What are the benefits of dates for men?

How beneficial are dates for men?

Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, PhD — Written by Mary West on March 22, 2021

This article is a repost which originally appeared on MEDICALNEWSTODAY

Edited for content

Research does not show that eating dates provides any sexual health benefits for males. That said, the fruit’s high nutrient content may promote general wellness and help prevent disease for people of all sexes.

Potential benefits

Some studies suggest that dates may benefit health in several ways. The following sections will look at what the research says in more detail.

They may help treat infertility

In traditional African medicine practices, people have long used dates to treat male infertility. However, there is scarce scientific research to support their effectiveness for this purpose, according to one study. This study is yet to undergo peer review.

The researchers tested the effects of dates on the fertility of rats with neurotoxin-induced infertility.

The dates reduced signs of infertility in the rats, but they also reduced levels of the hormone testosterone, which is linked to fertility.

The researchers suggest that future studies should try to identify a safe amount of dates for treating infertility.

Scientists need to do much more research into the effects of dates on fertility in humans before they can make any recommendations about using dates for this purpose.

They may boost brain health

A scientific review from 2016 notes that some studies have linked regular date consumption to better thinking skills and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s impairs memory and the ability to think. The review suggests that long-term use of date fruit supplements in rodents was associated with reduced plaque formation in the brain. These plaques are characteristic in people with Alzheimer’s.

They may help alleviate chronic disease due to their antioxidants

Unstable molecules called free radicals can cause a process known as oxidative stress.

Scientists believe that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of certain chronic conditions. These include cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Dates have strong antioxidant properties with the potential to improve chronic conditions.

They may increase skin health

Topical creams containing dates may improve skin health.

Research suggests that the application of date creams to the skin can improve skin moisture content, elasticity, and brightness. The authors also note that dates in skin care may reduce the effects of aging on the skin.

None of the participants using the cream reported side effects, and the dates appeared to be safe for use on the skin.

They may help with diabetes

Diabetes involves reduced blood sugar control. A scientific review that analyzed the available research on the topic suggests that dates have the potential to treat diabetes due to their antioxidant content.

Some studies in the review indicate that dates can improve the function of the pancreas in secreting insulin, which is the hormone that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. Other studies indicate that dates may help with the complications of diabetes.

In addition, dates are high in fiber, meaning that the body absorbs them slowly during digestion. This helps keep a person’s blood sugar levels stable. High blood sugar levels can be a chronic issue in people with diabetes.

Their fiber content may help prevent certain conditions

The fiber in dates can also help with other conditions.

One study suggests that dietary fiber can help protect against diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, fiber may help reduce the risk of conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract, such as constipation, colon cancer, and ulcers.

Risks and considerations

Dates are a nutrient-rich type of fruit that may have various health benefits. The only possible drawback is that they are high in sugar, according to one study.

People who are trying to moderate their daily calorie intake may wish to limit their intake of dates because they are calorie dense.

Despite the fruit’s sugar content, the study authors say that low-to-moderate consumption is likely safe for anyone, including people with diabetes. This is because the fiber in dates causes the body to digest them slowly, helping prevent unhealthy blood sugar spikes.

However, a person wishing to take supplements containing dates should consult a doctor first. This is because supplements may not always provide the same health benefits as food.

Nutritional information for dates

Below is the nutritional information Source for a 100-gram (g) serving of dates, which is about four dates.

Amount Daily Value
Calories 277
Protein 1.81 g 4%
Total fat 0.15 g 0%
Carbohydrates 75 milligrams (mg) 27%
Fiber 6.7 g 24%
Vitamin A 149 international units 3%
Vitamin B6 0.25 mg 19%
Manganese 0.3 mg 13%
Copper 0.36 mg 40%
Magnesium 54 mg 14%
Potassium 696 mg 15%

According to some research, dates also contain:

  • Phenolic acids: These are types of antioxidants that help protect against disease.
  • Enzymes: These are molecules that make biochemical reactions happen.
  • Carotenoids: These are orange, yellow, and red pigments that are important for various functions.

How to include dates in the diet

Here are some ideas for how to add dates to an eating plan:

  • Breakfasts: Sprinkle dates into oatmeal or add them to dough when making muffins.
  • Salads: Mix dates into any kind of salad.
  • Snacks: Combine dates with other dried fruits and nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to make a trail mix.
  • Lunches: Include dates in a tuna or chicken salad wrap made with whole wheat tortillas.
  • Main dishes: Add dates to a turkey meatloaf recipe or include them in stews and soups.
  • Desserts: Make a parfait with layers of yogurt, diced dates, and berries.
  • Smoothies: Blend dates with almond milk, peanut butter, bananas, and ice to make a smoothie.
  • Sugar substitute: Puree dates and substitute them for sugar in recipes.
  • Energy balls: Pulse dates in a food processor. Mix in natural peanut butter, chopped dark chocolate, and rolled oats. Roll the mixture into balls and refrigerate.

