Drinking Coffee Every Day Makes Men Less Likely To Suffer From Erectile Dysfunction, Study Suggests

Men who drink two mugs of coffee per day are less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) than those who avoid caffeine, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Texas found that men who drink between 85mg and 170mg of caffeine per day are 42% less likely to report suffering from erectile dysfunction than men who do not drink caffeinated beverages at all.

According to the NHS, one mug of instant coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine and one mug of tea contains around 75mg of caffeine.

The scientists studied data from nearly 4,000 men for their investigation.

Each participant recorded a 24 hour food diary, which enabled the researchers to keep track of how much caffeine they were consuming on average per day.

Men who drank between 171mg and 303mg of caffeine per day were also 39% less likely to report erectile dysfunction compared to those who drank between 0mg and 7mg per day.

However, men with diabetes were not shown to be helped by caffeine.

“Even though we saw a reduction in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction with men who were obese, overweight and hypertensive, that was not true of men with diabetes," Dr David S. Lopez, lead author and assistant professor at UTHealth School of Public Health said in a statement.

"Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for ED, so this was not surprising."

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The scientists concluded that caffeine may be help reduce the likelihood of erectile dysfunction because it can trigger a series of effects that help relax the arteries in the penis.

In tern, this increases blood flow, making it easier to get and maintain an erection.

The University of Texas scientists are not the first to link food and drink to a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction.

Previously speaking to HuffPost Canada Living, Firouz Daneshgari, professor and chairman of the department of urology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, said: "Evidence that foods can help with erectile dysfunction is probably related to a vascular connection.

"Erectile problems are usually due to not having a good blood supply to the penis, so foods that are good for your vascular system may also help prevent erectile disfunction."

Scroll through the slideshow below to see what other foods may help reduce the chance of erectile dysfunction:

Best Foods For Erectile Dysfunction

Nitrates in Leafy Greens and Beets(01 of06)

Leafy green vegetables, like celery and spinach, may increase circulation because of their high concentration of nitrates. Beet juice has been found to be really high in nitrates. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they open up blood vessels and increase blood flow. Many years before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first ED drug in 1998, several case reports on the beneficial effects of nitrates for erectile dysfunction had already been published. The ED drugs used today are based on the relaxing effects of nitrates on the blood vessels that supply the penis. (credit:Shutterstock)

Flavinoids in Dark Chocolate(02 of06)

A recent study in the journal Circulation found that flavonoids in dark chocolate improve circulation. That could be good for erection problems that are due to poor circulation. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring antioxidants that protect plants from toxins and help repair cell damage. Studies show that flavonoids and other antioxidants have similar effects on people. They may help lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol, both of which are factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction. (credit:Shutterstock)

Protein in Pistachios(03 of06)

A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction who ate pistachio nuts every day for three weeks experienced significant improvement in sexual issues, including ED, sexual desire, and overall sexual satisfaction. The benefits of pistachios for erection problems may be due to a protein called arginine, which may help relax blood vessels. "This is another example of how good circulation is good for sexual health, which is good news because I eat a lot of pistachios," says Dr. Daneshgari. (credit:Shutterstock)

Zinc in Oysters and Other Shellfish(04 of06)

The oyster has always had an aphrodisiac reputation. One reason may be that oysters have high levels of the mineral zinc, which plays an important role in the production of the male hormone testosterone, and low levels of testosterone could be one reason for erectile dysfunction. Research presented at an American Chemical Society meeting may offer another connection: Raw shellfish contain compounds that stimulate the release of sexual hormones in both men and women. (credit:Shutterstock)

Antioxidants in Watermelon(05 of06)

Some studies show that watermelon may have effects on erectile dysfunction that are similar to the ED drug Viagra and may also increase sexual desire. Watermelon is rich in beneficial ingredients known as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are also antioxidants. One of their benefits is that they relax the blood vessels that supply an erection. Although watermelon is 92 percent water, the other 8 percent may work wonders for your heart and your sexual enjoyment. (credit:Shutterstock)

Lycopene in Tomatoes and Grapefruit(06 of06)

Lycopene is one of those phytonutrients that is good for circulation and good for sexual issues. Lycopene is found in deep red fruits like tomatoes and grapefruits. Some studies show that lycopene may be absorbed best when mixed with oily vegetables like avocados and spinach. So you might want to make yourself an ED-fighting salad. Research also shows that antioxidants like lycopene help fight male infertility and prostate cancer. (credit:Shutterstock)

H/T: Metro

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