Low-fat diets increase the risk of disease in men

 

Scientists from the UK claim that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

Research has shown that low-fat diets lower men's testosterone levels, which can increase the risk of a wide range of health problems for men.

While fat is an essential component of a healthy, balanced diet, experts generally advise against overindulging in saturated fat, which is found in butter, fatty meats, and treats like cakes and pastries.

Ideally, men should eat plenty of monounsaturated fats, found in olive oil, avocados, and walnuts, to boost their testosterone levels.

Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is produced mainly in the testes, but also in the adrenal glands, which are close to the kidneys.

While the study suggests that low-fat diets appear to lower testosterone levels in men, more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this effect, according to lead author Joseph Whittaker of the University of Worcester.

According to the researcher, in the meantime, "men with low testosterone levels should avoid low-fat diets." Higher testosterone levels have already been associated with reduced risk of chronic disease and mortality.

Since the 1970s, there has been a decline in men's average testosterone levels and rates of hypogonadism (medically low testosterone) have increased, the Worcester authors note.

A normal range for testosterone, usually measured by means of a blood sample, is typically 300 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng / dL), according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although it is says details vary by age.