Tag: caffeine

Caffeine and Erectile Dysfunction

By Lindsay Curtis Updated on May 01, 2023
Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

This article is a repost which originally appeared on verywellhealth

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Moderate doses of caffeine may improve sexual function.

‧ Caffeine consumption can have a positive effect on emotional health.

‧ Caffeine sensitivity usually increases with age.

Coffee before sex may do more than just wake up the brain. Some research suggests that males who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have lower odds of developing erectile dysfunction, possibly because coffee may stimulate blood flow to the penis.

This article explains how coffee affects sexual performance and reproductive health.

How Coffee Improves Sex

In addition to providing a boost of energy, drinking coffee can make sex better in a variety of ways. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can protect blood vessels, aid circulation, and possibly improve blood flow to the penis, helping men get and maintain erections.

Erectile Function

Men who drink two to three cups of coffee per day may have an easier time getting and maintaining an erection.

In fact, one study found that men who consumed between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine per day were 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity.

Those who consumed between 171-303 milligrams of caffeine a day were 39% less likely to report ED compared to those who didn’t consume caffeine.

This may be due to caffeine relaxing the arteries and smooth muscle in the penis, allowing more blood flow and improving erectile function. It may also be because caffeine intake may boost testosterone levels, and having low levels may contribute to ED. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.

However, a more recent study found no association between caffeine intake and ED.

ED Prevalence

ED is very common. Though the risk of ED increases with age, young men can also experience the condition. Estimates on the prevalence of ED vary, but it is estimated that one out of every 10 men will experience the condition at some point during their life.

Improved Libido

It’s possible that caffeine can ramp up your sex drive. Caffeine is a stimulant, which is a drug that can increase energy and alertness by speeding up your brain and body. This increased energy may also give your sex drive a boost.

In addition to boosting energy levels, caffeine may also increase testosterone levels in men. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.

One study found that consuming more than 4 milligrams of coffee prior to exercising boosts testosterone levels in athletes. An older study showed that chewing caffeine gum may elevate testosterone levels by up to 14%.

Caffeine’s possible ability to increase testosterone levels may also boost sex drive, as low levels have been linked with low libido.

However, scientists haven’t published research on the effect of coffee on libido in humans.

Decreased Stress

Caffeine may lower anxiety and elevate mood, which could make a coffee drinker happier and more relaxed during sex.

Researchers believe that caffeine can reduce anxiety by blocking receptors of the chemical adenosine, which can prevent the brain from causing a stress response. However, this may only be the case for low to moderate coffee drinkers. Heavy caffeine intake can actually cause higher anxiety levels.

Side Effects

Though coffee may offer some health benefits, it’s important to drink it in moderation. Too much caffeine can cause a host of unwanted side effects, including:

‧ Anxiety
‧ Jitters
‧ Headache
‧ Insomnia
‧ Increased heart rate
‧ Upset stomach
‧ Dependency

The Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams (about four to five cups of coffee) per day to avoid side effects.

Caffeine Sensitivity

If you have caffeine sensitivity, even a small amount of caffeine can make you feel unwell. There are varying degrees of caffeine sensitivity: one person may be unaffected, while another won’t be able to sleep hours after consuming it. Caffeine sensitivity tends to increase with age, so you may find you need less coffee as you get older.

How Much Coffee Before Sex?

Coffee boosts energy levels, improves physical endurance, and increases neurotransmitters associated with elevated mood, which can all serve to help improve your sex life.

However, you don’t need to drink an excessive amount of coffee before sex to enjoy the benefits. One or two cups 45 minutes prior to sexual activity may help improve ED, boost testosterone, and give you the energy you need for a positive sexual experience.

Do Energy Drinks Help Sexual Performance?

While caffeine consumed in coffee is generally well tolerated by most people, energy drinks can have a number of negative effects, and there is no evidence to show that energy drinks can help with sexual performance. In fact, long-term consumption of energy drinks is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders, dental problems, obesity, and calcium deficiency.

Summary

Coffee may be a natural way to help improve your sex life. More research is needed to say for sure, but it appears that drinking coffee can reduce your chances of erectile dysfunction and increase your libido. Coffee may also reduce anxiety and stress, thus making sex more relaxing and enjoyable.

