Studies have shown that a good, healthy diet can help prevent and improve the symptoms of erectile issues. Eating healthy foods reduces the risk of common vascular problems caused by high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high triglyceride levels – and because erectile issues may be a result of blood flow, maintaining vascular health might help to improve erectile function. Here are a few healthy foods to try if you’re suffering from erectile issues.
Watermelon
Watermelon contains several phytonutrients, including a compound called citrulline that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation. Watermelon is mostly composed of water, but the rest is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that’s good for your heart, prostate, and skin, too.
Dark Chocolate
An ounce of dark chocolate a few times a week can help your heart and improve erectile issues as well. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants that protect plants from toxins and help repair cell damage – but they also have similar effects on people. They have been shown to lower blood pressure, increase blood flow, and help your body make more nitric oxide, which can help improve erectile health.
Fish
Salmon and other fatty fish are great sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can boost nitric oxide levels in your body. Fish can also lower your blood pressure and decrease your risks for heart attack and blood clots. Most experts agree to aim for roughly eight ounces of salmon a week. Sardines, fresh albacore tuna, and mackerel are other good sources of omega-3s.
Fresh garlic
Garlic can considerably increase the body’s testosterone levels, which leads to an increase in the hormone that is needed for erectile health and libido. Eating garlic regularly can also help activate the eNOS system in your body, which is the nitric oxide synthase enzyme that stimulates your body to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps widen the arteries, which can improve blood flow to the penis.
Leafy greens & beets
Leafy green vegetables, such as kale, celery, and spinach, and even beet juice may increase circulation because of their high concentration of nitrates. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they open up blood vessels and increase blood flow. Aside from the possible benefits for erectile health, leafy greens are natural nutritional powerhouses and excellent for overall health – they’re packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3s.
Peppers
Hot peppers such as cayennes, jalapeños, habañeros, and chili peppers contain various amounts of capsaicin, an alkanoid that is responsible for the peppers’ heat and spiciness. Aside from its heat-inducing properties, studies have shown it to also boost nitric oxide, enhance blood circulation, and relax the arteries, which improves blood flow to the organs. It also protects the testosterone molecules from stress that can be caused by low-calorie diets. Chilies also have several heart-healthy benefits, including helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent blood clots.
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