According to the National Institutes of Health, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder that affects approximately 30 million men in the United States. This sometimes embarrassing condition typically impacts older men and can be caused by obesity, heart or circulation problems, psychological issues, or the use of certain medications. While several ED treatments are available, medical experts have discovered that one of the best ways to combat ED is by adhering to a Mediterranean diet.
Known for being rich in fresh vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil, the Mediterranean diet is great for improving overall heart health, blood flow, and reducing high blood pressure, among several of the most common ED culprits. According to scientists, men suffering from high blood pressure are twice as likely to experience ED compared to their peers with normal blood pressure, making the Mediterranean diet a healthy treatment option.
A 2021 study published by the European Society of Cardiology looked at 250 middle-aged men, including some who reported suffering from ED. “In our study, consuming a Mediterranean diet was linked with better exercise capacity, healthier arteries and blood flow, higher testosterone levels, and better erectile performance,” explained Dr. Athanasios Angelis of the University of Athens.
A similar 2018 study published in the journal Circulation discovered that just nine tablespoons of olive oil a week was more effective at treating ED than popular medication like Viagra or Sildenafil and improved symptoms by up to forty percent.
Researchers enlisted 660 Greek men, with an average age of 67, to participate in their study. They soon learned that subjects who consumed a Mediterranean diet had higher levels of testosterone and reported fewer problems in the bedroom than their counterparts who consumed a greater amount of processed foods.
There's no doubt the Mediterranean Diet is an ED gamechanger. And while health experts have long touted it as being one of the healthiest ways to eat, anyone looking to switch up their diet or exercise routine should consult with their health care provider first.
