Scientists at the University of Athens (Greece) have shown that the Mediterranean Diet and olive oil consumption show beneficial effects on sexual capacity, through the improvement of aortic elastic properties and testosterone levels, in older men from the Greek island of Icaria.

The study was presented at the recent Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, held in Munich (Germany), and published in the EuropeanHeart Journal.

It is based on the premise that ageing is accompanied by a series of morphological and functional alterations that occur slowly over time, including sexual disability. Another fact: the inhabitants of Icaria (Greece) have recently been recognized for achieving the highest rates of longevity with a high percentage of healthy aging.

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the role of the mechanical properties of the aorta in the sexual capacity of older men in Icaria, with respect to their nutritional habits, serum testosterone levels and cardiovascular risk factors.

A total of 667 men (average age 67, age range 45-105 years) from the island were part of the study sample. Among several demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and lifestyle factors, total serum testosterone levels were measured; while dietary evaluation was obtained on the basis of a validated and reliable food consumption frequency questionnaire that was developed especially for older people. Aortic distensibility (AoD) was calculated non-invasively from aortic diameters measured with echocardiography and brachial blood pressure, while sexual function was evaluated using the SHIM-5 questionnaire (Sexual Health Inventory For Men).

During the time of the experiment, men replaced butter with olive oil and significantly increased levels of testosterone, the natural fluid that promotes dilation of the arteries and blood vessels of the penis.

With nine tablespoons of olive oil per week, the risk of erectile dysfunction was reduced by up to 40%.

"This drug-free solution allows men to maintain their sexual function, but it's also a long-term response", explained Christina Chrysohoou, the research leader. In addition, she stressed that viagra "can only give a short-term effect”.

The work concluded that long-term monitoring of the Mediterranean Diet and olive oil consumption increase testosterone levels and improve aortic elastic properties, offering a synergistic effect to the sexual capacity of men older than Icaria, regardless of the existence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors. The Mediterranean Diet also exhibited vascular protective effects that promote the preservation of quality of life at all stages of life.

Source: Mercacei