Red wine joins the list of potential foods and beverages that may change testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone is a naturally-occurring steroid hormone in both men and women, with higher levels found in men. It plays a role in increasing muscle mass and it helps boost stamina.
Red wine is known to contain phenolic compounds that can act as antioxidants. These compounds, also found in green tea, have previously been shown to affect testosterone levels. A recent study published in the Nutrition Journal looked at whether these natural compounds in red wine also have an effect on the excretion levels of testosterone.
The three antioxidant compounds examined from red wine were: quercetin, caffeic acid and gallic acid. Of the three, quercetin had the most significant effect of the urinary excretion of testosterone. The authors suggest, based on these findings and the previous studies looking at the affects of green tea, that diet could potentially elevate levels of circulating testosterone through reduction in urinary excretion.
It was also noted that similar results were found using a red wine extract in supplement form. Quercetin is found in other foods, beverages and supplements.
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