The prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance, sexual dysfunction, and dementia in our world is alarming.
  
What concerns me most is the increasing incidence and acceptance of gynecomastia.  Men with higher than normal estrogen levels may experience this phenomena.

Gynecomastia results from an altered estrogen-androgen balance, in favor of estrogen, or increased breast sensitivity to a normal circulating estrogen level...

...Estrogen production in males is mainly from the peripheral conversion of androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) through the action of the enzyme aromatase, mainly in muscle, skin, and adipose tissue in the forms of estrone and estradiol.

Why would a man subject himself to sexual dysfunction, reduced interest in sex, difficulty maintaining an erection, and breast enlargement? 

An article in the Estrogen and Spermatogenesis Endocrine Reviews clearly states: "Higher estrogen levels in humans caused by plastics, insecticides, and hormones in meats directly increase aromatase."  

Aromatase is an enzyme that acts in the conversion of androgens, such as testosterone, into estrogen.  This increases bone turnover, unfavorably alters one's behavior and cardiovascular system, and interferes with spermatogenesis (the process of sperm production) at multiple levels in men.

Phthalates are common chemicals found in plastics, soaps, fishing lures, caulk, and sex toys.  These chemicals contribute to elevated estrogen levels and contribute to our obesity epidemic. 

The research adds to the growing suspicion that low-dose exposures to phthalates and other common chemicals may be reducing testosterone levels or function in men, and thereby contributing to rising obesity rates and an epidemic of related disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes, said lead author Richard Stahlhut, M.D., M.P.H., a Preventive Medicine resident at the University of Rochester.

Dementia rates also increase with higher levels of estrogen in males.

"In contrast, higher levels of bioavailable estradiol were associated with an increased risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease."

It is your choice to take control of your hormonal balance with intense exercise, weight control techniques, and a diet of whole foods - closest to their natural state, just as nature intended. 

Your food choices are that of conscious decision making; you can choose to eat the cookie or you can choose to walk away.  Maybe one should choose to walk away a little more often.