🥩 Is Testosterone Therapy Worth It?

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Is Testosterone Therapy Worth It?

As you age, testosterone therapy might sound like a promising way to feel younger and more vigorous. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential benefits and risks before deciding if it’s right for you.

Does Low Testosterone Cause Aging Symptoms?

Not necessarily. Lower testosterone levels can lead to changes in sexual function, physical changes like increased body fat and reduced muscle mass, and emotional changes such as decreased motivation or depression. These symptoms can also result from other conditions like medication side effects or diabetes. A blood test can determine if low testosterone is due to aging or a condition like hypogonadism.

Can Testosterone Therapy Promote Youth and Vitality?

Testosterone therapy can help men with hypogonadism by reversing the effects of low testosterone. However, its benefits for otherwise healthy older men are unclear. Some men feel younger on testosterone therapy, but evidence supporting its use in healthy men is limited. It might improve sexual function but doesn't significantly enhance vitality and energy.

Risks of Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy carries several risks, including worsening sleep apnea, causing acne, stimulating prostate growth, enlarging breasts, limiting sperm production, and increasing the risk of blood clots and heart disease.

Should You Consider Testosterone Therapy?

If you're considering testosterone therapy, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. They will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before making any recommendations.

Where to Eat Out while Stay on Track

I recently received a great question from a reader, which is also a common one: "What restaurants are best to eat at when eating out?" I've touched on this topic in previous newsletters (5 Rules of Ordering at a Restaurant), but today I want to dive deeper into my personal experience in choosing the right restaurants for a healthy meal.

First and foremost, the basic rule when dining out is to ensure the restaurant has a grill and is willing to provide low-fat grilled or baked dishes. This gives you more control over the nutritional content of your meal and helps avoid unnecessary fats and oils.

Beyond the basics, I have two specific types of restaurants that I prefer: high-quality Mexican and Japanese. Here’s what I usually order at each:

At a high-quality Mexican restaurant, I usually order a bowl or burrito with a base of rice, beans, or corn, topped with grilled chicken, steak, or a combination of both. I add plenty of veggies and a small serving of guacamole for healthy fats, opting for the leanest options available.

At Japanese restaurants, I prefer lean sushi options or sashimi, which provide high-quality protein with minimal fat. To keep the meal light, I limit soy sauce to reduce sodium intake. Adding a side of miso soup, steamed edamame or seaweed salad can also be a nutritious, low-calorie choice.

Surprising Outcome: Canola Oil vs Other Oils

Let's talk about some surprising findings regarding canola oil. I remember when I came across this study, I was so surprised that I had to read it twice. If you have heard about canola oil, you have probably heard negative opinions. However, this study showed opposite results.

Researchers systematically reviewed controlled clinical trials to understand the effects of canola oil on various heart health markers. The study compared canola oil with other edible oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, and saturated fats.

Key Findings

• Cholesterol Levels: Canola oil significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to other edible oils.

• LDL/HDL Ratio: The study found that canola oil improved the LDL/HDL ratio, which is a crucial indicator of heart health. A lower ratio suggests better cardiovascular health.

• Apolipoproteins: Canola oil also reduced levels of apolipoprotein B (Apo B), a protein associated with bad cholesterol, and improved the Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio.

• Triglycerides: Compared to olive oil and sunflower oil, canola oil significantly lowered triglycerides in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-TG).

Comparing Oils

The study didn't just stop at general improvements; it compared canola oil to specific other oils:

• Versus Olive Oil: Canola oil was more effective in reducing total cholesterol, LDL-C, LDL/HDL ratio, and VLDL triglycerides.

• Versus Sunflower Oil: Canola oil improved LDL-C and LDL/HDL ratio more significantly.

• Versus Saturated Fats: Canola oil showed significant improvements in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, TC/HDL ratio, and Apo B levels.

Our Advice? If you come across foods that contain canola oil, you can have them with less guilt. That said, we always recommend getting you fat from unsaturated fat.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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