(NC)-Most men think of food simply as energy. It provides the fuel needed to get through a busy workday, play sports, spend time with the kids, do the yard work and walk the dog. Yet, few men realize that what they eat - and when - has a serious impact on their hormonal health including everything from mood swings and depression to anxiety and fatigue - particularly as they age, according to Sam Graci, nutritional researcher and author of the new book - The Food Connection: The Right Food at the Right Time.

According to Graci, as men age their hormonal health changes dramatically as testosterone levels are depleted and estrogen levels rise, known as andropause. What men eat - and when - affects the major hormones that help keep men emotionally fit - testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.

These hormones not only control sex drive, energy levels and mood swings, they are critical to building and maintaining lean muscle mass and strong bones.