Red grape juice boosts libido and may cut ED risk by 80% in men over 40

Researchers have found a surprising ally for men’s sex lives. However, this new finding primarily concerns men over the age of 40.

Scientists from the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in China say red grape juice could be an alternative to Viagra. The juice helps boost male libido, and consuming it was linked to an 80 percent lower risk of erectile dysfunction.

The team behind the research urges men over 40 to drink a glass of red grape juice at least five times a week. This, they say, could significantly enhance sexual desire.

The study, which was not funded by any commercial entity, also found that most other popular beverages are not beneficial for men’s sex lives.

The findings, published in the journal The Ageing Male, showed that regular consumption of apple, orange, pineapple, or tomato juice, as well as soft drinks, does not protect men from decreased libido.

What Did the Scientists Discover?

The medical team studied 1,500 middle-aged men. They examined participants’ lifestyles and their consumption of nine different beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic). Participants also reported any libido problems.

The results showed that, of all the beverages, red grape juice had the biggest impact on increasing libido. In contrast, white grape juice was not effective against erectile dysfunction.

Researchers say red grape varieties contain more phenolic compounds. These plant chemicals help prevent arterial narrowing, which can restrict blood flow to the genital area.

In their report, the team wrote that grape juice contains many phenolic compounds that benefit health, and red grape juice has more of them than white. Based on these results, they suggested that men—especially those over 40—consume grape juice at least five times a week to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Why Is This Discovery Important?

This is the first study to single out a specific beverage as having a measurable effect on libido.

Erectile dysfunction affects about half of men over the age of 40 to some extent. Men who face this issue often turn to medication. British doctors alone write over four million prescriptions for libido-enhancing drugs each year, totaling £13 million. Millions more pills are purchased online or over the counter, according to the Daily Mail.

The causes of erectile dysfunction include narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the penis. This is often linked to heart disease, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar levels.

Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet and regular exercise can help men maintain a fulfilling sex life.