Good Food for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

There are various ways to eat a variety of healthy foods. But some products are more favored when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED). No miracle food can be used to prevent or cure ED fully. We know medicines, pumps, & surgeries can work for ED conditions, but what about food? Are there edible products you can take that can help rectify ED?

Indeed, there is some evidence that certain foods may aid in easing out the situation. Let’s dive into the most known effective products that can be used to treat ED in men. We’ll give a verdict on whether they are best for you or recommend that you look for other ED remedies that can work for you with a better sex experience.

So, let’s know about impotence and how to treat it with a protocol list of foods potentially.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

ED (or impotence) is the inability of a man to get & keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is a common type of male sexual dysfunction. However, experiencing erection trouble when you need to satisfy a partner from time to time is necessarily a cause for concern.

This sexual problem can be a sign of a physical or psychological condition. It’s a saddening experience for most men. It can cause stress, low self-confidence, and relationship strain. Men may also experience reduced sex drive. Generally, ED can be attributed to trouble getting an erection, having soft erections, trouble maintaining an erection, and anxiety.

Patients suffering from ED should first be evaluated for any underlying physical & psychological conditions before looking for other alternatives. If treating an underlying condition doesn’t help, medications & assistive devices, such as pumps, can be prescribed. Some other recommendations, such as foods (discussed below), may at a higher degree help cope with ED (only helpful for mild ED conditions).

Indeed, impotence is a very common life experience for men. According to statistics, more than 3 million US cases are reported per year. This problem is treatable by a medical specialist since it’s usually self-diagnosable & lab tests and imaging are rarely required. If ED lasts for years or is lifelong, it can be chronic.

ED treatment varies. Certain meds such as Viagra, Cialis, Stendra, and Levitra may help reduce the symptoms. Another therapy is quitting smoking tobacco and alcohol or performing a physical exercise such as aerobic activity for 25–40 minutes 5 days a week to improve cardiovascular health. Above all, consulting a medical specialist is advisable to treat ED before it becomes chronic.

Can Food Treat ED in Men?

Indeed, no miracle food can be taken to prevent ED. However, there is some great evidence that certain types of foods may help. This evidence is related to a vascular connection. Male erection problems are usually due to the inability to have an adequate blood supply to the penis, so foods that are good for the vascular system may also assist in preventing ED.

Now the question is, Should you eat more of the foods that contain key nutrients to enhance your sexual problem? There’s not a 100% guarantee that food cures. Indeed, certain products are only an addition to the main treatment of impotence. In this case, it is imperative to consult a doctor to determine which ED medicine is best if used alongside other ED fighting foods. For that reason, let’s discuss the best food men can use to get quality erections.

The Best Food for Erectile Dysfunction

The fastest way to reduce the symptoms of mild ED is to exercise regularly, lose extra weight, drink less alcohol, stop smoking, and do not abuse drugs. But there is also another way to solve the sexual problem. In this section, let’s discover fascinating foods & supplements recommended for use with erectile dysfunction that work like phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Cialis & Viagra to enhance your sexual performance.

All products listed can improve your erection quality, and we don’t give you the number one food that we think can best resolve your ED. Doing further research can give you several other verified foods that can help improve your sexual performance. Now, let’s get clarification on each product.

Dark Chocolate

Consuming a variety of foods that are rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidants, may assist some men to reduce the risk of getting impotence. This is according to certain research [1]. Also, another study carried out for males aged 18–40 depicted that those who consumed 50 mg or more of flavonoids/day were 32% less probable to report ED [2].

This proves that flavonoids, present in dark chocolate, are good. These compounds enhance blood flow & the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood [3]. This process is an important factor in getting & maintaining an erection.

Pistachios

According to a 2011 study, 17 adult men who had ED ate 100 grams of pistachios daily for three weeks. The outcome showed an overall refinement in their scores for the following [4]:

• blood pressure;
• erectile function;
• cholesterol amount.

