A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but did you know that a spoonful of olive oil a day may help something else go up?
Scientists from the University of Athens say that nine tablespoons of olive oil a week could be better than Viagra at boosting a man’s sexual performance.
According to a study of 660 men with an average age of 67, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit and vegetables, fish, legumes and nuts and, most importantly, at least nine tablespoons of olive oil a week, is enough to reduce impotence by about 40 per cent.
Olive oil keeps blood vessels and your circulatory system healthy, as well as a whole host of other health benefits.
The study found that not only does olive oil reduce instances of erectile dysfunction, it also helped make men better lovers.
That’s because olive oil increases testosterone levels and, with the benefits of a healthy circulatory system, men feel less tired and so able to perform better between the sheets.
According to the British National Health Service, tiredness, anxiety and drinking too much are the main causes of erectile dysfunction.
Lead researcher of this study, Dr Christina Chrysohoou, said diet and exercise are key to improving sexual capacity of middle age and older men.
“Men that follow a Mediterranean diet – particularly consuming lots of olive oil – see their risk of impotence reduced by up to 40 per cent in older age,” she told Medical Daily.
“This diet keeps your blood vessels healthy and lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and central obesity.”
She added that Viagra has helped to improve the sex life of millions, but common side-effects include headache, back pain and visual disturbance, and it should only be considered a short-term solution.
“It offers men a long-term solution without taking any medication, such as Viagra. This diet keeps your blood vessels healthy,” said Dr Chrysohoou.
“Viagra does not improve something long-term. It can only give some [a] short effect in order to have sexual capacity.”
Eating a Mediterranean diet can be seen as a long-term solution for more than a healthy sex life, too.
Do you consume enough olive oil? Have you tried the Mediterranean diet?
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