Grape Juice May Have An Unexpected Effect On A Man's Sex Life

If you're a man who's a fan of grape juice, you may want to hold on to that interest. From being a rich source of vitamin C and manganese to containing good amounts of fiber, magnesium, and potassium, this sweet and tarty drink is thought to help improve digestion, relieve constipation, fight inflammation, prevent plaque build-up in your arteries, boost immune system health, combat cancer (particularly liver, bladder, cervical, and prostate cancer), and even help with atopic dermatitis. 

What you probably didn't know, however, was its potential effect on your sex life. Turns out, you may want to add grape juice to your diet if you want to prevent erectile dysfunction (ED). Although a whole host of complex factors can be at play when it comes to a man's sex drive and corresponding erection — like relationship problems, mental health concerns, injury, medications, and chronic disease  — grape juice might be able to help physiologically when it comes to preventing the condition. 

How, you ask? By boosting blood flow to your nether regions. Let's take a look at this healthy drink that may help with erectile dysfunction. 

Although it is challenging to find specific studies on this fruit and sexual health, there is a link between an increase in nitric oxide production and the consumption of grape juice, per a 2020 study published in Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. The vitamin C in the fruit can help with nitric oxide production and also increase its absorption in your body. The muscles in your penis need the help of nitric oxide to relax. The compound helps dilate your blood vessels, possibly improving blow flow to the area.

Grapes also contain anthocyanins. Per a 2016 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, flavonoids found in various fruits, particularly anthocyanins, flavones, and flavanones, were found to be effective in reducing the incidence of erectile dysfunction. Unsurprisingly, wine made it to the list of beverages that contain such beneficial flavonoids. Makes you wonder if grape juice has the same benefits as red wine. 

As explained by lead researcher and professor from the University of East Anglia (UEA) Aedin Cassidy (via Science Daily), "Flavonoids are present in many plant-based foods and drinks including fruits, vegetables, tea, herbs and wine ... Men who regularly consumed foods high in these flavonoids were 10 per cent less likely to suffer erectile dysfunction. In terms of quantities, we're talking just a few portions a week." 

It's worthwhile to note here that there are different kinds of grapes. When it comes to the antioxidant profile (which is what you're looking for when it comes to your sex life), you're going to want to pick Concord or purple grapes. They contain significantly more antioxidants.

The sugar content in grape juice can be of concern, especially if you consume large quantities of the stuff or opt for store-bought juices that have added sugar in them. Even without the added sugar, grape juice is naturally high in sugar. Just one cup (253 grams) has as much as 35.9 grams of total sugars, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And even though the natural sugars in grapes might not cause spikes in blood sugar levels, the same cannot be said for the juiced version. 

When you juice a fruit, a few unexpected things can occur, nutritional composition-wise. For one, the fiber content goes down. Fiber can actually act as a buffer when it comes to blood sugar spikes. What's more, it's hard to keep a track of just how much sugar you're consuming when the glasses of juice start to add up. Not only do you need a lot of grapes to make one cup but this will also add to the natural sugar profile. "Juice is an easy way to add servings of fruit to your diet, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying a glass. The key is moderation. Just make sure you're not overdoing it," explained registered dietitian Beth Czerwony (via Cleveland Clinic). 

What about wine to help with your sex life? According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, red wine, when consumed in moderation could be potentially beneficial for men with ED. However, too much alcohol could have the opposite effect. You may want to add this to your list of unexpected side effects of drinking wine.