Pistachios consist of plant proteins, antioxidants, fiber, & healthy fats. These substances may promote cardiovascular health & NO production. Due to this, such nuts may be considered a good option for men with ED.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a good source of lycopene, a phytonutrient that has various health benefits. According to a 2012 study, lycopene enhanced ED in rats with diabetes, encouraging investigators to propose that it could become an essential remedy option for men with ED [5]. Furthermore, it is known that this phytonutrient may be absorbed best when combined with greasy or oily foods like avocados & olive oil.

Also, watermelon consists of citrulline, a very important compound that helps relax blood vessels & foster blood flow to the penis when sexually stimulated. Another 2018 study found some proof that adding an L-citrulline-resveratrol combination to PDE5-inhibitor therapy (such as Viagra or Cialis) may help men who find the standard ED remedy doesn’t work well enough for them during intercourse [6].

Coffee

Coffee can be your daily breakfast. Based on a 2015 study, researchers analyzed data for a certain number of men to determine if there is a relation between caffeine consumption & ED [7]. Results depict that ED is more likely to happen in men who consume less caffeine.

However, another research carried out in 2018 didn’t find any relation between coffee intake & ED. Generally, the study outcome was based on self-reported data from more than 21,000 males aged 40–75 & included both regular & decaffeinated coffee [8].

Oysters and Other Shellfish

The oyster has been known to have an aphrodisiac reputation. One basic reason is that this product has high levels of the mineral zinc, which plays a very important role in the production of the male hormone testosterone & which can help with sex drive. Low levels of testosterone in the body could be one reason for ED [9]. Also, raw shellfish contain compounds that stimulate the release of sexual hormones in both men & women.

Garlic

This product may assist between the sheets. Adding garlic to your everyday diet may help maintain the arteries’ health and also clear them as you age. This contributes to blood circulation. It contains allicin, which improves blood flow. You might consider taking four cloves of raw garlic every day to see if it could improve your chances of maintaining an erection.

Fish

Salmon & several other fatty fish are an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This product may enhance nitric oxide in a man’s body. It also lowers the chances of blood pressure & other risks for heart attack & blood clots. For better benefits of omega-3, aim for about eight ounces of salmon per week. Fresh albacore tuna, sardines, and mackerel are also rich in omega-3.

Chili Peppers

To make sure you give great fulfillment to your loved one in bed, add some spicy peppers to your favorite dish. The stuff in jalapeno, habanero, cayenne, & other chili peppers soften and relax the body’s arteries. This assists adequate blood to flow to the heart and other body organs, including the penis. Chilies can also help lessen blood pressure, cholesterol, & deter blood clots.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has been known to assist the body to produce more testosterone. This product is also full of fine-for-you monounsaturated fat that can help get rid of the bad cholesterol existing in the body. It’s advisable to opt for extra virgin olive oil because it preserves healthy antioxidants.

One research suggests that a weekly dose of olive oil might be better than a PDE5 inhibitor such as Levitra or Viagra in helping facilitate man’s performance during intercourse. According to it, just 9 tablespoons of the popular condiment can be enough to lower the chances of ED by around 40% [10].

Spinach

Spinach is an excellent source of folate known to foster blood flow. Folic acid plays a salient role in a man’s sexual function. An insufficiency in this vitamin has been associated with ED [11].

Cooked spinach consists of about 66% of a daily folic acid requirement per cup. This makes it one of the most desired folate-rich foods around. Besides, spinach consists of a fair amount of magnesium, which also assists in improving and stimulating blood flow & has been determined to foster testosterone levels [12].

Oats

Oatmeal should come to your mind when you reflect on the world’s sexiest foods. Oats can be advantageous for attaining orgasm, and wild oats are considered an aphrodisiac. The L-arginine found in this product has also proved to treat erectile dysfunction [13]. Like sildenafil or tadalafil, L-arginine assists penile blood vessels to loosen and relax, which is indispensable to maintaining an erection when sexually stimulated & reaching orgasm.

