Improve Sex Life, Prevent Erectile Dysfunction With These Fruits: Study

Certain foods rich in flavonoids like berries, wine, and citrus fruits may help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a new research.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that a diet rich in fruits can help decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction. The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Flavonoids are nutrients responsible for the colors in fruits. According to World's Healthiest Foods, flavonoids are behind the blue coloring in blueberries and reds in raspberries. It is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

"We already knew that intake of certain foods high in flavonoids may reduce the risk of conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease," said lead author Aedin Cassidy in a press release, as reported by Fox News. "This is the first study to look at the association between flavonoids and erectile dysfunction, which affects up to half of all middle-aged and older men.

"Men who regularly consumed foods high in these flavonoids were 10 percent less likely to suffer erectile dysfunction. In terms of quantities, we're talking just a few portions a week," he added.

Other foods rich in flavonoids include plant-based foods like vegetables, teas, herbs, blackberries, cherries, radishes, and citrus fruits which contain flavones, a certain kind of flavonoid. Red wine was found to also contain beneficial flavonoids as well.

For their study, they looked at the data from more than 50,000 middle-aged and older men who have been answering survey questions about sexual health and their corresponding diet since 1986. Factors such physical activity, smoking habits, caffeine intake, body weight were considered by the researchers. More than a third of the men were suffering from the symptoms of erectile dysfunction while those who had a high-fruit based diet were less affected.

Younger men who had a rich diet were found to have better sexual health and were less likely to have cardiovascular disease as erectile dysfunction is a factor for poor vascular condition.

"Erectile dysfunction is often an early barometer of poor vascular function and offers a critical opportunity to intervene and prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and even death," said senior study author Eric Rimm, in a release. "Men with erectile dysfunction are likely to be highly motivated to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as exercising more and eating the right foods -- which would greatly benefit their long-term cardiovascular health as well."

While the research found an association between flavonoids and erectile dysfunction, it did not present a cause and effect relationship.