The Mediterranean diet benefits your sex life

According to researchers, the world's healthiest diet also has beneficial effects on sexual function

A Mediterranean-Style diet helps your sex life

The Mediterranean diet has already been linked to endless benefits. Many studies recognized that this diet has a significant impact on prolonging life expectancy. This healthy eating style reduces the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. But did you know it's also good for love? This dietary style is based on whole grains, healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, fruits, and vegetables; instead, it is low in dairy products and red meat. The Mediterranean diet is not only tasty and good for your health; according to new studies, it has beneficial effects on sexual functions. Specifically, men who choose a diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, extra virgin olive oil, and low in red meats and dairy have a lower risk of erectile dysfunction.

A lower incidence of erectile dysfunction

"Researchers used data from a large study of male health professionals aged 40 to 75 – says the New York Times - The participants filled out health questionnaires, including details on diet, every four years between 1998 and 2014. The scientists scored the men based on the strength of their adherence to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet — high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish and unsaturated fats, and low in meats and whole-fat dairy foods. There were 21,469 men in the study, published in JAMA Network Open. In all age groups, higher compliance with the diet was associated with a lower incidence of erectile dysfunction." According to Dr. Scott R. Bauer, the lead author, and professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, "Men who want to maximize their erectile function should be aware of the possible contribution of diet in addition to other lifestyle factors." 

Nine tablespoons olive oil a week

But it doesn't end here. The Mediterranean diet gives men the best chance of maintaining their sex life well into old age. "Olive oil is better than Viagra! Eating a Mediterranean diet cuts the risk of impotence by 40 percent and boosts men's chances of a drug-free sex life into their seventies - the Daily Mail reported – Dr. Christina Chrysohoou, the study author, said: Viagra does not improve something long-term, it can only give some short effect in order to have sexual capacity. This is a drug-free solution that allows men to keep their sexual function." According to this study presented at the European Society of Cardiology, you would need only nine tablespoons of olive oil a week to improve a man's erectile dysfunction by up to 40 percent. For the best health benefits, you should have about 13 portions of vegetables, six pieces of fruit, three servings of fish, and two of legumes every week.