Have you been having trouble achieving or sustaining an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse? Such sexual problems can be embarrassing for men and difficult to discuss with either your partner or your doctor. While certain foods are known to act as natural Viagra, a persisting inability to get and maintain an adequate erection for sexual intercourse is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It is a common problem and can be due to several different reasons. Diseases that block the blood vessels, neurological disorders, certain medications, anxiety or depression and injuries are common causes of ED.
If you are experiencing ED, it is best to consult an experienced doctor. They might recommend medication and lifestyle changes. But did you know that many foods are known to improve ED? Here’s what you should know about foods that can help you achieve a hard erection.
The Role of Natural Foods in Improving ED
Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors that can either contribute to or prevent ED. Making changes in your diet can also help cure ED in many cases. Research published in the journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA Network Open, reveals that regular consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and other sources of long-chain fats, while avoiding processed and red meats and full-fat dairy, can lower the risk of ED.
In addition, since diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are risk factors for ED, ensuring a balanced diet to control your blood sugar, blood pressure and weight can work wonders.
Top 10 Foods for Strong Erection
Here’s a list of 10 foods that can improve impotence and help cure ED with your diet.
1. Watermelon
Known as a natural form of Viagra, watermelon is a food rich in L-citrulline, which stimulates blood flow. It is also one of the best fruits for ED because it contains lycopene, which improves heart health and, in turn, blood circulation. Other lycopene-rich foods include guava, tomatoes, carrots, apricots and pink grapefruit.
2. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate needs no longer be a guilty pleasure because it is rich in flavonoids, which improve blood flow, and phenylethylamine, a natural mood enhancer. This is why chocolate is also said to be an aphrodisiac.
3. Spinach and Other Leafy Greens
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, mustard greens (sarson ka saag) and lettuce, are rich in folate. Research shows that men with ED tend to have low folic acid levels. Therefore, leafy greens are a good choice of food to improve erection.
4. Almonds and Other Nuts
Almonds contain amino acids like arginine, glutamine, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are good for heart health and blood flow. On the other hand, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve blood circulation and overall sexual function. Pistachios contain antioxidants, so include a handful in your daily foods for a hard erection.
5. Apples and Berries
Apples, blackberries, strawberries, pears and other citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, one of the best nutrients for ED. Studies show that men who regularly consume flavonoid-rich foods experience a 9% to 11% reduction in ED.
6. Pomegranate Juice
The antioxidants present in pomegranate juice improve nitric acid levels in the body, which helps improve ED. So, the next time you want to drink something cold, reach out for this juice.
7. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, known to improve blood circulation and enhance sexual performance. You can swallow a clove or two of garlic, just like a tablet, if you don’t like the flavour or include it as an ingredient in your dishes.
8. Salmon and Other Fatty Fish
Salmon, tuna, mussels, sardines, anchovies, trout and mackerel are some fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. So, make yourself a tuna sandwich or grill a salmon fillet and add it to your weekly diet to cure ED.
9. Avocado
Add it to your salad, put it on toast or make a guacamole to add avocado to your daily diet. The high levels of zinc in this fruit support testosterone production. Low testosterone levels have been linked to erectile dysfunction.
10. Coffee
Surprised to see coffee added to the list of foods that act as natural Viagra? Coffee not only boosts your mood and makes you feel more energetic, but it also contains antioxidants and other nutrients, which are recommended if you want to cure ED with your diet.
Other Lifestyle Changes to Support Erectile Health
Apart from focusing on the right foods to ensure stronger erections, certain lifestyle changes are also recommended by doctors, such as:
- Lose Weight: Being overweight can cause or worsen ED.
- Ensure Physical Activity: Regular exercise increases blood flow, reduces stress and helps lose weight.
- Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Intake: Smoking and excessive drinking can worsen ED.
- Get Enough Sleep: High-quality sleep can help improve ED.
- Work on Relationship Issues: This will reduce stress and improve your sex life.
To learn more about erectile dysfunction, natural foods that can act as Viagra to improve ED, and other ways to improve sexual health, visit your nearest Oasis Fertility Clinic. You can also try our live chat or call 1800-3001-1000 for immediate assistance.