Maca

Maca belongs to the Brassica plant family. Some men who have used it claim it helps enhance male sexual function. A 2010 study discovered certain limited evidence for maca to improve ED and concluded that other strong examinations about this product are necessary to establish its effectiveness & ideal dosage [14]. However, another study done in 2019 on mice showed that maca is more effective for sexual function when mixed with chive seed extract [15]. Mixing maca & Chinese chive seed fosters the release of nitric oxide.

Bananas

It’s a good pointer that those men having great times in bed have healthy hearts. When it comes to having fulfilling intercourse, eating a handful of bananas for potassium, which is a good substance for the heart & blood circulation, is a recommended type of diet for most men.

Getting enough potassium in the body helps keep your sodium levels in the body under control, decreasing blood pressure & lowering the risk of heart problems. If you take too much salt & don’t desire bananas, consider getting potassium from jacket potatoes or oranges.

Pomegranate

According to a study, pomegranate juice is a superfood, which is rich in antioxidants, supports blood flow & can help improve ED [16]. Also, an elixir enhances long-term erectile response. Pomegranate juice increases NO levels & directly impacts atherosclerotic changes associated with ED. This product contains powerful polyphenolic flavonoids commonly considered anthocyanins. High intake of these compounds significantly reduces the risk of impotence.

Pine Nuts

Kernels are rich in zinc. Men with high levels of this product in their system have stronger sex drive than those having lower levels. Pine nuts is also an excellent source of magnesium, a substance that boosts testosterone while keeping sperm healthy & viable. They are the prime ingredient in pesto, so if you determine to perform insanely great on your next date night, take this product or sprinkle it on a salad with tomatoes, avocado, and salmon.

Cherries

This food is rich in anthocyanins, plant chemicals that clean and soften the arteries, keeping them open for adequate blood flow needed for sexual activity. Anthocyanins have a direct effect on blood flow in the penis. To aim higher during intercourse, make this food a regular snack. Anthocyanin is also found in blackberries, blueberries, radishes, & blackcurrants.

Potatoes

Potatoes of any variety – whether white or sweet – are deemed a great source of potassium. This mineral is needed to enhance blood circulation in the body, which keeps blood flowing where it needs to go, including the penile area & boosts your highly anticipated bedroom pleasure.

Celery

Celery consists of androsterone, a male pheromone released through perspiration. Limited research has shown that this product increases flirty behavior in females. Ingesting androsterone can also foster male arousal & cause a male’s body to send off scents & signals that make him further desirable to women when in the mood.

Liver

The liver consists of zinc, an essential substance needed for keeping testosterone levels up & preventing the body from converting testosterone into estrogen. Besides, beef liver is high in vitamin B12, a deficiency of which has been associated with ED. Taking this product may also assist in rectifying impotence.

Eggs

The boner-enhancing ingredient available in eggs is choline, a most powerful natural chemical that not only burns fat but can also help solve certain ED conditions. Choline triggers the release of NO, which is essentially needed to relax penile arteries & enables blood flow to do its thing – to keep the penis hard enough & fully erect during arousal. Additionally, eggs contain vitamins B5 & B6, which assist in balancing hormone levels & fighting stress, two helpful factors when it comes to the bedroom activity.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Mushrooms are insanely great allies for male libido & sexual health. These unassuming fungi consist of the highest level of choline — one serving of Shiitake mushroom has almost twice the amount found in an egg. This product is also rich in vitamin D and zinc, which keep a man’s testosterone at a healthy level.

Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is another good food. It is leaner & lower in calories than conventional cuts. It offers a lot of health benefits – from muscle-building and fat-burning to heart protection.

Besides that, it has another advantage. When it comes to bedroom matters, grass-fed beef has an added list of good qualities: it’s one of the best sources of vitamin B12. It is well known that low levels of B12 in the body are associated with ED.