You don’t need to drink much coffee to benefit from its effects. One or two cups 45 minutes before sex should be enough. Avoid drinking more than four or five cups a day, since excess caffeine can lead to unwanted side effects like insomnia and anxiety.

Though some people do find coffee to be helpful, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have ED or other concerns about your sexual performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking coffee before sex improve testosterone?

Research suggests that coffee may temporarily boost testosterone levels, which may be beneficial before sex. Drinking coffee can also result in the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle found in the penis and improve blood supply through penile arteries to enhance blood flow to the penis.

What is the link between coffee and testosterone?

Coffee may help boost testosterone levels in men. One study found that men who consumed caffeine five times a day had higher levels of testosterone than men who did not consume it. Researchers concluded that caffeine may act as an aromatase inhibitor (blocking estrogen), which may boost testosterone production. Another study found that caffeine may improve exercise and training outcomes due to its ability to moderately boost testosterone levels.

Does caffeine improve ED?

Moderate levels of caffeine consumption may help improve erectile dysfunction. Research shows that men who consume between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine are 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to those who don’t consume caffeine.

Do the symptoms of caffeine sensitivity increase with age?

Yes, caffeine sensitivity increases with age. Young people metabolize caffeine much more quickly than older adults. One study found that it takes seniors 33% longer to metabolize caffeine compared to younger adults.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Lopez DS, Wang R, Tsilidis KK, et al. Role of caffeine intake on erectile dysfunction in US men: results from NHANES 2001-2004. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0123547. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123547

Maggi, M., Rastrelli, G., & Corona, G. (2020). Both comorbidity burden and low testosterone can explain symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency in men consulting for sexual dysfunction. Asian Journal of Andrology, 22(3), 265. https://doi.org/10.4103/aja.aja_61_19

Wedick NM, Mantzoros CS, Ding EL, et al. The effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on sex hormone-binding globulin and endogenous sex hormone levels: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. 2012;11(1):86. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-86

Lopez DS, Liu L, Rimm EB, et al. Coffee intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(5):951-959. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx304

Cleveland Clinic. Erectile dysfunction.

Anwar, S., Verma, P., & Dutt, R. (2022). Role of caffeine in inducing anxiety by reducing brain serotonin synthesis blocking adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3). Current Traditional Medicine, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.2174/2215083808666220321145436

Richards, G., & Smith, A. (2015). Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression in secondary school children. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(12), 1236–1247. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115612404

Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?

Landry TM, Saunders MJ, Akers JD, Womack CJ. Caffeine added to coffee does not alter the acute testosterone response to exercise in resistance trained males. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2019;59(9):1435-1441. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09183-7

Lopez DS, Liu L, Rimm EB, et al. Coffee intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(5):951-959. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx304

Beaven CM, Hopkins WG, Hansen KT, Wood MR, Cronin JB, Lowe TE. Dose effect of caffeine on testosterone and cortisol responses to resistance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008;18(2):131-141. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.131

Polasek TM, Patel F, Jensen BP, Sorich MJ, Wiese MD, Doogue MP. Predicted metabolic drug clearance with increasing adult age. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(4):1019-1028. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04446.x

Here’s how a poor diet can affect men’s sexual health

Eating habits that can have a negative impact on men’s sexual health

By Radhika Agrawal
22 January 2023

This article is a repost which originally appeared on GQ India.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Diet has a high impact on sexual performance.

‧ Negative habits like smoking, excess caffeine and alcohol, and poor sleep can also negatively affect sexual performance.

‧ Switching to a healthy diet may reverse many of the above problems.

POV: You take your date out for pizza and wine, the two of you click instantly, and they even invite you back to their place. Everything is going splendidly—until your erection bails on you midway. If you’re not sure what went wrong, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at your diet leading up to the anticlimactic event. Junk food can have an adverse effect on your libido and excessive drinking can leave you with an unfortunate case of whisky dick.

“Sexual health and nutrition share a closer relationship than most realize. What we put into our body determines how it functions, and a lousy diet can influence erectile function through its effects on the biology of blood vessels and nerves, leading to issues that will affect sexual performance,” says Dr. Rushikesh Trivedi, Metabolic Expert at Fast&Up.

When we talk about men’s sexual health, we are not only referring to the sex drive or libido, but also the ability to have and maintain an erection, which is known as erectile function. Your diet and nutrition can have a positive or negative impact on your sexual health and performance, both directly and indirectly. We spoke to Dr. Trivedi to understand how this happens. Here’s everything you need to know about the relationship between nutrition and sexual health in men.

