We know that you’re probably tired of hearing “you are what you eat” (or words to that effect), but we simply can’t argue with the science. What we put in our mouths at mealtime is the fuel our body uses to function, and if we’re giving ourselves sub-standard nourishment, it’s only natural that we come up short in aspects of our health.
This is especially true when it comes to sexual health – in particular, because it’s not always quite clear whether or not specific foods (or food groups) are beneficial for our sex life or not. As with any subject on the internet, there are too many myths and not enough stone-cold facts.
So to help clear things up, let’s take a look at the seven worst foods for erectile dysfunction, and explain why they might be sabotaging your performance in the bedroom.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Before we take a look at specific foods, let’s quickly recap what erectile dysfunction actually is. In short, erectile dysfunction means you simply struggle to get hard. And while you might be able to get a slight erection while masturbating, those with ED simply cannot produce an erection that’s strong enough for sex.
Most treatments for ED involve making lifestyle changes, although some men may need to opt for surgery if there’s a technical problem going on down there. In some cases – especially for those whose ED doesn’t have a specific cause – a penis pump can do wonders at improving the quality of erections and how long you can stay hard. Check out our before and after penis pump pictures to see what we mean.
Anyway, back to diet woes…
How Diet Affects Erectile Function
So you might be wondering, “How does what I eat affect what’s happening down there?” Well, it’s all about blood flow. A healthy erection requires good blood flow to the penis, which means that foods that are bad for your heart and blood vessels can restrict this flow, leading to difficulties with erections.
Worst Foods for Erectile Dysfunction
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter (pun intended). Here are seven foods that you might want to limit or avoid if you’re dealing with ED:
1. Processed Foods
Packaged snacks, frozen meals, anything from a fast food joint – they’re all highly processed, and probably not the best fuel if you’re trying to have the hardest erections of your life. This is because highly processed foods are often packed with unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives, all of which can contribute to inflammation in the body. This can end up damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow – including to your penis.
2. Sugary Foods and Beverages
That soda or candy bar might give you a quick energy boost, but it’s not doing you any favors when it comes to your sexual health. High sugar intake can lead to obesity and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for ED. Plus, when it comes to food for a healthy erection, it’s a good idea to avoid processed sugar as a whole. While natural sugar is fine, processed sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which again can potentially damage your blood vessels.
3. Red and Processed Meats
While a juicy steak might seem the manliest possible meal to have before a steamy session under the sheets, too much red meat can actually work against your manhood. Again, we’re looking at the role of saturated fats (often present in fatty meat) which can clog arteries and reduce blood flow. If you need a meaty protein fix, opt for chicken or the leanest steak you can find.
4. High-Sodium Foods
Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for ED. When your blood pressure is high, it can damage the lining of your blood vessels, reducing blood flow throughout your body – including to your penis.
5. Fried and High-Fat Foods
French fries, fried chicken, and other foods high in trans fats can contribute to obesity and cardiovascular disease, both of which are linked to ED. These foods can also lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, so keep them off the menu (or at least very limited).
6. Alcohol
While a glass of wine might help set the mood, getting shitfaced really isn’t going to do you much use when it comes time to do the deed. We’ve all heard of temporary whiskey dick, but prolonged alcohol consumption can actually impact your sexual performance in the long term. This is because alcohol is a depressant, so it can reduce your sexual desire and make it increasingly difficult over time to achieve an erection.
7. Soy Products
This one might surprise you, but some studies suggest that a high intake of soy can potentially lower testosterone levels in men – most likely due to the presence of estrogen in soy products. While this particular example has been parodied a lot across the internet (no, drinking soy milk won’t make you grow boobs), if you’re experiencing ED you might want to moderate your soy consumption.
Final Thoughts
So – while diet plays a significant role in erectile function, it’s important to remember that ED can have multiple causes. If you’re consistently having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and find out whether the problem is physical or psychological.
