A pistachio-rich diet improves sexual function in men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Impotence Research: The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
In the Turkish study, participants ate 100 grams of pistachios (about one cup) at lunch every day for three weeks. At the end of the trial, the 17 subjects scored 50 percent higher on an erectile function questionnaire compared to pre-diet scores. The men saw improvements in erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, overall satisfaction, and sexual desire. Plus, blood flow in the penis increased 22 percent, as measured by ultrasounds.
“Pistachio nuts are relatively high in the non-essential amino acid arginine, which appears to maintain flexible arteries and to enhance blood flow by boosting nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels,” notes lead researcher Mustafa Aldemir of the Atatürk Teaching and Research Hospital in Turkey.
The men in the study also showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels—likely because pistachios are also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and plant sterols. Previous studies have shown a link between cholesterol level and ED.
While a self-prescribed bag of pistachios once a day may represent a sly, and salty, alternative to consulting a physician, the results should be considered preliminary. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have erectile dysfunction.
—Kyle Western
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