Foods to Eat and Avoid for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition that causes difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection. Several treatments can fight the condition. In addition to treatments, certain foods can prove to be helpful too. Read on to know the foods to eat and avoid to manage ED.
Foods to eat
Eating a healthy diet can prevent the occurrence of erectile dysfunction completely. So, while you are considering foods to eat and avoid to manage ED, here’s a list of foods you must add to your diet.
- Vegetables
Vegetables that are bright in colors, such as broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale, are loaded with antioxidants and contain several health benefits. A diet rich in antioxidants boosts nitric oxide production in the body and does not allow it to break down. Nitric oxide is required by the body to fight erectile dysfunction. It smoothens and relaxes blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the penis.
- Fruits
Just like bright-colored vegetables, several fruits are loaded with antioxidants that increase blood flow, boosting the production of nitric oxide in the body. These include fruits such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Watermelon has been particularly found to contain amino acid citrulline in high quantity that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow.
- Whole grains
Researchers have found a link between eating a diet that is rich in whole grains and low in refined carbs and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Eating more whole grains has also been associated with a lowered risk of other serious health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
Foods to avoid
Just like certain foods fight erectile dysfunction, some others can have adverse effects on the sexual performance of males. Testosterone is important to allow the penis to function properly. Therefore, any foods or drinks that can lower the level of testosterone in the body should be avoided.
- Soy
Studies show that eating two scoops of protein powder per day decreases the levels of testosterone in men by 19% after four weeks. So, if you are dealing with erectile dysfunction, you might want to steer clear of soy as much as possible.
- Alcohol
Consuming alcohol in excessive quantity can have adverse effects on hormone levels. Researchers have shown that drinking five or more drinks can lower the production of testosterone in the body. So, make sure that you drink in moderate quantities.
Remember these foods and add them to your diet for a healthy sexual life.