Here’s a sizzling fact: Men who love spicy food tend to have higher testosterone levels.
That’s the finding of a provocative new study from French researchers, who discovered that the more heat a man can handle, the more likely he is to have elevated levels of the quintessential “male” hormone.
In the experiment, scientists at the University of Grenoble served 114 men plain mashed potatoes and let them season their meals with as much hot sauce and salt as they wanted.
The results?
Those who piled on the spice had significantly higher testosterone than their milder peers. Salt preference, however, showed no hormonal link.
The study, aptly titled “Some Like it Hot” (Physiology and Behavior), adds to a growing body of research connecting testosterone—the hormone behind aggression, risk-taking, and sex drive—with bold flavor choices.
But before you start chugging hot sauce to boost your manliness, there’s a catch: Correlation doesn’t prove causation.
“A wide range of factors, including genetic, physiological, psychological, and social forces, influence the liking of spicy food,” the researchers caution.
Wait—Does Spicy Food Cause Higher Testosterone? (The Pattern Interrupt)
Here’s where things get interesting. Most people assume that if spicy food lovers have more testosterone, then heat must boost testosterone.
But science says: Not so fast.
The Chicken-or-Egg Dilemma
Does testosterone make men crave spice, or does spice actually increase testosterone?
The study’s co-author, Laurent Bègue, points to two possibilities:
- Testosterone drives risk-taking—even in taste.
- High-testosterone men are more likely to seek thrills, whether in finance, sports, or food.
- Spicy food triggers pain receptors, making it a form of culinary daredevilry.
- Spicy food might raise testosterone (but only in rodents so far).
- A 2013 study on mice found that capsaicin (the compound that makes chilies hot) increased testosterone levels.
- But—no human trials have confirmed this effect yet.
Macho Men and Spice Challenges
There’s also a cultural twist.
In many societies, eating fiery food is seen as a masculine feat.
High-testosterone men—who tend to be more competitive—might simply be showing off their tolerance rather than acting on biological urges.
“These men could be enduring the burn just to prove something,” says Bègue.
Why We Love (or Hate) the Burn
The Chemical Behind the Heat
- Found in chilies, capsaicin triggers TRPV1 receptors, which normally respond to painful heat.
- In small doses, this creates a pleasurable rush (thanks to endorphin release).
- In large doses? Pure agony.
Who Tolerates Spice Best?
- Genetics play a role: Some people naturally have more TRPV1 receptors, making them extra-sensitive.
- Exposure matters: Regular spice eaters build tolerance over time.
Other Reasons We Crave Heat
1. The “Runner’s High” of Food
- Spicy food triggers endorphins—the same chemicals behind a post-workout buzz.
2. Cooling Down in Hot Climates
- Ironically, spicy food is popular in tropical regions because it induces sweating, which cools the body.
3. Flavor Amplification
- Capsaicin numbs taste buds slightly, making other flavors (like sweetness or umami) pop more.
Should You Eat Spicy Food to Boost Testosterone?
The (Limited) Evidence
- Mouse studies suggest a link, but human data is lacking.
- Extreme spice (like Carolina Reapers) can backfire, causing nausea or pain.
A Better Approach?
- If you enjoy heat, go for it—but don’t force it.
- For natural testosterone support, focus on:
- Strength training
- Zinc-rich foods (oysters, beef)
- Quality sleep
Spice as a Personality Test?
Next time you’re at a restaurant, watch who reaches for the hot sauce.
They might just be higher in testosterone—or at least, more willing to prove it.
Sources: Physiology and Behavior (“Some Like it Hot”), The Telegraph, Mic
