Lent, Lust and the Libido: What Patristic Theology Taught us About Testosterone Biosynthesis

Abstract

Abstinence from meat and animal-based foods has been a long-held tradition of the three major world faiths. The myriad of Judeo-Christian traditions, particularly the writings of the Catholic-Orthodox Church Fathers still in extant, attests to the ubiquitous belief in this common form of observance during periods of fasting and penance. Aside from procuring practical benefits, abstaining from flesh-foods virtually eliminates consumption of dietary cholesterol. Evidence-based studies have shown that certain types of cholesterol are positively correlated with testosterone levels, the major androgen responsible for the sex drive. Writings from the Church Fathers and the Judeo-Christian tradition have made an appreciable connection between meat-eating and increased libido, though until recently, no historical-scientific approaches have been initiated to shed light on this fascinating subtlety.