Wine may reduce the problem of impotence, British scientists have discovered.
A bottle of red is rich in flavonoids - a group of nutrients long-known to have health benefits.
But new research by the University of East Anglia and Harvard University has found they may also help men who have problems getting and sustaining erections.
Fruits including blueberries, oranges and lemons also contain flavonoids – which can particularly benefit men under 70 years old.
Lead UEA researcher Professor Aedin Cassidy said men who regularly consumed foods rich in the nutrients were 10 per cent less likely to suffer erectile dysfunction.
She said: "We already knew that intake of certain foods high in flavonoids may reduce the risk of conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
"This is the first study to look at the association between flavonoids and erectile dysfunction, which affects up to half of all middle-aged and older men.
"Flavonoids are present in many plant-based foods and drinks including fruits, vegetables, tea, herbs and wine.”
Scientists reckon just a few portions of these foods - which also include blueberries, cherries, blackberries, radishes, apples, pears and blackcurrants - would be enough to see a marked improvement in reducing erectile dysfunction.
The research was published on Wednesday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Additional reporting by PA
