Best Nutrients 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 & Libido [clinically validated]

by Dr. Kotb

Guys, I'm sorry, but there isn't a magic food that can cure sexual dysfunction. Anyhow, there is some proof that some things might help.

A vascular link is likely to explain why foods can help with ED, says Firouz Daneshgari, MD, professor and head of the department of urology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland.

"Erectile problems are usually due to not having a good blood supply to the penis, so foods that are good for your vascular system may also help prevent ED." Should you eat more of these important nutrients-rich foods?

Nitrates in Leafy Greens and Beets

Because they have a lot of nitrates, leafy green veggies like celery and spinach may help the blood flow. There are a lot of nitrates in beet juice.

Vasodilators, like nitrates, make blood vessels wider so that more blood can move through them.

A lot of time had passed before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first ED drug in 1998. Several case studies had already been written about how nitrates helped men with erectile dysfunction.

The ED drugs we use today are based on the idea that nitrates can soften the blood vessels that bring blood to the penis.

Flavonoids in Dark Chocolate

A new study in the journal Circulation found that flavonoids in dark chocolate make the blood flow better. That might help if you have trouble getting an erection because your blood flow isn't good.

Flavonoids are antioxidants that plants make on their own. They help recover damaged cells and protect plants from toxins.

Studies have shown that flavonoids and other vitamins make people feel the same way.

They might help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which are both things that can make it hard to get or keep an erection.

Protein in Pistachios

A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction who ate pistachio nuts every day for three weeks had a lot better sexual problems, like ED, sexual desire, and general sexual satisfaction.

Maybe a protein called arginine, which helps relax blood vessels, is what makes peanuts good for men who have trouble getting or keeping an erection. "This is another example of how good circulation is good for sexual health, which is good news because I eat a lot of pistachios," says Daneshgari.

Zinc in Oysters and Other Shellfish

The oyster has always been thought to be sexually attractive. One reason might be that oysters have a lot of zinc, an element that is important for making testosterone, a male hormone. Not having enough testosterone could be a cause of erectile dysfunction.

Another link may be found in research given at a meeting of the American Chemical Society: Raw crab has chemicals in it that make both men and women release more sexual hormones.

Antioxidants in Watermelon

Some studies suggest that watermelon may help men with erectile dysfunction in ways that are similar to Viagra. It may also make people more sexually interested.

Phytonutrients are good things that are found in large amounts in watermelon. Phytonutrients are also known as vitamins. One good thing about them is that they relax the blood vessels that bring you an erection. Watermelon is mostly water (92%), but the other 8% may be great for your heart and your sexual health.

Lycopene in Tomatoes and Pink Grapefruit

Lycopene is a phytonutrient that helps the blood flow and is also good for sexual health. Lycopene is found in pink grapefruits and deep-red foods like tomatoes.

Lycopene may be better taken when it is mixed with oily foods like olive oil and avocados, according to some studies. So you might want to make a salad to help fight ED.

Antioxidants, such as lycopene, have also been shown to help fight male infertility and prostate cancer.

Lesson Summary

When it comes to increasing testosterone and libido, there are certain nutrients that have been clinically validated to potentially help:

• Nitrates in Leafy Greens and Beets: Leafy green vegetables like celery and spinach, as well as beet juice, contain nitrates which act as vasodilators, widening blood vessels for better blood flow. This can aid in preventing erectile dysfunction.
• Flavonoids in Dark Chocolate: Flavonoids found in dark chocolate can improve blood flow, potentially assisting in cases where poor blood flow affects erectile function. Flavonoids are antioxidants that can enhance blood circulation, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure.
• Protein in Pistachios: Pistachio nuts are rich in protein, such as arginine, which helps relax blood vessels. Consuming pistachios daily may improve sexual function and satisfaction, including erectile dysfunction issues.
• Zinc in Oysters and Shellfish: The zinc content in oysters is important for testosterone production, a hormone linked to erectile function. Research suggests zinc-rich foods like oysters and other shellfish can positively impact sexual health.
• Antioxidants in Watermelon: Watermelon contains phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and relax blood vessels, potentially benefiting those with erectile dysfunction. Watermelon is also hydrating and contributes to heart health.
• Lycopene in Tomatoes and Pink Grapefruit: Lycopene, found in foods like tomatoes and pink grapefruits, is a phytonutrient that supports blood flow and sexual health. Combining lycopene with oily foods like olive oil can enhance its absorption.