In a riveting exploration of dietary extremes, a YouTuber embarked on a 30-day journey to investigate the effects of consuming 39 whole eggs per day, totaling an astounding 900 eggs in a month.
This experiment was designed to answer a peculiar question: Can eating a large number of eggs mimic the effects of anabolic steroids, increase sexual hormones like testosterone, and lead to muscle gain and strength?
The Experiment Setup
The premise of the experiment draws from bodybuilding lore, particularly the practices of Vince Gironda, a notable bodybuilder from the 1940s and 1950s.
Gironda promoted a high-protein diet predominantly featuring whole eggs and meat, somewhat akin to the ketogenic diets of today.
For 30 days, the YouTuber followed a strict diet, incorporating:
- 30 whole eggs daily
- Beef
- A bowl of rice
- A banana
- Cottage cheese with a bit of honey
- A protein bar
This diet summed up to a caloric intake of approximately 3300 to 3700 calories per day. Not only was this a test of physical endurance but also a deep dive into nutritional impacts.
Observations and Challenges
Early into the experiment, the YouTuber faced significant digestive issues, including severe flatulence which disrupted his sleep and personal life. Initially attributing these symptoms to the eggs, it was later revealed that mangoes in his smoothie were likely causing these adverse effects due to their fermentable carbohydrate content.
As the days progressed, despite the initial discomforts, he reported increased energy levels, concentration, and unexpectedly, a heightened libido. This led to further curiosity about the impact of the diet on his testosterone levels.
Scientific Insights and Misconceptions
The video touches on several misconceptions regarding diet and hormone production. The YouTuber discusses how dietary cholesterol, a precursor to testosterone and other steroid hormones, is essential but not directly proportional to increased hormone levels when consumed in excess. This misconception often leads people to believe that more cholesterol equals higher testosterone, a simplification that overlooks the complexity of human biochemistry.
Results and Conclusion
After 30 days, despite the subjective feeling of increased physical prowess and well-being, blood tests showed no significant change in his testosterone levels. His cholesterol levels also remained largely unaffected, debunking myths about the direct correlation between dietary cholesterol intake and blood cholesterol levels.
Physically, he gained approximately 6 kg, primarily attributed to fat due to the high caloric intake, rather than muscle mass. His strength measurements showed little to no improvement, suggesting that the perceived benefits might have been more psychological (placebo effect) than physiological.
Recommendations and Final Thoughts
The YouTuber concluded that such an extreme diet is not advisable due to its potential for severe digestive issues and minimal impact on fitness goals. The experiment serves as a cautionary tale against dietary extremes and highlights the importance of balanced nutrition.
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