A vegan diet could improve men’s sex lives and treat their erectile dysfunction, a study suggests.
A team from New York University Grossman School of Medicine and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health examined 3,500 men with prostate cancer for their research.
Some common side effects of prostate cancer treatment include erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
But new research indicates that a diet that limits meat and dairy but is rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts is linked to improved symptoms.
The team found that a plant-based diet improved men’s sex lives by up to 11 percent, and the researchers said the results could be applicable to men who take other medications that sap libido and cause erectile dysfunction, such as antidepressants.
A vegan diet could improve men’s sex lives and give them firmer erections, study suggests
It comes after a fascinating twin study showed that women who stopped eating meat enjoyed a higher libido than their meat-eating brothers.
Patients were classified into five groups based on the proportion of plant and animal foods they said they ate.
The analysis revealed that the group that consumed the most plants scored up to 11 percent better on measures of sexual function compared to the group that consumed the least.
Similarly, results revealed up to 14 percent better urinary health scores, with fewer cases of incontinence, obstruction and irritation.
The authors also found up to 13 percent better scores on hormonal health, which assesses symptoms such as low energy and depression, among the highest plant-based diet group compared to the lowest group.
Lead author Dr Stacy Loeb said: “Our findings offer hope to those looking for ways to improve their quality of life after undergoing surgery, radiation and other common therapies for prostate cancer, which can cause significant side effects. “.
“Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, while reducing meat and dairy, is a simple step patients can take.”
The study, published in the journal Cancer, is believed to be the first to show better urinary health in prostate cancer patients based on nutrition.
“These results add to the long list of health and environmental benefits of eating more plants and fewer animal products,” added Dr. Loeb.
“They also clearly challenge the historical misconception that eating meat improves sexual function in men, when in fact the opposite appears to be true.”
Previous research by the same team already found that consuming a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in the first place.
Dr. Loeb added, “Dietary fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants found in plant-based foods have been shown to improve glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation, and ultimately improve endothelial function; For example, they facilitate blood flow to the penis, which is essential for erectile function.
‘In contrast, previous studies have found that eating meat is associated with worse erectile function, so possible mechanisms include a combination of direct nutrient benefits from plant-based foods, as well as reduction of plant-based foods. Animal origin.
“The findings definitely support future research into whether an exclusively plant-based dietary pattern, for example a vegan diet, is associated with better sexual function.”
As part of the study, men with prostate cancer answered a questionnaire every four years about the types of foods they ate and in what proportions.
Another survey, which was conducted every two years, assessed the frequency of incontinence, difficulties maintaining an erection, energy and mood problems, among other health problems.
All patients included in the study had early forms of prostate cancer that had not yet spread to other organs.
Experts said their findings support previous research in men without prostate cancer.
A previous study in men aged 60 to 70, who did not have prostate cancer, found that higher consumption of plant-based foods was linked to a lower risk of erectile dysfunction.
Prostate cancer treatments can affect sex life by damaging the nerves that men need to achieve an erection.
Other treatments can affect the levels of hormones needed to achieve and maintain an erection.
According to Cancer Research UK, men suffering from these problems can try pharmacological remedies such as tablets and creams, vacuum pumps and implants.