Did you know that studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet increases endothelial function in adults? So, what does this mean for your practice?

If you have patients who are prone to atherosclerotic disease (be thinking metabolic syndrome, diabetics, smokers, etc.), then you should try to encourage them to adopt the Mediterranean diet.

Studies have shown that this diet provides protective effects at the early stages of the atherosclerotic process. This is critically important for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Anecdotally, the men’s health patients that I see who have erectile dysfunction (an endothelial dysfunction) and who adopt a Mediterranean diet often will verbalize improvement in their symptoms. Of course, this is likely multifactorial as they are starting testosterone replacement therapy and exercising more, but regardless the correlation is there.

If you have a patient and worry about their endothelial and cardiovascular health, try to counsel them on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet as it will improve their overall health and wellbeing!