxidants and dietary fibre.

Food may have an impact on our hormones, especially testosterone.

Eating too many nuts may lower testosterone levels because they contain certain chemicals known as binding proteins.

A high quantity of these proteins in the bloodstream may result in a decrease in testosterone levels.

Nuts are also popular snacks since they are high in nutrients such as protein, zinc, potassium, iron, and so on.

Certain nuts, such as macadamia, pecans, and brazil nuts, are heavy in calories and fat, while others, such as hemp seeds, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts, are high in protein.