Summary

Scientists need to do more research before they can make any claims about the specific health benefits of dates for men or fertility.

However, preliminary studies suggest that dates may help with other aspects of health, including cognition and blood sugar control, for people of any sex.

The vitamin, mineral, fiber, and antioxidant contents of dates make them a nutritious type of food to include in the diet. There are several creative ways to add them to an eating plan.

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

 

Common Causes of Impotence

Common Causes of Impotence

By Sara Ryding, B.Sc.

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.

This article is a repost which originally appeared on NEWS MEDICAL

Edited for content

Impotence, which is also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to get and maintain an erection for intercourse. While the occasional issue with impotence is not considered rare or cause for concern, persistent issues can cause severe stress and be a sign of an underlying health issue. The causes of impotence can include physical and psychological sources.

Impotence and sexual arousal

The processes around sexual arousal are complex and can be difficult to distinguish. For males, the sexual arousal process involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels to achieve an erection.

As such, impotence can stem from any of these areas or a combination of them. For example, impotence caused by blood vessel issues can be worsened by subsequent stress and mental health concerns.

Physical causes of impotence

Vascular causes of impotence are among the most common causes of impotence. In some cases, impotence can be a symptom of progression towards cardiovascular disease. For example, impotence is common in people with atherosclerosis and can later progress into heart disease. If the veins are unable to close during an erection, this can cause impotence as it hinders the erection from being maintained. This is called veno-occlusive dysfunction.

Veno-occlusive dysfunction can be caused by the development of venous channels that drain blood from the corpora cavernosa where blood would otherwise be trapped during health erections. Veno-occlusive dysfunction can also be caused by deleterious alterations to the tunica albuginea, which would otherwise be responsible for stopping blood from leaving the penis. These alterations can occur as a result of old age, diabetes, or Peyronie’s disease. Other causes include traumatic injury, alterations to muscles around the area, and shunts that are acquired during certain surgery.

Neurological issues are another physical cause of impotence. This can occur as a result of diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, or due to trauma and injury. These can cause impotence by both decreasing libidos and by inhibiting the onset of an erection. In the event of spinal cord injury, the effect on impotence can depend on the nature, location, and extent of the injury. Similarly, neurological issues can be the cause of impotence in old age as sensory stimuli abate with age.

There is some evidence that hormonal issues can cause impotence. A deficiency in androgen, a hormone needed for male sexual characteristics and sex drive, can lower nocturnal erections and decrease libido. However, there is also evidence that erections in response to sexual stimulation still occur in patients with decreased hormonal activity, meaning androgen is not essential.

Psychological causes of impotence

Psychological issues were previously believed to be the main cause of impotence, and it is still considered a common cause of impotence. If the onset of impotence is sudden, this might indicate that the cause is psychological rather than physical.

Psychological issues can range from serious mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, to issues in the relationship with whom impotence occurs. The brain is a starting point for sexual arousal, and issues at this stage can be detrimental to the onset of an erection.

Mental health issues such as depression have a particularly strong link to impotence. This can be due to a lack of libido, performance anxiety, or persistent loss of interest and enjoyment. In schizophrenic people, lowered libido is the main cause of impotence. Some drugs to treat schizophrenia can increase libido, but there can still be persistent issues with erections and orgasms.

Risk factors of impotence

While the causes of impotence can be physical and psychological, there are certain lifestyle and medical factors that can increase the risk of these causes. For example, using tobacco can restrict blood flow the veins and arteries and can thus, over time, lead to vasculature issues which lead to impotence.

Age is one of the biggest risk factors in impotence. Impotence occurs in around 20-40% of older men. Studies have found that the risk of impotence rises by 10% every year in men aged 40-70 years old. The reasons for this are numerous: the penis becomes less sensitive to stimulation, hormone levels decrease, cardiovascular issues become more common, and libido naturally decreases with age.

Other risk factors include obesity, injuries that damage nerves or arteries that are involved in erections, persistent drinking, or alcoholism. Impotence can be avoided by sometimes making changes to lifestyle, such as reducing drinking and smoking but may sometimes need focused treatment. Other times, medical treatments such as radiation treatment or prostate surgery can be risk factors for impotence and may be needed to save the patient’s life.

Sources

  • Mayo Clinic. 2020. Erectile Dysfunction – Symptoms and Causes. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776> [Accessed 26 August 2020].
  • Lue, T., 2000. Erectile Dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(24), pp. 1802-1813.
  • Wyllie, M., 2005. The underlying pathophysiology and causes of erectile dysfunction. Clinical Cornerstone, 7(1), pp. 19-26.