You’ve seen the ads plastered on electricity boxes and light poles all over town, offering the services of a mysterious person who can help you win back a lost lover, increase your finances and, of course, assist in erectile dysfunction.

I’m phrasing this in a much more refined way than the ads, but you get the gist.

At some point in their lives, most men will experience some issues in the bedroom due to a number of factors ranging from age to stress. This is usually where Viagra comes in.

But if you aren’t keen on pharmaceuticals or, god forbid, the weirdo on the other side of that electricity box ad, what are your options?

Good news people! According to the Independent, the answer has been in your kitchen all along.

Olive oil could be better than Viagra at helping men perform in the bedroom, scientists suggest.

A study of more than 600 men found those who consumed plenty of olive oil had far fewer problems with their sexual performance.

Researchers said a diet rich in the oil keeps blood vessels healthy – maintaining circulation in every part of the body.

Those who consumed at least nine tablespoons weekly were far less likely to suffer from impotence than those who had less of it, and had significantly higher levels of testosterone.

Yep. Olive oil, that staple of healthy cooking, could be the answer to all of your problems. Who knew?

In fact, a Mediterranean-style diet that includes fruit and vegetables, legumes, fish and nuts alongside olive oil has the potential to cut the risk of erectile dysfunction by up to 40%.

Dr Christina Chrysohoou, the lead researcher from the University of Athens, said: “Long-term lifestyle habits on diet and exercise seem to have a major impact on not only our arteries but our quality of life, including sexual capacity from middle age to [the] elderly population.

“Consuming olive oil and sticking to a Med diet keeps a man’s bedroom chances high,” she said.

In the long term, a healthy diet was better for maintaining a man’s sexual prowess than relying on the instant boost of Viagra, the researcher suggested. “This is a drug-free solution that allows men to keep their sexual function. But also a long-term answer to protecting a man’s ability to perform in the bedroom,” said Dr Chrysohoou.

FYI, eggplants also form part of a Mediterranean diet, giving a whole new meaning to that emoji.

[source:independent]