Muira Puama

Muira puama, a shrub, has been used traditionally as a medicine acting as an aphrodisiac. It enhances libido in a majority of men complaining about ED & a lack of desire. Other examinations show this happy-making safe herb also counteracts depression, chronic stress, & nervous exhaustion.

Clams

These “sea pistachios” are one of the richest food sources of erection-fostering vitamin B12 a man with ED can find. The boner-enhancing bivalves are also high in L-arginine, an essential substance that converts to another needed chemical – nitric oxide. This activity causes blood vessels to relax & facilitate blood flow, helping you get an erection & stay hard when sexually aroused. Besides, clams are rich in muscle-building protein.

Turkey Breast

This product is high in protein & the best food source of arginine. Besides, the bird also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which elevate brain function, ameliorate mood & turn off fat genes, warding off fat cells from growing. Intake of omega-3 and arginine present in turkey breast helps improve erectile function by relaxing penile arteries, easing the way for adequate blood to flow to the entire body, including a male organ.

Herring

This IKEA-cafeteria staple can assist you to experience heaven pleasure during intercourse: it rectifies the distressful problem – impotence. In addition to packing 4 times a daily requirement of vitamin B12 in only 1 average-sized filet, herring is also beneficial in magnesium, which enhances testosterone levels & keeps your sperm healthy & viable.

Besides, oily fish like herring is a good source of vitamin D, which can assist you to get and keep it up. Low levels of vitamin D promote dysfunctional blood vessels & a shortage of NO. However, herring helps beat ED.

Blue Mussels

These chilly-sounding mollusks have more than 3 times the advisable daily value of vitamin B12. A 3-ounce serving also has about 20 grams of muscle-enhancing protein, with only 4 grams of fat & about 150 calories. Like clams, blue mussels are high in iron, which helps ensure that adequate blood flows everywhere in the body it needs to. This food is also intense in magnesium, another great natural enhancer. Take note that low levels of this mineral in the body may contribute to ED. Foster your levels even further by taking this magnesium-rich food.

Walnuts

This food contains L-arginine, which is one of the building blocks of NO. Loaded with omega 6 fatty acids & arginine, walnuts help produce the required amount of NO. They relax penile arteries & intensify the blood flow.

Pork

Pork loin is another high-protein food, with an arginine content of 14 grams per rib. It’s also one of the leanest cuts of pork, so it’s low in fat. L-arginine helps make proteins and also becomes the gas NO in the body. NO is essential for ED because it assists blood vessels to relax, so more oxygen-rich blood can circulate through your arteries and in turn help with quality erections when sexually stimulated. Taking 5 grams of L-arginine by mouth daily is likely to foster sexual function in men with ED. However, taking lower doses might not be effective.

Mediterranean Diet

Most of the products within the Mediterranean diet are special in enhancing the blood circulation and rewarding with quality sex life, thus negating ED.

If interested in this type of diet, you should base your routine diet on the following healthy, unprocessed Mediterranean foods, most of which we’ve covered in our list of products that help improve erection:

• vegetables: tomatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, etc.;
• poultry: duck, turkey, chicken, etc.;
• nuts & seeds: pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, etc.;
• legumes: peas, lentils, beans, pulses, chickpeas, etc.;
• tubers: potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, turnips, etc.;
• fruits: apples, oranges, pears, bananas, strawberries, grapes, melons, peaches, dates, figs, etc.;
• whole grains: brown rice, whole wheat, whole oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, corn, & pasta;
• fish & seafood: sardines, salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, oysters, crab, mussels, clams, etc.;
• eggs: quail, chicken, & duck eggs;
• dairy: cheese, greek yogurt, yogurt, etc.;
• herbs & spices: basil, pepper, mint, garlic, rosemary, nutmeg, sage, cinnamon, etc.;
• healthy fats: avocados, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil & olives.

Within the Mediterranean diet, it’s not recommended to take sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meat, added sugars, refined oils, refined grains, & other highly processed foods.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a long list of food that can be used to ameliorate your sexual performance. Take note that this is not a complete list. Some food can treat ED, but this is not a one-size-fits-all solution or a single plan to overcome this sexual problem. Some can improve ED to a noticeable degree while taking certain foods does not make you horny.