How a poor diet affects men’s sexual health

Following a healthy, balanced diet is not only the key to looking good in the bedroom—it’s also responsible for your sexual health. If you are noticing a decrease in your sex drive or erectile function, it’s time to start cutting out unhealthy and junk foods from your nutrition plan. “Making smart dietary choices can help turn things around. It is critical to consume meals high in zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids for optimal sperm health and production. Nuts, beans, shellfish, green vegetables, seeds, seafood, and other foods fall under this category,” advises Dr. Trivedi. He also suggests consuming supplements from trusted and certified brands to meet your dietary needs.

Let’s not forget that an improper diet is also linked to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to self esteem issues and other health problems. “Carrying those extra pounds can increase the odds of developing unwanted health and sexual problems,” says Dr. Trivedi.

Lifestyle habits that are detrimental to your sexual health

You may not realize it, but your unhealthy lifestyle habits can affect your sexual patterns in the long run. Smoking, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, erratic sleep schedules, and a stressful routine can lead to sexual dysfunction over a period of time. It is essential that you take care of your cardiovascular health to improve your sexual health.

According to Dr. Trivedi, the most common causes of sexual problems are fatigue and depression. Exercising can boost your mood and help you have better sex. “By exercising on a regular basis, you increase your blood flow and stamina. You’re also releasing more endorphins, which generate positive emotions in the body akin to morphine,” he says.

alcohol caffeine diet libido performance stamina whisky dick

Hoax or Helping Hand — What Does Science Say About Biohacking?

Zia Sherrell 13 June 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthnews

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· Biohacking has been around in some form or another for centuries.

· Research is recommended before getting into any type of biohacking.

· Meditation is one of the simplest and most effective forms of biohacking.

Biohacking is the process of manipulating your environment and biology to improve health, optimize physical performance, or boost productivity and creativity. It can include anything from experimenting with different diets and supplements to using technology to track your health data. There are even more advanced methods like implantable devices.

While biohacking may seem like a new trend, it’s been around for centuries in one form or another. People have used biohacking methods like fasting, meditation, and exposure to cold temperatures to boost energy, lose weight, and help with chronic diseases for generations. Essentially, biohacking is trying out new techniques to see what benefits you and your health.

Biohacking is a great way to take control of your well-being. That said, it’s important to research before starting any new regimen to be well-informed about what may work for your body.

Continue reading as we explore the biohacking phenomenon to see if it could amplify your health.

What are some biohacking practices, and do they work?

There are numerous biohacking practices, from simple meditation techniques to electronic implants. Here are some of the most popular types of biohacks:

‧ Nutrigenomics

This controversial form of biohacking involves using DNA tests to tailor your diet and supplement regimen. The idea is that by knowing which genes you have, you can better understand how your body responds to certain foods and nutrients.

For example, if you have a gene that makes you more likely to absorb fat, you might want to follow a low-fat diet. Or, if you have a gene that makes you more likely to crave sweet foods and candy, you might want to limit your sugar intake.

There is some scientific evidence to support the idea that nutrigenomics can be helpful for weight loss and chronic disease prevention. It could decrease the risk of developing diseases with a genetic predisposition and may help you make physical changes like losing weight or reducing certain mental health symptoms.

However, it’s difficult to draw accurate conclusions from research as everyone is unique, and your body may respond differently to dietary changes or habits.

A 2015 review of nutrigenomics research noted that a person’s genetics are only one contributing factor to their weight or health. Additionally, exercise, hormones, stress, and weight affect how the body processes food.

‧ DIY biology

Also called DIY bio, this is a form of biohacking that allows people to conduct their own scientific experiments outside of a traditional laboratory or medical setting. Instead, it’s often done with the help of online resources and community support.

People practicing DIY biology often use genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques to modify organisms. This could involve creating new strains of bacteria or growing tissue in a laboratory.

Some people practice DIY bio hoping to find new treatments for diseases, while others do it for fun. DIY biologists often have a shared goal of making science more accessible and demystifying complex concepts. They also hope to empower people to take control of their own health and well-being.

