Risk-averse, brutal and strong men are often called “cool peppers”. And, as it turns out, the mention of pepper in this context is quite justified.
Men with high testosterone levels prefer spicier foods. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the University of Grenoble (France)*. In their study, 114 men aged 18 to 44 answered a questionnaire about their food preferences. And for an experimental test, each of them was asked to eat a plate of mashed potatoes, seasoning the dish with any amount of hot sauce to their liking.
The conclusion was unequivocal: men with higher testosterone levels in the questionnaire also admitted their love for spicy dishes, and they spent the sauce much more generously. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, and its high level is traditionally associated with the dominance of behavior, the propensity to compete and risk, and other qualities inherent in men, which are commonly referred to as the term “alpha male”.
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Scientists, however, admit that they are not yet able to answer the question of what is the cause and what is the effect. It is possible that eating spicy food entails a more intense production of testosterone. But the opposite effect cannot be ruled out: in many cultures, the love of spicy food is associated with masculinity. And in this case, alpha males are simply forced to eat spicy food – to maintain their reputation. Well, and then – endure, fall in love, as you know.
One way or another, but steep peppers really consume more pepper. By the way, as for salt, for example, scientists have not yet found any connection between it and testosterone.
*http://www.researchgate.net/publication/268978579_Some_like_it_hot_Testosterone_predicts_laboratory_eating_behavior_of_spicy_food