Drinking Coffee Lowers Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) have found that men who drink the equivalent caffeine level of two to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED).

The findings showed that those who consumed between 85 and 170 milligrams of caffeine a day were about 42 percent less likely to report ED than those who drank between 171 and 303 milligrams of caffeine a day who were 39 percent less likely to report ED when compared to participants who drank zero to seven milligrams per day. Researchers also found this to be true when adding in factors for overweight and obese men and those who had hypertension.

Data for the study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and ED was assessed by a single question during a computer-assisted interview, with and statistics showing that caffeine is consumed by more than 85 percent of adults, according to previous research in the United States, alone.

"Even though we saw a reduction in the prevalence of ED with men who were obese, overweight and hypertensive, that was not true of men with diabetes. Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for ED, so this was not surprising," said David S. Lopez, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., lead author and assistant professor at UTHealth School of Public Health, in a news release. 

The study suggests that caffeine triggers a biological mechanisms in which a series of pharmacological effects lead to relaxation of the penile helicine arteries, resulting in the cavernous smooth muscle that lines cavernosal spaces, which help increase penile blood flow.

Of course, that's not all when it comes to the incredible benefits of coffee. Previous studies have shown how coffee everyday can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's, potentially lower the risk of diabetes, Parkinson's, increase liver function, and even decrease mortality-risk all together.  Maybe have a cup or two?