Viagra Alternative: Olive Oil Could Boost Men's Sexual Prowess, Study Says Men who consumed at least nine tablespoons of olive oil every week had higher levels of testosterone and were less likely to suffer from impotence. Not a fan of Viagra? Not a problem. To deal with impotence, a new study from Greece suggests that all you need to do is include a few more spoons of olive oil in your diet. In fact, it could end up being more effective than any drug treatment, the researchers said. "Long term lifestyle habits on diet and exercise seems to have a major impact on not only our arteries but our quality of life, including sexual capacity from middle-age to elderly population," said Dr. Christina Chrysohoou, lead researcher from the University of Athens in Greece. "Consuming olive oil and sticking to a [Mediterranean] diet keeps a man’s bedroom chances high." More than 600 men were recruited for the study which examined how a Mediterranean style diet could impact sexual health. The dietary pattern (highly recommended by experts for being one of the most healthfulones) encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Consumption of meat and processed food items were reduced while butter was replaced with olive oil. Those who followed this diet were able to reduce their risk of erectile dysfunction by up to 40 percent, the research team found. Men who consumed at least nine tablespoons of olive oil every week were not only less likely to suffer from impotence but also had notably higher levels of testosterone. "This is a drug free solution that allows men to keep their sexual function. But also a long-term answer to protecting a man’s ability to perform in the bedroom," Dr. Chrysohoou added. "Viagra does not improve something long-term, it can only give some short effect in order to have sexual capacity." The researchers explained how the Mediterranean diet had a positive effect on male sexual performance — olive oil seemed to do the trick by promoting dilation of this artery which improved blood flow, and in turn, improved sexual function in the participants. "Because the blood vessels in the penis are so narrow, being unable to achieve or maintain an erection can be one of the first signs of atherosclerosis – the narrowing of arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke," explained Julie Ward, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation. Studies have linked erectile dysfunction to cardiovascular disease, noting that the former could be a potential warning sign. When experiencing incompetence, it is important to see a doctor to fix the problem and also get checked up for any other underlying medical conditions. In addition to heart health benefits, the Mediterranean diet is said to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, central obesity and abnormal cholesterol levels, and more. Source
