Men, take note: eat more fruits to reduce risk of erectile dysfunction

This new study is published in the American journal of clinical nutrition and led by Aedin Cassidy.

shutterstock_211079941Erectile dysfunction can be one of the most distressing conditions a man experiences. It is estimated that around 30 million men in the US have erectile dysfunction. Men over the age of 60 are at greatest risk, though it occurs in around 12% of men under this age. Family doctors, specialists, nurses and students will all encounter men with erectile dysfunction.

Previous research has shown that regular exercise may lower men’s risk for erectile dysfunction. However, this study suggests that eating more flavonoid-rich foods such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and citrus fruits – is as beneficial for erectile dysfunction as walking briskly for up to 5 hours weekly. In a study of 50,000 middle-aged men, researchers found that men with a higher total fruit intake were found to have a 14% reduced risk of erectile dysfunction compared to men with lower total fruit intake. Men who regularly consumed foods rich in flavonoids – anthocyanins, flavones and flavanones – had a 10% reduced risk of erectile dysfunction. What is more, men who combined a flavonoid-rich diet with regular exercise were found to have a 21% reduced risk of erectile dysfunction compared with men with low flavonoid consumption and low physical activity. While the findings suggest a flavonoid-rich diet could benefit sexual health for middle-aged men, such a diet may also benefit the heart. All the more reason to eat fruit!

Read the full article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305046.php