Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man finds it difficult to get or maintain an erection. Several factors, including inadequate hormonal levels, stress, and lifestyle reasons, can cause ED. In some cases, it could be genetic. Nevertheless, various methods like counseling, medication, and changes in one’s food can help resolve this condition. In this article, we will be discussing eight foods that can help improve erectile dysfunction.

1. Dark chocolate
Cocoa contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that helps improve the blood flow in the body. It also increases the concentration of nitric oxide in the blood. These factors help maintain an erection more effectively. Other healthy sources of flavonoids include vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

2. Watermelons
Watermelons contain a red-pigmented antioxidant called lycopene, which helps improve prostate health. It also contains citrulline, a compound that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, thus enabling an erection. That’s not all; watermelons also help improve one’s sex drive.

3. Pistachios
These delicious nuts make more than just a fun snack. They help improve blood circulation and increase one’s sex drive, thanks to arginine, a protein component. Pistachios are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants that help improve heart health and nitric oxide production.

4. Shellfish
One of the reasons a person is unable to get an erection is low levels of testosterone. Oysters and other shellfish are rich in zinc which helps increase testosterone levels in the body. Moreover, it improves one’s sex drive. But one must always make sure that their shellfish is sourced from the right place and cooked correctly.

5. Fatty fish
Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish contain sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help boost the levels of nitric acid in the blood, which, in turn, helps improve ED. It is also a super-food for the heart, can reduce triglycerides and blood pressure levels, and slow down the formation of plaque in the veins.

6. Coffee
Coffee is beneficial for humans in more ways than one. Not only does it boost one’s energy levels, but it also improves symptoms of ED. A few studies found that people who consumed up to two cups of coffee every day showed fewer or no signs of ED, whereas people who didn’t drink coffee were more likely to have ED. Nevertheless, as this study involved self-reporters, the evidence is not enough to support this claim.

7. Spinach
Low folate levels have been recorded in men who have erectile dysfunction. Spinach is a great source of folate, an element that helps boost blood flow in the body. Moreover, consuming one cup of spinach every day can improve testosterone levels.

8. Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats that help reduce cholesterol in the body. It also helps increase testosterone levels in the body and improves one’s sex drive. Moreover, olive oil contains vitamin E, which plays a role in improving sperm quality.