However, it’s important to note that DIY bio experiments can be dangerous or even fatal without proper safety precautions. Additionally, according to a 2017 article utilizing harmful biological agents could break international bioterrorism laws.

‧ Grinder

A grinder is someone who has implantable devices, such as magnets or tracking chips inserted into their body. The implants are typically placed under the skin and can be used for various purposes, including unlocking doors or starting a car.

Some people also have implants that track their health data or help them to monitor their environment. Chips can monitor body temperature, oxygen saturation, blood sugar levels, and more. As such, they have potential to help people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart problems better manage their condition. They could also help people monitor their environment for toxins, pollution, or other hazards, which has implications for those with asthma and respiratory conditions.

Much research is still needed to understand the long-term effects of implants, but many people believe they have an exciting future within the healthcare landscape.

However, implanting devices without qualified medical supervision carries the risk of serious infection and other harmful effects, so people should exercise caution.

Simple ways to biohack at home

Not all biohacks are high-tech or require expensive equipment. In fact, some of the simplest can be done at home with no specific materials. Here are some easy ways to start biohacking.

‧ Consume caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, and dark chocolate. Many people use it to improve their focus and energy levels. To biohack caffeine, record your intake and track how it affects your productivity. Then adjust your consumption accordingly. You can also try bulletproof coffee, which is coffee with a biohacker edge. It contains medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which may boost energy levels and assist in weight loss.
‧ Follow an elimination diet. Elimination diets remove certain food groups or nutrients and then gradually reintroduce them to see the effects. People with allergies or other health concerns surrounding foods use these diets to find out which foods are causing problems. It’s easy to follow an elimination diet by completely avoiding food for around 2 weeks to 1 month before gradually reintroducing it. As you begin to eat the eliminated food, take note of any symptoms that appear, such as rashes, stomach pain, fatigue, or digestive symptoms, which could indicate that you’re allergic or intolerant.
‧ Increase your blue light exposure. If you can, try to increase your sun exposure as the blue light it emits can help improve mood and cognitive performance. Try different amounts of sun exposure and see if you notice any benefits. However, remember to use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and wear sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from sun damage

The benefits of biohacking

Biohacking could have some health perks, and there are many techniques such as dietary manipulations that you can easily do at home with few risks. However, it’s best to avoid practices that involve inserting devices into your body or using chemicals or other substances.

If you’re interested in trying biohacking, talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or medications.

biohacking blue light caffeine diy biology grinder implantable devices mct oil meditation medium-chain triglyceride nutrigenomics

Biohacking 101: A Novice’s Guide to Molding Your Mind and Boosting Your Body

The fountain of youth (and performance) has never felt closer. Just check out these seven stepping stones.

By Hayley Helms

Updated: Jan 15, 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on GEAR PATROL

Edited for content

We’re in the infancy of 2022, and the air is thick with resolutions. People are eating healthier, growing their savings accounts and shrinking their waistlines.

You’ve probably got your fitness routine mapped out for the first month of the year, and maybe it includes lifting more weights, running more miles or squatting more squats. But does your carefully planned regimen include biohacking?

First off, what is biohacking? To the uninitiated, it sounds like some sort of sci-fi cyborg concept, and for the fringes of the biohacking community that are getting microchips implanted in their brains, bionic eyes and the like, that’s exactly what it is.

But for the average, about-to-be-above-average person, biohacking covers any clever DIY shortcut that provides an unexpected edge: heat and cold therapy, infrared saunas, intermittent fasting, adding adaptogens and supplements to your routine, and so on. Heck, you may even be biohacking right now, and not even know it.

The cleanest definition comes from self-help guru Tony Robbins and co.: “Biohacking your body means changing your chemistry and your physiology through science and self-experimentation to increase energy and vitality.”

Biohacking is rich with opportunities to maximize your workouts, heal your body and enhance your overall performance. It can be as basic as switching to organic foods and beverages — or as complex as cryotherapy to reboot your cellular system.

Need guidance where to start? I suggest keeping it simple. As noted in our recent Library of Pursuits course, one of the most helpful methods in developing a plan is to identify your goals, then tailor biohacking methods to help you reach them. Try hacks that fit into your existing lifestyle. They’ll be easier to implement and stick to — and give you the confidence to branch out from there.

Here are seven realistic jumping-off points — complete with products to optimize your experience, of course. Happy hacking.

