Real men need meat: This myth is increasingly finding influential advocates in social media who propagate a return to traditional male gender roles. A close connection is claimed between masculinity and the regular consumption of animal protein. Such a connection does indeed exist – however, it is completely different from what many ‘Man-Fluencers’ suggest: Physician and longevity expert Dr. med. Irmgard Huber clarifies.

Press Release from 2025-12-18

A large-scale US study published in 2022, involving approximately 22,000 participants, impressively demonstrated that men who primarily follow a plant-based diet have a significantly lower probability of developing erectile dysfunction over their lifetime. Conversely, extensive meat consumption increases the risk of having to live with compromises in terms of “male potency,” at least in old age, by up to 27 percent.

Biomarkers for Heart Health
The reason for this is general vascular health, which is demonstrably negatively affected by intensive meat consumption: The fine capillary vessels in the penis are highly sensitive to circulatory disorders. Erection problems can therefore even serve as a biomarker, an early warning sign for an impending heart attack – long before
corresponding symptoms appear. Urologists therefore refer to the penis as the “antenna of the heart.”
The effect of a healthy lifestyle on erectile function can now also be well observed thanks to a special tracker developed in Germany: The 2N8 medical device enables monitoring of nocturnal erections, which normally occur three to five times per night in every man during sleep. They usually have nothing to do with feelings of arousal but are a natural “training program” for the body.

Lifestyle Reflected in Sleep
Physician and longevity expert Dr. med. Irmgard Huber observed among tracker users how important their lifestyle is for the results: “Those who consumed alcohol during the day, ate poorly, or smoked, experience significantly less activity during sleep. Conversely, switching to a more plant-based, healthy diet while avoiding animal fats can lead to a significant increase in nocturnal activity.”

Nevertheless, the number of affected individuals for whom nothing works anymore, not even during sleep, is increasing: Between 18 and 48 percent of men, depending on the age group, now suffer from erectile dysfunction. Huber knows: “This is a huge problem for those affected – and, of course, noticeably impacts their overall quality of life.” Instead of listening to misunderstood masculinity myths, Huber advises men of all ages to adopt a holistic approach that maintains long-term health. This concept, also known as “longevity,” includes a balanced diet with a high plant content, an active lifestyle, and regular, sufficient sleep. The physician emphasizes: “Longevity and sexual health, meaning a long, healthy life and a fulfilling love life, cannot be separated.”

Change is Always Possible
The good news: A change of course is possible at any time – and men can discreetly and conveniently observe the results of their changed lifestyle at home with the 2N8 Tracker and read them from their nocturnal erectile activity. However, this usually requires a permanent change in lifestyle habits, emphasizes longevity expert Dr. Irmgard Huber: “A large part of health problems simply stems from the fact that around 65 percent of men in Germany are already overweight. This increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases – and also of erectile dysfunction.”

Andreas Wagner, CEO of 2N8life, the company behind 2N8, concludes: “Essentially, doctors have long recommended a balanced mixed diet with a high plant content – keyword ‘Mediterranean diet.’ What is new, however, is the realization of how immediately positive this form of nutrition affects erection problems.”

Further information about 2N8 can be found here: https://2n8life.com/