8 Forgotten Foods That Truly Help Erectile Dysfunction
There seems to be a list of superfoods with claims of curing nearly every health condition. Unfortunately for a lot of men dealing with erectile dysfunction, there is no one simple solution, but because a healthy sex life depends on an efficient blood supply to the penis, a balanced diet and active lifestyle is key. There happens to be some critical nutrients beneficial to the vascular system and may, as a result, help prevent erectile dysfunction.
8. Pink Grapefruit
When choosing grapefruit for its lycopene content, make sure only to pick the red and pink varieties. The white lacks this important carotenoid. Among its many health benefits, lycopene is effective in fighting oxygen free radicals and prevent damage to cells. For men, lycopene also has the potential to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and repair DNA in damaged prostate cancer cells. Grapefruit also contains powerful antioxidants, may help eliminate toxins, prevent kidney stones, and lower cholesterol.
7. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, as well as root vegetables, are good for the heart and since the heart is responsible for blood flow throughout the body, a healthy dose has potential to help erectile dysfunction. The nitrate found in these vegetables has a near-immediate effect on the body’s ability to relax blood vessels. It is also known to increase oxygen levels, thin blood, and prevent clotting. All of this helps ensure efficient blood flow to the nether regions.
6. Beets
Athletes have been known to tout the benefits of beetroot juice, claiming it enhances performance. This could be due to the vegetable’s high nitrate content. The body is designed to change nitrates into nitric oxide, which may, in turn, boost stamina and improve blood flow, including that to the penis. Even if it does not help every male with erectile dysfunction, there is no harm consuming the healthy vegetable since one cup of raw beets has only fifty-eight calories.
5. Dark Chocolate
In order to get the blood flowing, it is important to consume healthy doses of flavonoids. Chocoholics are in luck because flavonoids are found in dark chocolate, which happens to be the healthiest form of the indulgent treat. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant found in most fruits and vegetables. With more than 6,000 types making up this group of phytonutrients, cocoa contains one called a flavanol, which is often associated with cardiovascular and neurological health.
4. Pistachios
The protein, arginine, found in pistachios has been linked to improved erectile function. A study was conducted with men who ate the nuts every day for three weeks and found positive results not only in erectile dysfunction but overall sexual desire and satisfaction. Arginine is responsible for dilating arteries and relaxing blood vessels, and in turn, improving blood flow. The benefits also include easing symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pain, and coronary artery disease.
3. Oysters
Largely known for their aphrodisiac reputation, oysters and other shellfish may play a role in sexual health by making it easier for a man to provide pleasure to his partner. Oysters are full of zinc, a mineral which is highly responsible for testosterone production. Men with low levels of testosterone could benefit with a boost to prevent erectile dysfunction. Evidence also shows eating raw shellfish activates sexual hormones in both males and females.
2. Watermelon
Rich in antioxidants, watermelon is not only a low-calorie fruit with a high water content, but it also contains a compound necessary for improving erectile function. In a chemical process between the amino acid, citrulline changes to another amino acid, arginine. Then the gas, nitric oxide is produced. Nitric oxide is important for relaxing muscles, and when muscles around the blood vessels loosen up, blood can flow free through the enlarged vessels. The infamous blue pill works in a similar manner.
1. Tomatoes
Ingredients for a salad of choice for men looking to improve their sex drive should include plenty of tomatoes, avocados, and olive oil. Tomatoes contain the circulation-boosting phytonutrient, lycopene. It appears the body absorbs lycopene best when it is consumed in combination with healthy fats, which is where the avocados and olive oil come in. Lycopene is also linked to the prevention of prostate cancer and infertility in men.