1. Get More Out of Your Morning Joe

The jury is still out on whether coffee, or more specifically, caffeine, is beneficial for health, but if you’ve determined it works for you, try upgrading it. Biohacking works best when it can be integrated into already firmly set habits; as any ca-fiend knows, it’s an integral part of the morning routine.

Four Sigmatic’s coffee is infused with mushrooms and adaptogens, giving you a jolt of energy with caffeine, but also balance, brain power or restoration, depending what you need. The Ground Mushroom Coffee With Lion’s Mane is the “Think” brew, thanks to 250mg of lionsmane and chaga mushrooms, each. Lionsmane has been shown to increase focus and brain function, while chaga has been used for centuries to support immune function. Swapping out your standard brew for this tasty upgrade is an easy and hassle-free hack.

2. Eat Drink Your Greens

You’ve been told to eat your greens since childhood, but I’m willing to bet there are a fair amount of you out there, reading these words, avoiding those leafy greens like the plague.

Avoid health no longer, and enjoy the perks of produce with Athletic Greens, a powder supplement that can be added to water or smoothies and contains a hard-to-believe amount of goodness inside every single scoop serving.

Athletic Greens checks all the modern dietary marks: It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and contains no added sugar. What isn’t it free from? I’m glad you asked. The powerful powder contains the equivalent of 12 servings of fruits and veggies per scoop, as well as probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and immune-supporting mushrooms.

3. Take the Plunge

One of the more popular biohacking methods, plunging yourself into icy cold water, may sound like a recipe for disaster (or catching a cold), but studies as well as anecdotal evidence are showing that immersing yourself in cold water daily has a wealth of health benefits, including immune system support, increased blood flow, boosted metabolism and sleep, increased energy and lowered inflammation, to name a few.

Cold water plunges are a form of whole body cryotherapy, a method of biohacking that exposes you to extremely cold temperatures, which initially constricts blood flow. Upon leaving the plunge tank, there’s a rush of blood back to the tissues. Consistent practice brings benefits including reduced inflammation, faster muscle recovery, reduced risk of dementia and more.

The Plunge uses cooling, filtration and sanitation to deliver clean and cold water — think, 39 degrees Fahrenheit cold — whenever you want it. You can use it inside or outside, depending where you live.

4. Score Some Magic Mushrooms

No, not those magic mushrooms. We’re talking about the non-psychoactive, but still powerful kind — reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps and turkey tail. Collectively, these five fungi are loaded with antioxidants, plus the potential to improve mood and immunity, boost energy, fight inflammation and maybe even fight cancer. You can add them to curries, salads, risottos or other dishes, or if you’re looking for a quicker option, you can take them in powder form.

Alchemi makes a mushroom powder that’s tasty on its own thanks to ingredients like cinnamon, cacao and coconut milk, but you can also add it to teas and chai lattes for a flavor — and brain — boost.

5. Pour a Cleaner Glass of Vino

You may not partake in Dry January, and that’s cool. To each their own. If you’re going to keep indulging into the new year, there are a couple ways to still incorporate a bit of body-friendly biohacking. The first option? Simply cut back your consumption. The second option: Upgrade your drink of choice to something cleaner, with fewer chemicals and less sugar than traditional alcohol.

Have your lips ever gotten stained from a glass of red wine? Yeah, that’s not just because of your favorite cab’s hue — that’s dye, added to make reds appear redder and more appealing. Grossed out? Switch to natural wines, which are farmed organically, have no additives or processing and are produced with natural fermentation.

One standout is Dry Farms Wine, which creates non-processed wines that go above and beyond the industry standards, resulting in a drink that’s free of sugar and additives, lower alcohol and produced with organic farming methods. The wines are keto and paleo friendly, vegan and biodynamic.

Sign up for its membership program, and pick your wine color, box size and how often you’d like to enjoy it. Dry Farms curates a box unique to your choices, alongside a 100% Happiness Promise, offering to either replace the bottle or refund you in full if you’re not satisfied.

6. Roll It Out

Foam rolling, a biohack? Why not?

Although it may feel like a commonplace technique, foam rolling is a recovery biohack, offering benefits including relieved muscle tightness and tension, increased range of motion, improved relaxation and sleep, and relief from back pain.

