According to recent statistics, approximately one-third of all U.S. men are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). While the best course of action for anyone with erectile dysfunction is to speak with their doctor and receive medical treatment, there are foods that can help compliment a medically-sound ED treatment. The following foods increase blood flow and help maintain erections, while others contain nitric oxide and other compounds found in ED medications:
1. Watermelon
Watermelon contains citrulline, which is similar to a compound often found in erectile dysfunction medications. It also dilates and relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely to the penis.
2. Spinach
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula are high in nitric oxide and can help blood vessels expand. In fact, a diet rich in these greens can not only help your erectile dysfunction, but your entire circulatory system.
3. Coffee
Coffee helps relax the smooth muscles of the penis, which makes it easier for the tissues to fill with blood. A cup of black coffee also has less than five calories, making it one of the leanest foods you can consume to help erectile dysfunction. According to one study, men who consume between 170 and 375 mg of caffeine (the equivalent of 2-3 cups of coffee) every day have lower rates of erectile dysfunction.
4. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids, which improve blood flow throughout the body and can help with erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, it’s also chocolate, so it should only be consumed in small doses if you want to stay healthy.
5. Salmon
Salmon is rich in vitamin D, which can help prevent endothelial dysfunction, a condition that can prevent your vessels from properly circulating blood. In other words, eating salmon and other foods rich in vitamin D can improve your circulation and help prevent erectile dysfunction.
6. Pistachios
Pistachios are rich in arginine, which stimulates the production of nitric in your body. As we’ve previously established, nitric oxide helps blood vessels expand and is often found in erectile dysfunction medication, making pistachios an excellent food for men who have trouble maintaining an erection.
7. Spicy foods
Studies have shown that men who eat a lot of spicy foods—such as hot sauce and hot peppers—have higher levels of testosterone than those who prefer milder foods. Spicy foods may also relax the arteries and improve blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis.
8. Oysters
Oysters are high in zinc, so they are good for your body in general. They may also boost testosterone levels, which can help with erectile dysfunction. Just make sure that you know exactly where any oysters you eat come from and that they are properly cooked if you don’t want to get sick.
