Categories: Science and Research

Science Says Penises Work Better on a Plant-Based Diet

James Cameron’s new documentary, The Game Changers, is going to make everyone in the world wanna go vegan. Particularly men.

The premise of the film is that a plant-based lifestyle vastly improves athletic performance and health — especially sexual health.

Throughout the star-studded feature, notable doctors and researchers emphasize that eating plants is good for the penis, a fact that’s likely to surprise a lot of men who still believe “meat is manly.”

In the film, one doctor measures the erectile strength of three NFL players.

He gives them a special device to wear that tracks their penile activity throughout the night. It’s activated one night after eating a meat-based meal, and another night after eating a plant-based meal.

The results were astonishing. After eating the plant-based meal, all men had drastically stronger, harder erections than after eating the meat-based meal.

In a country where more than 30 million men have erectile dysfunction (ED), and millions are on Viagra and other supplements (such as Sildenafil tablets), this is an issue rarely talked about. ED is usually caused by decreased blood flow. Other notable causes are trauma, lifestyle factors, psychological and health conditions.

It’s been known for decades that diets heavy on animal products clog blood vessels. Thereby limiting blood flow to all areas, including the penis.

This really isn’t new information. A 2004 study in JAMA found that normal sexual function returned in almost one-third of men who ate less saturated fat and cholesterol (the main ingredients in animal products) and more fiber (only available via plant foods).

It’s worth noting that ED isn’t just a bedroom bummer for older men (and women). It’s a significant risk factor for heart disease.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that screening men with ED for heart disease could help prevent a million heart attacks or strokes over the next two decades and save billions in health care costs.

The Game Changers hits theaters this fall, and in the meantime is only being shown in special screenings (such as at Plant Stock, the amazing plant-based summer camp/festival put on by Engine 2 in the Blue Ridge Mountains).

But no need to watch the flick to start reaping the sexual rewards of eating plants. Go get yourself a banana. Or an aubergine. ?

Follow Some Vegan Girl on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for all things plant-based and pop culture.

Hannah Sentenac

A wizard of words, lover of all living things and vegan mac 'n cheese master, Hannah is the vegan girl behind bharmless.com. Her writing has appeared in Live Happy magazine, the Miami New Times, OneGreenPlanet.com, MindBodyGreen.com, FoodRevolution.org and numerous other publications and websites. She's obsessed with vegan pizza and crop tops, the holidays, and all things Los Angeles. You can reach Hannah directly at hannah@bharmless.com.

View Comments

  • When I was a meateater I had several embarrassing moments with women in my 30's.

    I haven't eaten any animal byproducts in 6+ years as a vegetarian. And no animal, fish or fowl in 12 years. And without question I have never had to deal with ED since. I am 63.

Recent Posts

The 10 Best Vegan Breakfast Sandwiches in Los Angeles

It's early in the a.m. Too early. You might be hungover or sleep deprived; at…

3 years ago

Celeb Hotspot PLANTA Expands Its Empire

Courtesy of PLANTA When it comes to plant-based purveyors, PLANTA is one of the hottest…

4 years ago

No Waste Plant-Based Meal Kit Comes to SoCal

There's no debating that meal kits are an awesome way to make life easier in…

4 years ago

You Can Now Have a Meatless Filet Mignon Delivered to Your Door

Courtesy of Juicy Marbles The wait is over: tender, marbled, savory steaks are now on…

4 years ago

Vegan Travel Poised to Blow Up Post-COVID

Veganism is all over the place these days, with everyone from athletes to musicians to…

4 years ago

Your Guide to Cruelty-Free Eyelashes

Photo courtesy of Hayley Kim Design. Dramatic, sweeping lashes are totally on trend, but who…

4 years ago