Despite carrots’ reputation as a ‘superfood’, too many of them might ruin men’s sex lives
They provide so many health benefits that carrots are considered a ‘superfood’ – one that might even help us to see in the dark.
But eating too much of the vegetable could play havoc with a man’s sex life, scientists have found.
Carrots contain compounds called carotenes and, according to a study, men who consume high levels of them are almost 60 per cent more likely to develop erectile dysfunction (ED). The compound, which the body turns into vitamin A, is beneficial because of antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
However, researchers in China say too much of it may have a negative effect.
They analysed a database of male participants for epigenetic markers – changes in DNA – linked to high levels of different compounds. The team, from Peking University Hospital in Beijing, only found a link to ED with carotenes.
Although the reason for this remains unclear, they suggest a high intake of carotenes could cause damage to the endothelium – the inner lining of blood vessels.
During sexual arousal, endothelial cells release nitric oxide, a chemical which starts the process that encourages blood flow to the penis, triggering an erection.
Carotenes are also found in other orange-coloured vegetables such as sweet potato, butternut squash and pumpkin, and in fruits such as apricot and mango.
Eating too many carrots could play havoc with a man’s sex life, scientists have found
The research team wrote in the Archives of Medical Science journal: ‘Our findings suggest that higher carotene levels were significantly associated with increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
‘This indicates that carotene levels may play a potential role in its development. Further studies are needed to explore the precise biological mechanisms by which carotene influences erectile function and whether diet changes could mitigate this.’
There is no previously known link between carotenes and ED.
It is estimated that one in five men in the UK suffer from the condition, but this increases to a third of those over 60 and more than half of men over 70. It can be linked to heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, low testosterone levels and prostate problems.
