Can Chickpeas Cause Gynecomastia? A Look at the Evidence

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While some dietary concerns link plant-based compounds called phytoestrogens to hormonal changes, most research indicates that chickpeas cause gynecomastia is an unsubstantiated myth. The hormonal effects of chickpeas are far too mild to result in the development of male breast tissue when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

The phytoestrogens in chickpeas are in concentrations too low to cause gynecomastia. Unlike rare, specific cases involving massive soy intake, moderate chickpea consumption is safe for men and offers significant nutritional benefits.

Key Points

Phytoestrogen Levels: The phytoestrogen concentration in chickpeas is too low to significantly impact male hormone levels or cause gynecomastia.
Scientific Consensus: No widespread clinical evidence supports the claim that normal chickpea consumption leads to gynecomastia.
Soy vs. Chickpeas: Unlike documented rare cases involving excessive soy intake, chickpeas do not pose a known risk for developing male breast tissue.
Gynecomastia Causes: The condition is primarily linked to hormonal imbalances, obesity, medications, or other factors, not moderate chickpea consumption.
Nutritional Benefits: Chickpeas are a healthy source of protein, fiber, and zinc, a mineral beneficial for male hormonal health.

The Truth About Chickpeas and Male Hormones

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue, most commonly caused by a hormonal imbalance where estrogen levels are relatively higher than testosterone. Given this hormonal link, certain foods containing phytoestrogens—plant-based compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body—are often viewed with suspicion. Chickpeas contain these compounds, leading to questions about their safety for male hormonal health.

Understanding Phytoestrogens in Chickpeas

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. These compounds can bind to the body's estrogen receptors, but their effect is significantly weaker and less potent than the body's own estrogen. For instance, a 2013 study on chickpea sprout extracts in rats showed moderate estrogenic activity, but the effect was considerably milder than the actual hormone estradiol. The amount of these compounds in a standard serving of chickpeas is very small, especially compared to foods like soy.

The Soy Comparison: Context is Key

Much of the concern surrounding plant-based phytoestrogens stems from case studies involving excessive soy consumption. In rare instances, individuals consuming massive quantities of soy products—far beyond typical dietary levels—have experienced gynecomastia, which resolved upon discontinuing the high intake.

The key difference lies in concentration and consumption levels.
- Soy products like soy milk and tofu contain high levels of isoflavones, primarily genistein and daidzein.
- Chickpeas contain lower levels of different isoflavones, and normal consumption is unlikely to replicate the extreme intake levels seen in these rare soy-related cases.
Not all studies show feminizing effects from soy. A 2021 meta-analysis, encompassing a decade of research, found no effects of soy or isoflavone intake on testosterone or estrogen levels in men.

What Really Causes Gynecomastia?

It is crucial to understand that gynecomastia is often caused by factors far more influential than the mild phytoestrogen content of chickpeas. The primary causes include:

Physiological changes: Such as hormonal fluctuations during puberty or old age.
Obesity: Fat tissue contains aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens (like testosterone) into estrogens.
Medications: Certain drugs, including those for heart conditions, prostate cancer, and anxiety, can cause hormonal shifts.
Chronic Diseases: Liver or kidney failure can disrupt hormone metabolism.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Excessive alcohol consumption or the use of anabolic steroids can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Comparison Table: Chickpeas vs. Soy and Hormonal Impact


Feature	Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)	Soy Products (Tofu, Soy Milk)
Phytoestrogen Type	Contain various isoflavones, including Biochanin A, but at lower levels.	Rich source of isoflavones, primarily genistein and daidzein.
Phytoestrogen Concentration	Considered a modest source; normal serving sizes have minimal impact.	Considered a high source; requires large, excessive intake to potentially cause issues.
Observed Effect (Normal Intake)	No evidence of impact on male hormone levels or gynecomastia development.	No significant impact on male reproductive hormones in most men.
Observed Effect (Excessive Intake)	No documented link to gynecomastia, even with high consumption.	Rare case reports link very high, sustained intake to reversible gynecomastia.
Nutritional Profile	Excellent source of protein, fiber, zinc, and other minerals.	High in protein, but potential hormonal effects are a more debated topic.

The Health Benefits of Chickpeas for Men

Far from being a health risk, chickpeas offer numerous benefits for men when consumed in moderation.

Hormonal Support: Chickpeas contain zinc, a mineral vital for testosterone production and hormonal balance.
Weight Management: Their high fiber and protein content promote satiety, which can help prevent obesity—a major risk factor for gynecomastia.
Heart Health: The fiber in chickpeas can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar Control: Chickpeas have a low glycemic index, which aids in blood sugar regulation.

Other Phytoestrogen-Containing Foods

Phytoestrogens are common in many healthy foods. The concept that they automatically cause hormonal problems is a misconception. Many studies suggest their potential health benefits, especially in moderate intake. Other foods containing phytoestrogens include:

Flaxseed
Sesame Seeds
Lentils
Garlic
Dried Fruits (apricots, dates)
Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claim that chickpeas can cause gynecomastia is not supported by scientific evidence. The phytoestrogen content in chickpeas is minimal and does not pose a threat to male hormonal health when consumed in normal dietary amounts. In fact, due to their rich nutritional profile, including valuable zinc, chickpeas are a beneficial addition to a man's diet and can contribute to overall well-being. For those with concerns about gynecomastia, it is far more productive to focus on underlying health issues, maintaining a healthy weight, and discussing any medication use with a healthcare provider. A balanced diet incorporating various plant-based foods is essential for long-term health.

For more information on the safety of soy and isoflavones in men, a thorough meta-analysis can be found here: Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eating hummus does not cause gynecomastia. Hummus is primarily made from chickpeas, and the low level of phytoestrogens in chickpeas does not negatively impact male hormone levels or cause breast tissue enlargement when consumed in normal amounts.

In very rare, isolated cases, massive and excessive consumption of soy products has been linked to temporary gynecomastia, which resolved upon discontinuing the soy intake. However, a large meta-analysis found no effect of normal soy or isoflavone intake on male reproductive hormones.

No single food is a primary cause, but a poor diet high in processed foods, trans fats, and excess sugars can contribute to weight gain, which is a major factor for hormonal imbalance leading to gynecomastia. Excessive alcohol consumption can also disrupt hormone levels.

Yes, for the vast majority of men, phytoestrogens are safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The weak estrogenic activity of these plant compounds does not pose a known risk to male hormonal health in normal dietary intake.

There is no evidence to suggest a specific number of chickpeas would lead to adverse hormonal effects. Moderation is key with any food. Incorporating chickpeas as part of a varied diet is a healthy practice and does not pose a risk for gynecomastia.

Chickpeas do not contain the hormone estrogen. They contain isoflavones, which are plant-based compounds known as phytoestrogens that can bind to the body's estrogen receptors, but with a much weaker and milder effect than human estrogen.

Diet can indirectly affect gynecomastia, primarily through its impact on weight. Obesity is a significant risk factor, as excess fat tissue can increase estrogen levels. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage the condition.