A clinical trial has found that men who add two handfuls of nuts to their daily diet experienced improvements in sexual function.
The 14-week trial compared two groups of men: one who ate a Western diet with a daily dose of nuts, and those who ate the same diet without nuts.
The daily dose of nuts was 60 grams, or the equivalent of two handfuls. The men ate almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts.
Researchers believe that this is the first study to highlight the sexual function benefits of daily nut consumption. The trial’s findings were published in the journal Nutrients.
The trial involved 83 healthy males between the ages of 18 and 35 with erectile function assessment.
Men who ate daily doses of nuts reported a significant increase in sexual desire and orgasmic function.
To assess the changes in erectile function, researchers used questionnaires and biomarkers in blood samples.
Daily nut consumption may not be a replacement for Cialis and other erectile dysfunction drugs, but this simple diet change may help further improve a man’s sex life.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more likely to affect older men than younger men. The condition is common among men in the United States, where it affects 30 million males.
Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of ED, including sedentary lifestyle, smoking, stress, being overweight, consuming too much alcohol and eating an unhealthy diet.
These lifestyle factors can impact sexual function through their effects on blood vessels and nerves. Adequate blood supply is required to have and maintain an erection.
Some studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and ED. A recent study has also shown that eating pistachios, a common food in the Mediterranean diet, can improve erectile function because these nuts contain several antioxidants as well as arginine. Arginine is a precursor of NO, which is a powerful compound that improves vasodilatation.
In the 14-week trial, participants were asked to fill out a standard questionnaire about sexual and erectile function at the start and end of the study. Participants also provided sperm and blood samples. The researchers also measured the levels of E-selectin and NO, which are “surrogated markers of erectile endothelial function.”
While the men who consumed nuts reported improved sexual desire and orgasmic function, there were no significant differences between the two markers of erectile endothelial function.
The researchers are calling for larger-scale studies to confirm their findings and to uncover the reasons why eating nuts may benefit sexual health.
The study was financed by a grant from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council.
Story by Jacob Maslow. Maslow is the senior editor of Legal Scoops and has founded several online newspapers including Daily Forex Report and Conservative Free Press.
Share
Contributors
