ED Pills Erectile Dysfunction

Foods To Help Erectile Dysfunction

August 12, 2021

4 mins

When it comes to choosing what to eat, there is no miracle diet that can completely prevent or cure erectile dysfunction (ED).

There's plenty of evidence, however, that some foods can help in a variety of ways.

Erection-related problems are typically the result of a poor blood flow to the penis, whether caused by underlying medical conditions or otherwise. Foods that are beneficial for the cardiovascular system cam go a long way toward helping to prevent erectile dysfunction too.

The benefits of eating quality, healthy foods are holistic, meaning they can work where the body needs them. Filling your day with foods that optimize all of your body’s functions can help you with the necessary micronutrients and macronutrients that your penis needs to function properly.

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Key Nutrients and Where To Find Them

Here are some of the nutrients that are best suited to help battle the effects of erectile dysfunction, and where it’s easiest to find them.

Zinc in Oysters and Shellfish

It’s common knowledge that oysters are a known aphrodisiac. These shellfish contain specific elements that can help to release libido-stimulating hormones in both sexes. One reason for this might be that oysters have high levels of the mineral zinc. The production of testosterone can be significantly influenced by zinc levels, and having low or insufficient levels of testosterone may contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Flavonoids in Dark Chocolate

A recent study has found that flavonoids in dark chocolate can improve blood circulation. This effect can be beneficial in helping to battle the effects of erectile dysfunction, especially in cases where poor circulation is to blame.

Flavonoids are antioxidants that are known to protect plants from environmental toxins along with helping cells to repair damage. These flavonoids can actually have a similar effect in humans too. It’s possible that they can help to lower overall blood pressure as well as decrease cholesterol levels, both of which can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Other foods containing flavonoids include:

Strawberries
Blueberries
Red wine
Apples
Pears
Citrus products

L-Arginine in Pistachios

One scientific study looked into pistachios and their potential effect on erectile dysfunction. Men that were experiencing erectile dysfunction were tasked with eating pistachio nuts daily over the course of three weeks. By the end of the study, the men noted marked improvement in their erectile dysfunction, as well as several different sex-related issues such as their overall sexual satisfaction and sexual desire.

The benefits of pistachios in treating erection problems may be the result of an amino acid called l-arginine, which is known to help relax blood vessels. The relaxation of blood vessels is a great way to help improve blood circulation. Other protein-rich foods that contain l-arginine include:

Poultry
Red meat
Fish
Nuts
Dairy products

Nitrates in Leafy Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables, most notably spinach, can help to increase circulation because of their high concentration of nitrates. Beet juice is also particularly high in nitrates as well.

Nitrates are considered vasodilators, meaning they have the ability to open up your blood vessels, helping to improve and increase the flow of blood.

Before the FDA approved the first erectile dysfunction medication in 1998, there had been several studies done on the possible benefits of nitrate as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. In fact, most erectile dysfunction medications that are used today are based physiologically on the relaxing effects that nitrates have on the blood vessels that supply the penis.

Some other foods that are a good source of nitrates include:

Arugula
Spinach
Lettuce
Radish
Beetroot
Chinese cabbage

Lycopene in Tomatoes and Grapefruit

Lycopene is a phytonutrient that's good for circulation and can help improve sexual function. Deep red fruits, most commonly tomatoes and pink grapefruits, are the best places to find lycopene. There's some evidence that lycopene is most effectively absorbed when it’s mixed with avocados, olive oil, or other oily food in general. Research also suggests that antioxidants such as lycopene can help to prevent male infertility and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Antioxidants in Watermelon

Some studies have suggested that watermelon might have the same effects on erectile dysfunction as Viagra®, as well as possibly increasing overall sexual desire. Watermelon is rich in phytonutrients known to help relax your blood vessels, which are extremely important during the erection process. Even though a watermelon is over 90% water, it still seems to have several positive benefits for sexual health.

Other Foods With Sexual Health Benefits

These foods can help in particular ways that relate to erectile dysfunction.

Carrots Can Keep Your Sperm Healthy

Eating more carrots may help to improve your sperm count. This fertility superfood has been known to improve both sperm count and motility (the movement and swimming of the sperm). Research suggests that this may be due to the carotenoids that are found in carrots, which are also responsible for giving the vegetable its orange color.

Spinach Can Increase Testosterone

Spinach is a great source of folate, which is a known blood booster. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the sexual function of men, and studies have shown that a deficiency in folic acid is linked to erectile dysfunction.

Spinach is one of the richest foods in terms of folate and contains nearly two thirds of your recommended daily folic acid in each cup. In addition, spinach contains a large amount of magnesium, which is known to help improve blood flow while boosting testosterone levels as well.

Avocados Can Boost Sex Drive

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins, but they are also great as a sexual stimulant. They contain both vitamin E and zinc, which are known to positively affect the sex drive of men, and their fertility. Zinc has been suggested to increase testosterone levels, while vitamin E may help to improve sperm quality.

Chili Peppers Can Up Testosterone

Studies have shown that men who consume spicy foods typically have higher-than-average testosterone levels. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that spicy food will just give you testosterone, the chemical called capsaicin has been shown to produce advantages in the bedroom. Capsaicin is found in hot sauce and chili peppers and triggers the release of endorphins, which are known as the “feel good” hormones and can boost libido.

Oats Can Create An Easier Path To Erections

Avena sativa, or more commonly wild oats, are considered to be an aphrodisiac. Additionally, the amino acid L-arginine is commonly found in oats and is known to help combat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Similar to the effects of Viagra, L-arginine may help the blood vessels in the penis relax, allowing in more blood and making erections easier to achieve and maintain.

Coffee Helps With Erections

Studies have shown that drinking two or three cups of coffee a day may help to prevent erectile dysfunction. Caffeine is shown to improve the blood flow of a person by relaxing their penile arteries and muscles, which will lead to stronger and more firm erections.

Apple Peels Help Your Prostate

We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find them on this list. Apple peels, more specifically the ursolic acid that's found in apple peels, has been shown to slow down and even prevent the further growth of prostate cancer cells. Other foods that have a similar effect include grapes, berries, and turmeric.

The Takeaway

There are plenty of foods that can help to boost bodily functions that may be able to help improve the effects of erectile dysfunction. A diet high in nitrates, flavonoids, and certain amino acids can go a long way toward helping your body reduce or eliminate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Although there are no foods that will cure erectile dysfunction, there are plenty that can have positive effects if you incorporate them into your diet. Eating plenty of nitrates, flavonoids, and protein can all be beneficial to the basic functions of the body, especially those involving blood flow and circulation. These are critical to being healthier in general, but also important to achieving and maintaining erections.

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