Drinking red wine in moderation can reduce erectile dysfunction in men and increase sex drive in women, a study has showed.
Plant compounds found in red wine brings benefits including better blood flow, stimulated sex organs and increased testosterone.
The effects of these polyphenols, which are also in fruits, vegetables, herbs, dark chocolate and tea, can be seen when people drink one or two glasses of wine a day.
The findings have been published following a review of a number of previous studies, with researchers saying: “The evidence so far collected has shown that red wine, if consumed in moderation, can be potentially beneficial for patients with erectile dysfunction.”
Polyphenols have a role to play when it comes to reducing oxidation in the body, which creates unstable chemicals that destroy cells. Polyphenols act as antioxidants, which can help to prevent heart disease and certain types of cancers.
The antioxidant properties found in red wine can improve vascular health, which gives the blood flow to the penis a boost and helps to maintain an erection.
The research authors commented: “It can be concluded that the antioxidant properties of polyphenols present in red wine appear to be beneficial for the reproductive system.”
In addition, it is believed that testosterone, a driver of libido, can be boosted by red wine. The drink can also improve male fertility.
The research team examined a number of studies conducted between 1993 and 2022 which included male and female participants across different age groups and demographics. One study they reviewed looked at the effects of red wine on sexual desire. In a group of almost 800 women in Italy, those who drank red wine in moderation reported better libido than those who drank less than a glass of wine, or any other alcoholic drink, each day.
This latest review of research adds to previous studies into how alcohol consumption effects sexual health.
For instance, a study published in 2016 followed 50,000 healthy, middle-aged men for a period of 40 years. The findings revealed that the men who consumed a glass of red wine on a regular basis, along with some citrus fruits and berries, were between nine and 11% less likely to have erectile dysfunction.
However, the latest research, which has been published in the Journal for Clinical Medicine, follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) advice earlier this year that no amount of alcohol is safe, while the Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that daily drinking should be limited to two drinks or less for men and one or less for women.
