Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects nearly 30 million men in the U.S. The risk of developing ED increases with age, but there are ways of preventing this condition. Although most people know that prescription drugs like Viagra can help, not everyone realizes that foods can also increase libido and deal with the causes of ED. [1]
By knowing the different food choices that can re-spark your love life, you and your partner can have a healthier relationship without relying on medications.
Watermelon
Watermelon contains the phytonutrient citrulline, which gets converted into L-arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that helps relax blood vessels, like Viagra does, increasing the blood flow to the penis and boosting libido. [2]
A smoothie or a slice of watermelon is enough to provide the spike in libido you need.
Asparagus
Asparagus has high levels of vitamin B, a vitamin essential for promoting a healthy sex drive because it increases histamine. Asparagus also contains high levels of vitamin E, which increase blood and oxygen flow to the genitals. It also has high potassium levels, and potassium has links to sex hormone production.
Avocados
Avocados contain high levels of folic acid as well as vitamin B9, which provides the body with more energy. Avocados also contain vitamin B6, which helps boost testosterone production. High levels of testosterone increase overall sex drive and also helps lift your mood.
Chilies
Chilies contain capsaicin, which is what makes them hot. When consumed, capsaicin tricks the brain into thinking soft tissue is burning. Your brain releases endorphins, the natural pain-killing compounds, increasing your sense of well-being. It will also increase your heart rate and blood flow to the genitals.
Chocolate
Chocolate has a stimulating chemical called phenylethylamine, related to amphetamines, and raises blood pressure and glucose levels, giving you a sense of well-being and making you more alert.
Chocolate also has higher antioxidant levels than red wine. Antioxidants help the production of testosterone, which in turn, helps your sex drive. [3]
Dark chocolate is the best choice because it contains the highest levels of phenylethylamine.
Lemons
One of the most common causes of ED, decreased sexual drive, and other sexual issues is stress. Lowering stress levels is essential, and that is what lemons do. They are natural stress-relievers.
Sniffing citrus of all types reduces stress and has similar effects to Xanax. The vitamin C in lemons can lower stress levels and even fight brain cell damage that cortisol, the stress hormone, causes.
Vitamin C also helps keep free radicals under control, repairing the body more effectively, which is crucial when under stress. It also helps with the recovery of adrenal glands, which can be impacted by stress.
The potassium in the lemons helps with sex hormone levels, as well.
Arugula
As far back as the 1st century AD, Greek philosophers recognized this vegetable’s power to boost sex drive because of its high levels of antioxidants, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium levels.
Arugula is also rich in vitamins A and C, both crucial for producing sex hormones. Its zinc levels are also high, and zinc promotes blood flow to the genitals.
Honey
Honey is full of boron, a mineral that increases testosterone and metabolizes estrogen, boosting libido. Boron increases the metabolism of the total testosterone to free testosterone, used for many sex-related functions.
Honey can also increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Nitric oxide is also the chemical behind penile erections. When the blood vessels’ linings release nitric oxide during physical activity and arousal, blood flow increases.
Olives
Olive oil increases testosterone levels, helping men get and maintain an erection. It keeps blood vessels healthy because it promotes the dilation of the arteries, increasing blood flow. Unlike Viagra, which can only offer short-term results, olive oil can help achieve long-term sexual health.
Oysters
Shellfish are high in zinc, and zinc triggers the production of sex hormones. Besides oysters, you can find high zinc levels in:
- Clams
- Crabs
- Lobsters
- Mussels
Oysters also contain dopamine, which is a brain chemical that increases desire.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, are a source of L-arginine, which gets converted into nitric oxide and helps maintain erections.
Because nuts contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, they also help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. The healthier your cardiovascular system is, the better your blood flow levels will be, helping with ED.
The levels of copper, zinc, and manganese in nuts also help maintain an erection.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are full of antioxidants, which help reduce the amount of plaque and inflammation in your arteries. Clearer arteries allow for stronger blood flow everywhere in the body.
Pomegranate juice enhances nitric oxide levels and impacts atherosclerotic changes associated with ED. It can also boost testosterone levels and reduce the chances of androgens becoming estrogen. Men who create too much estrogen have libido issues, so reducing the chances of producing more estrogen helps combat ED.
Strawberries
Strawberries have high levels of vitamin C, which is essential for the production of sex hormones as well as chemical neurotransmitters that increase libido. Strawberries also contain flavonoids. Men who regularly consume foods with high levels of flavonoids are 10% less likely to develop ED. [4]
Cherries
Cherries contain potassium and vitamin C, both important for a healthy sex drive, and they also contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid. They give cherries their color and are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and help with maintaining an erection.
As with strawberries, cherries can reduce the risk of developing ED.
Turn to Nature to Improve Your Sex Drive
These foods can all offer the boosts you need to integral parts of your system to maintain healthy blood flow levels and increase the production of nitric oxide.
They allow you to get the right amounts of the right vitamins to promote sexual health as well as overall health. If you have erectile dysfunction or worry about developing this common issue, look to the foods you consume for help.
Sources:
[1] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts
[2] https://www.webmd.com/heart/arginine-heart-benefits-and-side-effects
[3] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1274/phenethylamine-pea
[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/in-the-journals-flavonoids-associated-with-better-erectile-function