Nature's viagra: The surprising way you could reduce your erectile dysfunction risk

MEN who are worried about the risk of erectile dysfunction have been advised there is a natural alternative to Viagra.

 

Scientists have found a surprising way men can reduce erectile dysfunction

 

Blueberries and red wine are just a couple foods men are being advised to consume in order to treat erectile dysfunction, in an exciting new study.

All the other foods, which are mainly fruits, are rich in flavonoids, a compound thought to be a saving grace for men suffering from the problem.

The study even found, when added to their diet, flavonoids reduced erectile dysfunction risk by 10 per cent.

 

Blueberries and red wine are just a couple of foods men are being advised to eat

 

Men were also more likely to see better sexual health if they combined their flavonoid-rich diet with physical activity. Those that did so saw a 21 per cent reduction in risk.

Men who just ate a diet rich in fruit witnessed a 14 per cent reduced risk of erectile dysfunction, compared with men with lower total fruit intake.

Foods rich in flavonoids - particularly anthocyanins, flavones and flavanones - include cherries, radishes, blackcurrants, strawberries, blackberries, citrus fruits, red wine, blueberries, apples and pears.

 

In terms of quantities, the researchers suggested “just a few portions a week” could make a difference.

In a double whammy effect, the diet could also benefit the heart.

Senior author Dr. Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard said: "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.

 

Foods rich in flavonoids can help treat ED

 

Wine is also rich in flavonoids

 

“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."

The team published their findings in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.