Gaby
Red wine doesn’t just set the mood — a growing body of research suggests it may also revitalize your sex life. A review of dozens of studies found that drinking one to two glasses of red wine a day may lower men’s risk of erectile dysfunction and boost libido in women.
It’s All About the Flavonoids
Plant compounds in red wine can improve blood circulation, raise testosterone levels, and stimulate sexual organs. The evidence so far suggests that moderate red wine consumption may help people with erectile dysfunction.
The key to these sexual benefits is polyphenols. These compounds are found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and tea.
Most polyphenols are flavonoids, which occur in red wine, apples, onions, dark chocolate, and red cabbage. Flavonoids act as antioxidants and help prevent oxidation in the body.
When oxidation occurs, unstable molecules called free radicals are produced, and those molecules can damage cells. Antioxidants help limit that damage, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.
The antioxidants in red wine may also benefit the reproductive system. In erectile dysfunction, the polyphenols’ antioxidant properties may improve vascular health.
That improvement can increase blood flow to the penis, which is essential for maintaining an erection. Researchers also suggest that red wine may raise testosterone levels — a key driver of sexual desire — and could even boost male fertility.
Red Wine and Sexual Health
The Daily Mail reports that a team of scientists analyzed dozens of studies conducted from 1993 to 2022 among men and women of various ages and backgrounds. Many of those studies examined how oxidation affects vascular health, heart health, hormonal balance, and testosterone levels.
Some studies compared different alcoholic beverages, including beer. Those analyses found that red wine offered the strongest sexual-health benefits.
In one Italian study of nearly 800 women, researchers found that women who drank red wine in moderation reported higher sexual desire.
Women who drank less than one glass per day or who drank other alcoholic beverages did not show the same increase in libido. Moderate red wine consumption was also linked to increased vaginal lubrication, a marker of improved sexual function.
In a 2016 study, British scientists evaluated 50,000 healthy men aged over 40. They found that men who regularly enjoyed a glass of red wine along with citrus fruits and berries had a 9–11% lower chance of developing erectile dysfunction.
Another study of women found that those who drank wine moderately reported higher libido than nondrinkers. Other observations suggest that red wine may boost testosterone levels in both men and women, which could increase sexual desire.
The World Health Organization says no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Many nutritionists recommend that men limit intake to two drinks or fewer per day and that women limit intake to one drink or fewer. Researchers say further studies are needed to clarify exactly how polyphenols affect sexual function.