You might have heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” While you may not turn into a colossus after ingesting too much fast food, the dietary food choices you make have a direct impact on many aspects of your health. The products you eat every day could give rise to impotence & other sexual problems.

The Mediterranean diet in particular has been associated with a lower prevalence of ED. Can you have a vegetarian diet when it comes to solving ED? Indeed, a plant-based diet is the best advisable healthy diet to lead. The Mediterranean diet may also help a man enhance his overall health & cope with stress levels, which, in turn, can give rise to healthy & pleasurable sex life.

If looking to ameliorate your sexual performance with the best strategies and food for erectile dysfunction that amply work, your best bet is to consume a healthy diet that is great for your heart & blood circulation. Chances are, if you delightedly take good care of your vascular health, you’ll heighten your sexual performance by avoiding many of the common chances of ED.

References:

1. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. By Aedín Cassidy, Mary Franz, and Eric B. Rimm. Published: January 13, 2016. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
2. Sexual Dysfunction Among Young Men: Overview of Dietary Components Associated With Erectile Dysfunction. By Ioannis Mykoniatis, Maria G. Grammatikopoulou, Emmanouil Bouras, et al. Published: February 2018. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
3. Cocoa and Cardiovascular Health. By Roberto Corti, Andreas J. Flammer, Norman K. Hollenberg, and Thomas F. Lüscher. Published: March 17, 2009. Retrieved: November 19, 2020. Ahajournals.org.
4. Pistachio diet improves erectile function parameters and serum lipid profiles in patients with erectile dysfunction. By M. Aldemir, E. Okulu, S. Neşelioğlu, et al. Published: January 13, 2011. Nature.com.
5. Lycopene ameliorates erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. By Ji-Xue Gao, Yi Li, Hong-Yi Zhang, Xiao-Long He, and An-Sheng Bai. Published: March 2012. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
6. Oral L-citrulline and Transresveratrol Supplementation Improves Erectile Function in Men With Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study. By Masato Shirai, Ippei Hiramatsu, Yusuke Aoki, et al. Published: August 24, 2018. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
7. Role of Caffeine Intake on Erectile Dysfunction in US Men: Results from NHANES 2001-2004. By David S. Lopez, Run Wang, Konstantinos K. Tsilidis, Huirong Zhu, et al. Published: April 28, 2015. Journals.plos.org.
8. Coffee Intake and Incidence of Erectile Dysfunction. By David S. Lopez, Lydia Liu, Eric B. Rimm, et al. Published: August 23, 2017. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
9. Testosterone: Everything You Need to Know About the Hormone and Your Health. By Cathy Garrard. Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer. Last Updated: June 10, 2019. Retrieved: November 19, 2020. Everydayhealth.com.
10. Olive oil ‘better than Viagra’ at slashing impotence. By Toyin Owoseje. Published: August 30, 2018. Independent.co.uk.
11. Association between serum folic acid level and erectile dysfunction. By M. Karabakan, A. E. Erkmen, O. Guzel, et al. Published: June 2016. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
12. The Interplay between Magnesium and Testosterone in Modulating Physical Function in Men. By Marcello Maggio, Francesca De Vita, et al. Published: 2014. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
13. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. By R. Stanislavov and V. Nikolova. Published: May-June 2003. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
14. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. By Byung-Cheul Shin, Myeong Soo Lee, Eun Jin Yang, Hyun-Suk Lim, and Edzard Ernst. Published: 2010. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
15. Effects of combined extracts of Lepidium meyenii and Allium tuberosum Rottl. On erectile dysfunction. By Yi Zhang, Feixian Zhou, and Fahuan Ge. Published: June 18, 2019. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
16. Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. By C. P. Forest, H. Padma-Nathan & H. R. Liker. Published: June 14, 2007. Nature.com.