Best Foods For Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A person with erectile dysfunction (ED) may find it challenging to get or keep an erection. Eating particular foods or following certain diets may support a successful way of treatment. 

More About ED (Impotence)

About 30 million men in the US suffer from ED, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The likelihood of having this illness rises with age and the use of certain medications, such as blood pressure and antidepressants.

Erection issues may also occur from smoking, a lack of physical activity, or medical conditions including heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Also, according to one publication, insufficient blood flow is the primary cause of ED. Therefore, the same risk factors that apply to cardiovascular disease also apply to ED.

best food for erectile dysfunction

• Berries
• Salmon
• Olive oil
• Whole grains
• Nuts and legumes
• Herbs and spices
• Meats and poultry
• Leafy greens
• Tea and coffee

Can healthy eating habits help in ED?

An investigation conducted in 2018 among people between the ages of 18 and 40 reported that those with ED who took higher flavones in their diet noticed improvements.

One sub-compound that is frequently present in fruits and vegetables is flavones. They belong to the family of compounds called flavonoids, which are typically found in fruits, vegetables, and teas.

The following foods have varying amounts of flavones:

• chamomile tea
• bergamot juice
• artichoke heads
• kumquat
• bell peppers

The amount of flavones in diet, however, varies. For instance, there are 0.1–12.9 mg of flavones per 100 grams of fresh weight in bell peppers. This could suggest that the amount of flavones in the finished product depends on the quality of the fruits and vegetables used as a source. 

Top Best Foods For ED

Research suggests that the following foods may have properties that are useful in the prevention or treatment of ED:

Berries

In a prospective 10-year research involving 25,096 middle-aged males, the highest flavonoid consumption was associated with a 9–11% lower incidence of ED compared to the lowest consumption.

The following five flavonoid-rich berries and other fruits were found to lessen the risk of ED by up to 19%, according to the researchers:

• citrus fruits
• pears
• apples
• blueberries
• Strawberries

Salmon

A study into the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and ED was conducted on rats in 2016. According to the study, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce physiological damage, which may therefore reduce ED.

Cold-water salmon is one of the most important foods for consuming omega-3 fatty acids, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Salmon bred on farms can contain a little less nutrition because the source of omega-3 is algae, which is uncommon in fish farms. The diet of farmed salmon has a major impact on the amount of omega-3 the fish contain.

People who want higher intakes of naturally occurring omega-3 should eat more wild salmon from cold waters.

Olive oil

Olive oil has been identified as a helpful component in a seven-year clinical trial research investigating the connection between Mediterranean cuisine and eating disorders.

But the study only looks at extra virgin and virgin olive oils. This might be as a result of the molecular structure of oil changing throughout the refining process.

The study examines the effects of refining edible oils, such as olive oil. It demonstrates that antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 can be destroyed by it. Additionally, this eliminates any potential benefits for ED.

Extra virgin and unrefined olive oils are good options for people who wish to include oils in their diets for ED and other health advantages.

whole grains

A 2017 study examined the impact of grains on ED as well.

The findings suggest that a low-fat diet is not as effective in treating ED as a Mediterranean diet that incorporates whole grains.

This could imply that people with ED can benefit from eating a nutritious, balanced diet that includes whole grains and doesn’t contain any potentially dangerous additions like pesticides.

More study is necessary to fully comprehend the health advantages of whole grains overall, especially when compared to low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Legumes and nuts

Eating nuts and legumes may help decrease ED, according to a 2020 study.

According to the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), the only naturally occurring food that contains the chemicals called epicatechins and catechins, which together make up flavan-3-ol, a subset of flavonoids, is legumes.

Studies contrasting the variations in each kind of nut or legume and their actual impact on ED are lacking, nevertheless.

Spices and herbs

Herbs and spices that are high in flavonoids are also listed by the ARS.

Some of these are:

• parsley 
• Rosemary 
• thyme
• chives
• tarragon
• Oregano

Meats and poultry

Foods high in protein, such as those containing the amino acid l-arginine, may help people who have ED.

According to research published in 2017, males with ED may have decreased amounts of l-arginine. L-arginine is used by the body to produce nitric oxide. This chemical increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing and widening blood vessels.

Good sources of l-arginine in food include:

• Fish
• poultry
• red meat
• nuts
• dairy goods

Leafy greens

Food ingredients called nitrates have the ability to raise nitric oxide levels. Studies show that they might also lower inflammation and blood pressure.

Foods with high nitrate levels include:

• Romaine lettuce
• spinach
• radish
• arugula

Coffee and tea

According to a 2020 study, drinking tea as part of a balanced diet increases flavonoids.

Long-term coffee use is not associated to an increased risk of ED, according to a 2018 study investigating the effects of coffee on ED. In reality, moderate use of coffee may help build resistance to inflammation since it includes antioxidants.

Alternative ED treatments

There are Some ways to treat ED. Some of them are:

Medications

The NIDDK states that physicians may recommend any of the following medications to help people with maintaining an erection:

Sildenafil (Cenforce): According to a study, taking Cenforce 100 an hour before having sex is helpful. People can take it with or without food, though eating a high-fat meal may cause the medication to take longer to take effect. You can get all the effective ED medication from Genericaura Online Pharmacy with the best price.

Tadalafil (Vidalista): Cialis is a medication that can cure ED and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, according to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom. In certain circumstances, a doctor may also prescribe it to patients who have pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, people can take tadalafil half an hour before sexual activity, but they shouldn’t take more than one pill in one day. According to the NHS, nitrate users may find Vidalista 60 to be an unsuitable choice for them because the ED medication may cause nitrate users’ blood pressure to drop.

Vardenafil, also known as Levitra: This pill dissolves in the mouth, thus swallowing it doesn’t require water. When necessary, people can take it, but only an hour before engaging in sexual activity. Additionally, the study states that after taking the tablet out of its blister pack, the user should put it on their tongue right away.

In brief

If a person with ED is unable to take medication or finds it unhelpful, they may discover that consuming specific foods and adhering to a healthy diet helps alleviate their symptoms.

Nonetheless, if a person exhibits ED symptoms, they should speak with their physician. Any potential concurrent health conditions may also be something the doctor wants to talk about.

Before taking any supplements or increasing their consumption of any particular food, people should also consult their doctor, particularly if they also take other medications.