Olive oil could be better than Viagra at helping men perform in the bedroom, scientists suggest.

A study of more than 600 men found that those who consumed plenty of it had far fewer problems with their sexual performance.

Researchers said a diet rich in olive oil keeps blood vessels healthy - maintaining circulation in every part of the body. Those who consumed at least nine tablespoons of it weekly were far less likely to suffer from impotence than those who ate less of it, and had significantly higher levels of testosterone.

Strong adherence to a Mediterranean style diet - rich in fruit and vegetables, legumes, fish and nuts, as well as olive oil - cut the risk of erectile dysfunction by up to 40 per cent, the Greek study found.

Lead researcher Dr Christina Chrysohoou, from the University of Athens, said: “Long-term lifestyle habits on diet and exercise seem to have a major impact on not only our arteries but our quality of life, including sexual capacity from middle-age to [the] elderly population.

“Consuming olive oil and sticking to a Med diet keeps a man’s bedroom chances high,” she advised.