Flaxseed and Testosterone: How Does It Affect Male Hormones?
What is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a small, oil-rich seed that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking.
It is a good source of fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Flaxseed and Testosterone: What the Research Says
The relationship between flaxseed and testosterone is complex and still being studied.
Some studies have shown that flaxseed may help to increase testosterone levels in both men and women, while other studies have found no effect.
One study, published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research," found that men who consumed 30 grams of flaxseed per day for 12 weeks experienced a significant increase in testosterone levels.
However, another study, published in the journal "Nutrition and Metabolism," found that flaxseed had no effect on testosterone levels in women.
How Flaxseed May Affect Testosterone
There are several ways that flaxseed may affect testosterone levels, including:
- Flaxseed is a good source of lignans, which are plant compounds that have been shown to have estrogen-like effects. Lignans may help to increase testosterone levels by blocking the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
- Flaxseed is also a good source of fiber, which can help to reduce the absorption of testosterone in the gut. This can lead to an increase in testosterone levels in the bloodstream.
- Flaxseed may also help to improve insulin sensitivity, which can lead to an increase in testosterone levels.
Conclusion
The evidence on the relationship between flaxseed and testosterone is inconclusive.
Some studies have shown that flaxseed may help to increase testosterone levels, while other studies have found no effect.
More research is needed to determine the true effects of flaxseed on testosterone levels.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3660433/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22017586
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492447/
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