There are a multitude of foam rollers on the market, but I recommend the Trigger Point Grid 1.0 Foam Roller. The multi-density foam on the surface works out sore muscles, and also channels blood and oxygen to all the right places for enhanced muscle recovery. At under $40, it’s affordable, portable and easy to use.

7. Meditate On It

You’ve no doubt heard about the benefits of meditation. Although it’s a practice rooted deeply in history, over the last few years everyone and their brother seems to be touting its benefits, from CEOs to celebrities.

There’s a reason why: Studies show that a consistent meditation practice can yield reduced stress, better sleep, increased focus and improved relationships. But how do you fit it into a busy schedule? And how do you even meditate, anyway?

Meditation apps like Headspace answer your burning questions and provide guidance as you embark on your mindfulness mission. Based in research, Headspace offers a 10-day beginner’s course as part of its free trial, and once you subscribe, hundreds of exercises for mindfulness, sleep, focus and more. You can listen on your phone, tablet or computer, or even download sessions to check out when you are, say, seeking a little solace while masked up the middle row on a cross-country flight.

biohacking caffeine chaga coffee cordyceps cryotherapy cyborg foam rolling greens lion's mane reishi turkey tail

Drinking Coffee: Study Finds Both Beneficial and Harmful Short-Term Health Effects

This article is a repost which originally appeared on SciTechDaily
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION - JANUARY 19, 2022
Edited for content and readability - Images sourced from Pexels
Source: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03671759

Key Points:

A randomized trial to study caffeinated coffee consumption among 100 volunteers for two weeks found both potentially beneficial and harmful short-term health consequences of drinking coffee.

When participants were randomly assigned to drink coffee, they were more physically active, yet they also had an increased number of abnormal heartbeats and slept less compared to when they were randomly assigned to avoid all caffeine.

Drinking caffeinated coffee appears to have both beneficial and harmful short-term health effects: increased abnormal heartbeats, increased physical activity, and reduced sleep duration, according to research that was presented at American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2021.

“Coffee is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world, yet its health effects remain uncertain,” said study author Gregory Marcus, M.D., M.A.S., associate chief of cardiology for research and endowed professor of atrial fibrillation research at the University of California, San Francisco. “While the majority of long-term observational studies have suggested multiple potential benefits of drinking coffee, this is the first randomized trial to investigate the real-time, physiologic consequences of coffee consumption.”

Marcus and colleagues enrolled 100 adult volunteers, and they were assigned to wear continuously recording ECG devices (to track heart rhythm), wrist-worn devices to track physical activity and sleep; and continuous glucose monitors to track blood sugar levels for two weeks. The participants were an average age of 38 years, 51% were women and 48% were white. Researchers also obtained DNA saliva samples from the participants to assess genetic variants that may affect caffeine metabolism.

Participants were then randomly assigned to either avoid or consume coffee for no more than two consecutive days each for 14 consecutive days. Coffee and espresso consumption were recorded in real time via a “time stamp button” on the ECG monitor, and researchers tracked trips to coffee shops with geotracking. In addition, participants completed daily questionnaires to detail how much coffee they had consumed every morning.

The analysis found that coffee consumption was associated with a 54% increase in premature ventricular contractions, a type of abnormal heartbeat originating in the lower heart chambers reported to feel like a skipped heartbeat. In contrast, drinking more coffee was associated with fewer episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, an abnormally rapid heart rhythm arising from the upper heart chambers.

Consuming coffee was consistently associated with more physical activity as well as less sleep. Specifically:

Participants who consumed coffee logged more than 1,000 additional steps per day compared to days when they did not drink coffee.
On the days participants drank coffee, they had 36 fewer minutes of sleep per night according to their Fitbit devices.
Drinking more than one coffee drink more than doubled the number of irregular heartbeats arising from the heart’s lower chambers.
Each additional cup of coffee consumed was associated with nearly 600 more steps per day and 18 fewer minutes of sleep per night.
There were no differences in continuously recorded glucose measured when the study participants consumed versus avoided coffee.

These findings were corroborated by analyses of adherence to their randomization assignment and amplified when more versus less coffee was consumed.

“More physical activity, which appears to be prompted by coffee consumption, has numerous health benefits, such as reduced risks of Type 2 diabetes and several cancers, and is associated with greater longevity,” Marcus said. “On the other hand, reduced sleep is associated with a variety of adverse psychiatric, neurologic and cardiovascular outcomes. More frequent abnormal heartbeats from the upper heart chambers influence risk of atrial fibrillation, and more frequent abnormal beats from the lower chambers, or ventricles, increase the risk of heart failure. These results highlight the complex relationship between coffee and health.”

