We know pills, pumps, and surgeries work for erectile dysfunction, but what about food?
Are there things you can eat that can help with ED? There are reasons to think there may be, even if more evidence is needed to confirm the potential of the following foods.
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- increased sperm quantity and movement
- shortened erection, capture, and ejaculation response
- improved sexual ability
- improved recovery of testosterone levels
Research suggests that goji berries may be an alternative to prescriptions for erectile dysfunction, like Viagra.
Longan
Longan is the fruit of the longan tree (which is scientifically known as Dimocarpus longan). It looks like a berry or a grape and tastes mildly juicy and sweet.
Longan tonics have been popular since time immemorial with Chinese women to increase their sensuality and appearance. The fruit helps to increase energy and stave off fatigue.
Chives
Chives, aka those little green disks you can find in most Chinese dishes, not only taste great but are full of vitamins, minerals, protein and sugar often used in medicine to cure illness. In Chinese, Chives are nicknamed “grow man health,” which translates to “the grass that raises your man health” Chives actually possess sulfides that, when combined with vitamin B1, help reduce fatigue and recover strength, hence increasing male stamina and virility.
Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are delicious and nutritious. They are chalk full of amino acids that the body needs, whatever those are. Traditional Chinese medicine says quail eggs mend the human body’s “five viscera” (heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys), benefits the essence of blood and increases male virility. It is said that men who eat quail eggs on a regular basis will have increased sexual capabilities, strength and muscles…all night long.
Lamb Kidney
In order to increase your kidney yang, you sometimes have to eat the kidney of another animal. Lamb kidneys have tons of protein and vitamins needed to get the blood flowing. In China, men who are impotent believe eating lamb kidney will restore their virility. Lamb supposedly warms the joints and strengthens the lower back and legs, increasing your sexual ability.
Okra
Ripe okra is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its leaves that contain healing ingredients. Not only does okra increase male virility, it can be used to treat certain urinary problems. No wonder okra has earned its name “the plant Viagra.”
Watermelon
This sweet, refreshing fruit has a compound that can have effects similar to ED meds on your blood vessels. It may even rev up your sex drive, studies say. Most of watermelon is water, but the rest is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that’s good for your heart, prostate, and skin.
Oysters
These shellfish may boost your testosterone levels, and that can help with sex drive. They’re also chock-full of zinc, a nutrient your body needs. But you may save yourself problems by making sure they’re cooked. Make sure you know where they come from, and that they’re cooked properly.
Coffee
Your morning cup of joe is more than a satisfying pick-me-up. It may give your love life a boost, too. Men who drank two or three cups’ worth of caffeine a day were less likely to have erectile dysfunction, one study found. That’s because caffeine helps boost blood flow. Not a java fan? Many teas, sodas, and sports drinks also have caffeine.
Dark Chocolate
This treat may have perks below the belt. An ounce a few times a week can help your ticker — and what’s good for your heart could be good for other parts, too. Chocolate is rich in flavanols, plant nutrients that can increase blood flow and lower blood pressure. It also helps your body make more of nitric oxide, which can help with erections and is in many ED medications.
Nuts
Walnuts have lots of arginine, an amino acid your body uses to make nitric oxide. They’re also good sources of vitamin E, folic acid and fiber. Don’t add more than a few small handfuls to your daily diet, though. Nuts are high in calories.
Juice
Maybe you enjoy an adult beverage made from grapes, but here’s a reason to drink the stuff kids like. Nutrients in Concord grape juice also increase the amount of nitric oxide in your body. If you’re not wild about drinking grape juice, try pomegranate juice. It appears to have the same effect.
Garlic
The strong-smelling bulb may help between the sheets. If plaque forms on the walls of the arteries, blood flow could be cut off or reduced. That could cause a problem when it comes to romance. Garlic in your diet may help keep your arteries healthy and clear as you age.
Fish
Salmon and other fatty fish are great sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which may boost nitric oxide in your body. They’ll lower your blood pressure and your risks for heart attack and blood clots. Aim for 8 ounces of salmon a week. Sardines, fresh albacore tuna, and mackerel are other good sources of omega-3s.
Greens
Kale is also a nitric-oxide booster. Aside from the possible benefits to your sex life, leafy greens are nutritional powerhouses. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and omega-3s.
Peppers
You might spice up your love life by adding some chili peppers to your diet. The stuff in cayennes, jalapenos, habaneros, and other peppers that give them their heat relaxes the arteries — and that helps blood flow to the heart and other organs, including the penis. Chilies can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent blood clots.
Olive Oil
Olive oil may help your body make more testosterone. It’s also full of the good-for-you monounsaturated fat, which can help get rid of the bad cholesterol in your body. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil — that means the olives were pressed without chemicals or high heat, which preserves the healthy antioxidants.
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