Contrary to certain commonly experienced occurrences, a new study finds that alcohol can help with one’s ability to maintain an erection. The catch is not just any alcohol will “help.”
According to a 40-year study carried out by scientists at Harvard and University of East Anglia, middle-aged men who enjoyed a regular glass of red wine, along with citrus fruits and berries, were less likely to develop erectile dysfunction. The study consisted of more than 50,000 middle aged men, who were asked about their ability to have and maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse, dating back to 1986.
According to the results, just three or four portions of flavonoid-rich food and drinks are associated with a reduced risk of the problem. The top sources of anthocyanins, flavones and flavanones consumed in the U.S. are strawberries, blueberries, red wine, apples, pears, and citrus products.
“We already knew that intake of certain foods high in flavonoids may reduce the risk of conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Professor Aedin Cassidy from University of East Anglia, lead researcher on the study. Yet this was the first study of its kind to look at the association between flavonoids and erectile dysfunction, which affects up to half of all middle-aged and older men.