The study participants with genetic variants associated with faster caffeine metabolism exhibited more abnormal heart beats originating in the ventricles, or PVCs, when more caffeinated coffee was consumed. The slower an individual metabolized caffeine based on their genetics, the more sleep they lost when they drank caffeinated coffee.

The investigators also sought to determine if changes in exercise or sleep influenced coffee’s effects on abnormal heart rhythms, and no such association was identified.

Marcus noted that because coffee was randomly assigned to the study participants, cause-and-effect can be inferred. These observations were made during repeated assessments of days when coffee was consumed versus when it was not for each study participant, eliminating concerns regarding differences in individual-level characteristics as an explanation for these results.

biohacking caffeine cardiology coffee heart longevity

8 Penis-Friendly Foods to Boost T-Levels, Sperm Count, and More

The best way to boost penis health? Food.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD — Written by Tiffany LaForge — Updated on October 23, 2018

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

Edited for content

We often eat with our hearts and stomachs in mind, but how often do we consider how foods affect extremely specific body parts?

First things first though: no matter what we eat, the benefits are holistic — it goes where our bodies need it.

But, let’s say, if you know, that apples and carrots are good for your prostate and penis health, wouldn’t you be inclined to eat these foods more often?

That’s the goal of our below-the-belt food list.

Instead of eating as if your penis needs special attention, fill your day with foods that optimize your whole body, and in turn, help your blood bring the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your penis needs to function. (Erectile dysfunction in younger men is rising and about 1 in 9 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.)

On the plus side, enhancing your diet just might help with other concerns, such as heart disease, hormonal imbalances, fat burn, and more.

From prostate cancer, low T-levels, ED, and possibly infertility, these foods are here to help.

1. Spinach to boost testosterone levels

Spinach worked for Popeye, and it’ll help you, too.

Spinach is a super source of folate, a known blood flow-booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function and a deficiency in folic acid has been linked to erectile dysfunction.

Cooked spinach contains 66 percent of your daily folic acid requirement per cup, making it one of the most folate-rich foods around. Additionally, spinach contains a fair amount of magnesium, which also helps improve and stimulate blood flow and has been shown to boost testosterone levels.

Spinach for penile health

A good source of folic acid which may help prevent erectile dysfunction.
Contains magnesium which has been shown to boost testosterone.
Pro-tip: Try our favorite spinach recipes for your next date night.

2. A daily cup of coffee for better sex

Your morning cup of java can be a below-the-belt pick-me-up, too!

Studies have found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day may prevent erectile dysfunction. This is thanks to coffee’s most beloved ingredient: caffeine.

Caffeine is shown to improve blood flow by relaxing penile arteries and muscles, leading to stronger erections. Cheers!

Caffeine for penile health

Caffeine has been shown to prevent erectile dysfunction.
Improves blood flow by relaxing penile arteries and muscles.
Pro-tip: Not a fan of coffee? You can get your daily caffeine fix from Yerba Mate or matcha instead.

3. Apple peels to prevent prostate cancer

Apples have some great all-around health benefits, but one of their lesser known advantages pertains to penis health.

Apple peels, in particular, contain the active compound ursolic acid. This compound has been shown in cell studies to stop the growth of prostate cancer cells by “starving” the cells. Still, you should always follow a medical professional’s treatment plan when faced with prostate cancer.

Eat more fruits and veggies Grapes, berries, and turmeric also have similar effects. Studies suggest that men who consume more fruits and vegetables in general have better odds at beating prostate cancer.

Apples for penile health

Contain an active compound that may starve prostate cancer cells.
Men who consume more fruits and vegetables have a better prostate cancer survival rate.
Pro-tip: The cancer-fighting compound is contained in the peel so be sure to eat your apples with the skin on. You can also make dried apple chips or apple peel tea.

4. Supercharge your libido with avocados

The Aztecs were on to something when they named the avocado tree the “testicle tree.”

An excellent source of healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins, avocados are great for getting you in the mood.

This toast-topper favorite has vitamin E and zinc, both of which have positive effects on male sex drive and fertility. Zinc has been suggested to increase levels of free testosterone in the body, while vitamin E may improve sperm quality.

