The Spice of Life: How Hot Sauce Might Boost Testosterone

For some, a meal isn’t complete without a good dose of spice. But new research from France suggests that men who love spicy food might have a good reason for their fiery preferences: higher levels of testosterone.

The Study’s Findings

In this experiment, men were served mashed potatoes and given Tabasco sauce to add as they pleased. The results? Men with higher testosterone levels tended to pour on more of the spicy sauce and rated the dish as spicier than those with lower testosterone levels.

The study, led by Laurent Bègue, Ph.D., suggests that testosterone may be linked to certain masculine behaviors and preferences, such as a taste for spicy food. These traits—risk-taking, aggression, and boldness—are often associated with higher testosterone, which may explain why men with more of the hormone enjoy spicy foods more.

Could Spicy Food Actually Boost Testosterone?

While the study shows a correlation, it doesn't conclusively determine if spicy foods are the cause of higher testosterone. Some animal studies, particularly in rats, have suggested that consuming hot peppers can stimulate the release of testosterone. This raises the possibility that frequent consumption of spicy foods could lead to higher levels of the hormone over time.

So, next time you're reaching for that hot sauce, remember it might be doing more than just adding flavor—it could be giving your testosterone a little boost too!