Some like it hot: testosterone predicts laboratory eating behavior of spicy food
Laurent Bègue, Véronique Bricout , Jordane Boudesseul , Rébecca Shankland, Aaron A Duke
2014
Higher levels of testosterone are associated with an increased preference for spicy food. There's a correlation between testosterone levels and the amount of spicy food consumed in a controlled laboratory setting. Spiciness tolerance can be predicted by the amount of testosterone present in an individual. The study supports the "challenge hypothesis," suggesting that individuals with high testosterone levels may be more willing to engage in risk-taking behavior, such as eating spicy foods. This research further underlines the broad influence of testosterone on various behaviors, including dietary choices.
According to the key findings, higher levels of testosterone are associated with an increased preference for spicy food, and there is a correlation between testosterone levels and the amount of spicy food consumed in a controlled laboratory setting. The study suggests that spiciness tolerance can be predicted by the amount of testosterone present in an individual, and it supports the "challenge hypothesis," which suggests that individuals with high testosterone levels may be more willing to engage in risk-taking behavior, such as eating spicy foods. This research highlights the broad influence of testosterone on various behaviors, including dietary choices, and underscores the importance of considering hormonal factors when studying human behavior.