is it true that cholesterol increases testosterone

Question
i have heard, only as a rumor though, that cholesterol may actually help in the production of testosterone. I may a bodybuilder in training...and i have a lot of trouble gaining weight. i have never had any problemes with my cholesterol, EVER, and i seem to be able to eat absolutly anything without gaining a pound unless i workout. I have been eating a lot of fats and high cholesterol foods to try and get the most calories i can. Is this unhealthy if i dont have high level of bad cholesterol?

-Jeremy

Answer
Jeremy,

Cholesterol is necessary for your body to produce testosterone.  However, raising you cholesterol levels will not increase you testosterone levels.  High levels of testosterone (usually from using anabolic steroids) can lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

Without exception, I recommend that everyone healthy person not eat foods that raise cholesterol levels and I recommend that no one take anabolic steroids.

It is always unhealthy to eat too much unhealthy foods.  You can get extra calories and gain weight in a healthy way.

Here is a link to an article (pdf file) from the American College of Sports Medicine's "Health & Fitness Journal": "Bulking Up: Gain Weight Healthfully"
http://www.lipid-clinic.com/Gain_Weight.pdf

Be sure to read the article carefully and completely.

If you have problems downloading the article or have further questions, please get back with me.

Todd

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