Erection dysfunction affects millions of men around the world. It is a state in which you do not have the ability to get or maintain an erection during sex. We have all kinds of medical interventions and treatments for erectile dysfunction, but there are foods that make erectile function better, too. Here in this article, we’re going to discuss the 5 foods that will make you hard and relieve erectile dysfunction.
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, an antioxidant. In particular, it is high in epicatechin, which has been shown to stimulate the body’s production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a necessary chemical to allow the blood vessels to relax, facilitating a better flow of blood. Having more blood flow to the penis is crucial to getting and keeping an erection.
One study, published in the journal Circulation, found that foods rich in flavonoids such as dark chocolate could benefit cardiovascular health – an area often tied to ED. As it turned out, men who took the most flavonoids had a 10% lower chance of experiencing ED than those who took the least.
However, dark chocolate must be kept in moderation because it contains a lot of calories and sugar. Choosing varieties that contain more than 70% cocoa can make sure you’re getting enough flavonoids without overeating on sugar.
2. Watermelon
In recent years, watermelon has been used as a natural cure for ED. This is because it contains a substance called citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted into arginine, which in turn becomes nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a molecule that dilates blood vessels and promotes the flow of blood, thus creating and maintaining an erection.
Citrulline supplements have been shown to increase erectile function in mildly ED men. In a study in Urology, men taking a citrulline pill for a month reported better erectile function than those taking a placebo. In another paper in Andrology, researchers reported that men taking a citrulline and arginine supplement improved erectile function and sexual satisfaction.
We need to find out more, but there’s plenty of evidence that watermelon could be a helpful natural treatment for ED. Please note that watermelon isn’t likely to directly effect ED, since the citrulline content of watermelon is relatively low. But adding watermelon to a diet may support the general cardiovascular health which is crucial for erectile function.
3. Oysters
Oysters are a classic aphrodisiac and have long been believed to boost desire and erections. They’re a great source of zinc, which plays a vital role in making testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Testosterone regulates sexual function – including the development and establishment of an erection.
One study in the journal Biological Trace Element Research reported that zinc supplementation improved sexual function in men with ED (Cinar et al, 2008). The researchers proposed zinc supplements to boost testosterone and ease ED symptoms. One strategy is zinc supplements, but zinc-rich foods like oysters can keep the zinc levels at a healthy level and enhance healthy sexual function.
4. Spinach
Spinach has been repeatedly described as a superfood, and with good reason. This leafy, green vegetable is a great source of vital vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and folate. Each of these nutrients contributes to healthy blood and nerve circulation which are both important in producing and maintaining an erection.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about spinach is that it’s rich in nitrates. Nitrates are chemicals that are converted into nitric oxide in the body, a biological process that works to boost circulation. Nitric oxide does this by constricting blood vessels and dilation so that the blood flows smoothly to all regions of the body, including the penis.
One published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine yielded concrete evidence of spinach’s power: a sample of men who consumed spinach regularly reported significant improvements in erectile function. In other words, spinach can not only provide a wide range of benefits to our bodies but it is also a convenient and natural way to improve sexual performance.
How to Enjoy Spinach
Indeed, there are several ways to use spinach in your diet. Salads, fresh or smoothies, sautéed dishes, soups-you name it. It is for this reason that spinach can be so easy to integrate into your diet. If you are into smoothies or omelets, just add it in a handful on a day-to-day basis and get started on a healthier footing.
5. Pistachios
If you want to snack, pistachios might be your new favorite snack- not just for the good taste, but because of their immense medical benefits in promoting erectile function. These nuts provide a rich source of arginine, an amino acid that plays a critical role in nitric oxide production. As discussed above, nitric oxide opens up blood vessels; it might function to facilitate blood circulation.
In fact, studies have shown that pistachio eating correlates with remarkable outcomes when it comes to sexual health. As International Journal of Impotence Research notes, men experienced dramatic gains in erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction when subjected to a three-week period of eating pistachios.
Snacking on Pistachios
They are probably the most versatile nuts to eat: raw, roasted, salted, they taste perfectly good in a trail mix or salad, and even in desserts. Mix them with some dark chocolate for a sultry fix that will keep your libido in good health.
Conclusion:
These five foods can be taken on board and assist with erections and hence reduce the risk of ED. It is important to know, however, that these foods are not a substitute for ED medical treatment. If an erection dysfunction arises, a consultation with the physician is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. A well balanced diet, daily physical activity and a healthy lifestyle will help to achieve sex health in the long run.
