Your favourite ready meals, sugary snacks, and packaged foods might be doing more than just expanding your waistline—they could be devastating your sex life, a major new study warns.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo have uncovered a disturbing link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and a significant decline in sexual health. The findings present a serious concern for the UK, where such foods make up more than half of the average diet.
The Intimate Cost of Convenience
The study, published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, followed 1,200 Brazilian men over a year. The results were stark: men who consumed the most ultra-processed foods experienced a 38% greater drop in erectile function and a 26% greater decline in sexual desire compared to those who ate the least.
These foods, often high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, are thought to cause inflammation and damage blood vessels. This is critical for sexual function, which relies on healthy blood flow.
What Counts as an Ultra-Processed Food?
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial creations typically containing five or more ingredients you wouldn't find in a home kitchen. They are designed for convenience and long shelf life but offer little nutritional value.
- Mass-produced bread and baked goods
- Sugary cereals and breakfast bars
- Ready meals and instant noodles
- Reconstituted meat products like sausages and chicken nuggets
- Soft drinks, crisps, and packaged snacks
A Silent Public Health Crisis
‘This is not just about individual choices,’ lead researcher Dr. Maria Fernanda da Silva told the Daily Mail. ‘We are facing a public health crisis driven by the aggressive marketing and easy availability of these products. The impact on quality of life, including intimate relationships, is profound.’
The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking UPFs to a host of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. However, this is one of the first to directly connect them to sexual dysfunction.
Fighting Back: How to Protect Your Health
Experts urge a return to whole, minimally processed foods to safeguard both general and sexual health.
- Cook from scratch: Prioritise meals made with fresh ingredients.
- Read labels: Avoid products with long lists of unrecognisable ingredients.
- Snack smart: Swap crisps and biscuits for nuts, fruit, or yoghurt.
- Stay hydrated: Choose water or milk over sugary fizzy drinks and juices.
While the study focused on men, nutritionists warn that a poor diet high in UPFs is likely to have a similarly negative impact on women’s libido and overall wellness. Taking a critical look at your shopping basket could be the first step toward revitalising your health and your relationship.
