Did you know berries can help improve your sexual health?
A study conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Harvard University revealed that eating foods rich in certain flavonoids is associated with a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction in men, with the greatest benefit in those under 70.
Of all the different flavonoids, Anthocyanins (found in blueberries, cherries, blackberries, radishes and blackcurrant), flavanones and flavones (found in citrus fruits) were found to offer the greatest benefits in preventing the condition.
The study also showed that a higher total fruit intake was associated with a 14 per cent reduction in the risk of erectile dysfunction and that a combination of consuming flavonoid-rich foods with exercise can reduce the risk by 21 per cent.
Lead researcher Prof Aedin Cassidy said they already knew that intake of certain foods high in flavonoids may reduce the risk of conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
During the study, the researchers took six main types of commonly consumed flavonoids and found that three of them, anthocyanins, flavanones and flavones are beneficial.
Cassidy said men who regularly consumed foods high in these flavonoids were 10 per cent less likely to suffer erectile dysfunction.
She added that during their study they also found that the benefits were strongest among younger men.
The team also looked at other lifestyle factors and found that men who consumed a high intake of anthocyanins and flavanones and who were also physically active had the lowest risk of erectile dysfunction.
The study is published in the journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Lead image used for representational purposes only. Credit: Richard Foster/Creative Commons
