5 Foods That Kill Erectile Dysfunction – Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects millions of men all over the world. It is defined as being unable to produce or maintain an erection during a sexual activity of adequate sexual behaviour. Although there are psychological and medical causes of ED, diet and nutrition are a key contributor to its onset and progression. In this article, we discuss five foods that have been reported to alleviate and even reverse erectile dysfunction.
1. Watermelon
Watermelon tastes good, is cool, nutritious and contains antioxidants. But more recently, research on watermelons has suggested that it might also alleviate erectile dysfunction. Watermelon is a great source of citrulline, an amino acid abundant in watermelon.
Citrulline in watermelon binds to arginine in the human body and relaxes blood vessels so that blood flows more easily, promoting erection. A team of researchers at Texas A&M University found that watermelon extract supplementation improved erectile function in mildly ED men. ‘Watermelon could be a proxy for ED medications, including Viagra, that dilate blood vessels and funnel blood to the penis,’ the researchers write.
We still need to learn more before declaring watermelon the cure-all for ED, but it’s a good fruit to add to your plate-and palate-for bedroom glory. Drink watermelon raw or add it to a salad, or to make a refreshing smoothie.
2. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, from the cocoa bean, is known for its rich taste and many medicinal properties. The flavonoids of dark chocolate, including epicatechin and catechin, have been linked to better cardiovascular health, lower inflammation, and heightened nitric oxide production, which may all help to prevent ED.
Nitric oxide is, as mentioned above, essential to penile erection, as it relaxes smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and increases blood flow. Experiments have shown that dark chocolate consumption increases nitric oxide bioavailability, which boosts endothelial function and might also reduce ED. In addition, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and enhances insulin sensitivity, both of which might in turn help improve erectile function.
Additionally, the antioxidant content of dark chocolate can provide additional protection against ED. As mentioned above, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction go hand in hand, both of which influence ED formation and progression. Dark chocolate has antioxidant properties that could help alleviate these factors and reduce ED risk.
3. Oysters
Some regard oysters as an aphrodisiac, and rightly so. They contain zinc, a mineral important in testosterone production. Testosterone is a hormone that strongly corresponds to sexual activity; too little of it correlates with ED. Studies have shown that men with ED tend to have lower zinc concentrations. Raw or cooked, this oyster has proven a useful tool to boost zinc levels and support erections.
Oysters, in contrast, are rich in amino acids, including D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, that increase the number of sperm and enhance sexual activity. They contain vital vitamins such as B12 and E, and they can even boost sexual performance.
4. Nuts
Nuts are a high source of fatty acids, fibre, vitamins and minerals, and in recent years they’ve received a great deal of attention for their health benefits, not least its effects on sexuality. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and hazelnuts are especially rich in arginine and antioxidants, which have been linked to both better endothelial integrity and blood flow — all essential for getting and keeping erections.
Arginine, an amino acid found in nuts, is the precursor to nitric oxide, a vasodilator essential for penile erection. Through the nitric oxide pathway, arginine unwinds the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, enabling blood flow and erectile function. Some research has shown that arginine supplements are beneficial for ED, which adds more evidence to the efficacy of nuts in preventing ED.
Nuts, in addition, are a great source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin E, which protect the heart by eliminating free radicals, suppressing inflammation, and countering oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction play multiple roles in ED pathophysiology. In combatting them, nuts might contribute to ED prevention and management. Also, nuts improve lipid profiles, inhibit inflammation, and reduce weight, which is in turn a factor that increases erectile function.
5. Leafy Greens
Some of the most significant, yet equally nutritious greens that contain these needed chemical compounds that promote circulation to decrease ED risk are spinach, kale, and broccoli. Nitrates ooze out of leafy greens. Nitrates are chemicals that increase blood flow by squeezing the arteries, making it easier to achieve and sustain an erection.
Leafy greens also contain vitamin C, which has been shown to benefit ED. A study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that men with diets high in leafy greens were less likely to develop ED. Furthermore, vegetables are calorie-dense and high in fiber, which makes them a very viable diet component to achieve weight loss, which is extremely important for an ED man.
Conclusion: 5 Foods That Kill Erectile Dysfunction
A single food will not fix erectile dysfunction, but having the following five foods in your diet would improve your sex life. A well-balanced diet and adequate exercise are the keys to the ED management and a healthy lifestyle. It is also necessary to see a doctor when you are experiencing persistent erectile dysfunction, as this can indicate an illness that needs to be addressed. Simply modifying your diet and lifestyle may transform your erectile function, thus giving you a healthier, more productive sex life.
