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Nutrition · News, made simple

Can Your Protein Choice Affect Your Testosterone?

One new study looks at how plant and animal protein may relate to men's hormone levels.

HealthStylz Editors
· 2 min read

Photo: Antoni Shkraba

The short version

  • Study links protein types to hormones
  • Animal protein tied to lower levels
  • Plant protein tied to higher levels

Based on reporting by ScienceDaily Nutrition. We explain it in plain words; read the original for the full story.

Nutrition facts

Everyday foods that fit this story One normal serving of each.

Fiber per serving

  1. Lentils1/2 cup cooked (99 g)7.8 g
  2. Tofu1/2 cup (126 g)2.9 g
  3. Chickpeas1 cup cooked (164 g)12.5 g
  4. Black beans1 cup cooked (172 g)15 g
  5. Milk1 cup whole (244 g)0 g

Protein per serving

  1. Lentils1/2 cup cooked (99 g)8.9 g
  2. Tofu1/2 cup (126 g)21.8 g
  3. Chickpeas1 cup cooked (164 g)14.5 g
  4. Black beans1 cup cooked (172 g)15.2 g
  5. Milk1 cup whole (244 g)7.7 g

Calories per serving

  1. Lentils1/2 cup cooked (99 g)114.8 cal
  2. Tofu1/2 cup (126 g)181.4 cal
  3. Chickpeas1 cup cooked (164 g)269 cal
  4. Black beans1 cup cooked (172 g)227 cal
  5. Milk1 cup whole (244 g)148.8 cal

Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Hello there. If you are trying to make healthy food choices for your family, a new piece of research might catch your eye. It is all about the protein on your plate.

What's new

One new study suggests that where men get their protein may be linked to their testosterone levels. Researchers studying more than 2,500 men found that higher animal protein intake, particularly from dairy, was associated with lower testosterone, while plant protein was linked to higher levels. This observational work does not prove cause and effect, but it does raise intriguing questions about how everyday food choices might relate to male hormone levels.

What it means for you

Food is a big part of daily life for busy households. This news simply gives us more to think about when planning meals. It reminds us that different foods may affect our bodies in unique ways. There is no need to worry or make drastic changes to your kitchen routine.

One small thing to try

Try adding one plant based meal to your weekly menu plan, just to keep things fresh and fun for everyone at the table.

Dialing daily protein variety alongside strength and mineral intake

Whether meals lean toward beans, fish, eggs, or poultry, meeting steady daily protein needs and zinc sufficiency supports healthy muscle recovery over time. Size your daily protein target with our Protein Calculator, inspect whole-food amino acid and zinc sources inside the HealthStylz Foods Explorer, explore resistance training guides in HealthStylz Fitness, and read dosing context in our zinc guide.

Where this comes from