Avocados for penile health

Contain zinc which increases testosterone levels.
Are a good source of vitamin E which improves sperm quality.
Pro-tip: Out of ideas beyond guacamole and toast? Find inspiration with our 23 delicious ways to eat an avocado.

5. Chili peppers to spice up the bedroom

Can you handle the heat? Studies have found that men who consume spicy foods have higher-than-average testosterone levels.

While this doesn’t mean spicy food gives you testosterone, the chemical capsaicin has been shown to have bedroom advantages.

Found in hot sauce and chili peppers, capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins — the “feel good” hormone — and can rev up the libido.

Chili peppers for penile health

Men who eat spicy foods have higher-than-average T-levels.
Capsaicin found in chili peppers triggers the release of endorphins.
Pro-tip: There’s more health benefits to spicy foods than a healthy libido. Read about our top five here.

6. Carrots keep your sperm healthy

Looking to improve your sperm count? Science says to eat more carrots.

This fertility superfood may improve both sperm count and motility (the movement and swimming of sperm).

Research suggests this is due to the chemical carotenoids found in carrots, which is also responsible for giving the vegetable its orange color.

Carrots for penile health

Research finds that carrots can improve male fertility.
Carotenoids found in carrots may improve sperm quality and motility.
Pro-tip: Another vegetable high in carotenoids is sweet potatoes, which makes our list of the 14 healthiest vegetables on earth alongside carrots.

7. Oats for a bigger O

Oatmeal might not come to mind when you think of the world’s sexiest foods — but maybe it should!

Oats can be beneficial for reaching orgasm and Avena Sativa (wild oats) is considered an aphrodisiac. The amino acid L-arginine found in oats has also been shown to treat erectile dysfunction.

Like Viagra, L-arginine helps penile blood vessels relax, which is essential to maintaining an erection and reaching orgasm.

Oats for penile health

Wild oats are a known aphrodisiac.
Amino acids found in oats relax blood vessels and can help with erectile dysfunction.
Pro-tip: New to oats? Try our quick and easy 10-minute overnight oats, made three ways.

8. Tomatoes are a penile health trifecta

Want all the benefits in one punch? Start with tomatoes.

Tomatoes include several of the benefits listed above and can be eaten in a variety of ways.

Research shows lycopene-rich foods, like tomatoes, may help prevent prostate cancer.

Tomatoes might also be beneficial to male fertility and sperm quality — as tomatoes seem to significantly improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.

Tomatoes for penile health

Help prevent prostate cancer.
Are beneficial to male fertility and improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
Pro-tip: Too busy to make your own marinara? You don’t just have to cook with tomatoes. Try drinking tomato juice for a quick and healthy way to get your daily lycopene.

Looking for more ways to ensure below-the-belt health? Check out our best tips to prevent prostate cancer and non-penile advice on improving your sex life.

After all, your health is more than one body part.

apple peels avena sativa avocados caffeine capsaicin carotenoids carrots chili peppers coffee ED endorphins erectile dysfunction folate folic acid heart disease hormonal imbalances infertility l-arginine lycopene matcha oatmeal penis health prostate prostate cancer sperm spinach t-levels Testosterone tomatoes ursolic acid vitamin e wild oats yerba mate zinc

8 Penis-Friendly Foods to Boost T-Levels, Sperm Count, and More

The best way to boost penis health? Food.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD on October 23, 2018 — Written by Tiffany LaForge

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

We often eat with our hearts and stomachs in mind, but how often do we consider how foods affect extremely specific body parts?

First things first though: no matter what we eat, the benefits are holistic — it goes where our bodies need it.

But, let’s say, if you know, that apples and carrots are good for your prostate and penis health, wouldn’t you be inclined to eat these foods more often?

That’s the goal of our below-the-belt food list.

On the plus side, enhancing your diet just might help with other concerns, such as heart disease, hormonal imbalances, fat burn, and more.

From prostate cancer, low T-levels, ED, and possibly infertility, these foods are here to help.

1. Spinach to boost testosterone levels

Spinach worked for Popeye, and it’ll help you, too.

Spinach is a super source of folate, a known blood flow-booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function and a deficiency in folic acid has been linkedTrusted Source to erectile dysfunction.