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10 Foods That Reduce Your Risk of ED, According to Science

You can keep things "up" down below by eating foods such as dark chocolate, berries, red wine, and more.

by Christina Simonetti for Men's Fitness
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10 Foods That Reduce Your Risk of ED, According to Science

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1 OF 11

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cayenne pepper

Out of all the 52 foods that boost penis health, there are 10 major ones that can dramatically cut your risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) according to brand new research.In the study—published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition—researchers collected data from more than 50,000 middle-aged men. Since 1986, the men were asked about their ability to have and maintain an erection during intercourse, their body weight, physical activity, caffeine consumption, and their smoking habits every four years.  Researchers discovered men who regularly consumed flavanoid-rich foods—especially those with anthocyanins, flavones, and flavanones—experienced a significantly reduced risk of the disorder than those who did not. Good news since the foods are already popular in American diets. Lead researcher Aedin Cassidy says, “…the top sources of anthocyanins, flavones and flavanones consumed in the U.S. are strawberries, blueberries, red wine, apples, pears and citrus products.”Overall, men with a higher total intake of fruit saw a 14 percent reduced risk of ED, whereas men who consumed foods rich in anthocynanin, flavones, and flavanones, had a 10 percent reduced risk of ED. What’s more, consuming several servings of these foods each week is as beneficial for your manhood as briskly walking for five hours each week. But, if you really want to reap the benefits, men who exercised and consumed flavanoid-rich foods experienced a whopping 21 percent reduced risk of erectile dysfunction. Though this disorder is more common in older men, Cassidy and her team “found that the benefits were strongest among younger men,” according to a press release. And lets’s face it, no man (or woman) wants to encounter a “failure to launch.” So, rather than going the medicinal route, stock up on these 10 powerful eats instead. SEE ALSO: The Top 30 Muscle-Building Foods >>

2 of 11

Berries

Berries

The most natural way to consume your sweets—and burn off excess fat—is by consuming berries. Even better: The vitamins found in red berries can increase sperm count. Add them to plain, non-fat Greek yogurt for a protein- and nutrient-rich breakfast or snack.SEE ALSO: 6 Perfect Post-Workout Meals >>

3 of 11

Grapefruit

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, especially grapefruits, are relatively high in fiber and are known to promote weight loss. They’re in season now (winter); pick them up next time you’re at the farmer’s market. SEE ALSO: Best Fruit For Your Bodybuilding Diet >>

4 of 11

Cocktail Party Cautions

 Red Wine

Sure, it’s good for your cholesterol, but did you know red wine can benefit your manhood? Red wine contains nitric oxide, which helps relax the arteries and increase blood flow in the genitals, and the compound quercetin, which helps block the enzyme that triggers your body to push away testosterone, allowing you to maintain high levels of testosterone—and a strong erection well past foreplay.SEE ALSO: How to Drink Alcohol and Still Build Muscle >>

5 of 11

The Power of Matcha Green Tea

Green Tea

Another beverage that packs a bevy of health benefits is green tea. It contains catechins, which help boost metabolism and kill off free radicals that damage blood vessels, letting your blood flow more freely to your organs—including the one down below.SEE ALSO: The Power of Matcha Green Tea >>

6 of 11

Pears

Pears

Pears are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, and they’re entirely free of cholesterol and fat! High-fiber fruits and vegetables help aid weight loss, too, since they help keep you full longer. And at just 100 calories, this fruit is the perfect supplement to your daily diet. SEE ALSO: Fuel Your Gains With Dragon Fruit >>

7 of 11

Dark Chocoalte

Dark Chocolate

Don’t feel too guilty when you indulge in dark chocolate; it has amazing health benefits, including the ability to skyrocket your dopamine levels—aka the “pleasure hormone” in your brain, which is responsible for getting you in the mood. SEE ALSO: The 8 Best Foods for Total Body Strength >>

8 of 11

Muscle Fuel: Hail Kale

Kale

Hate greens? Give kale a try (along with these 10 others!)—you won’t be disappointed, at least when it come to your health. This nutrient-rich leaf is ultra high in fiber, which is great for satiety. Add kale to your salads, sandwiches, and smoothies to get the benefits every day. SEE ALSO: 5 Ways To Cook Kale >>

9 of 11

Sliced apple

Apples

It’s true: An apple a day truly will keep the doctor away. Not only does this powerfood boost muscle strength and size in old age per science, but additional research also shows they can turn excess white fat into calorie-burning brown fat. What’s more, apples are full of vitamins and minerals, and are high in fiber to keep your appetite under control.SEE ALSO: 21 Foods You Should Never Be Without >>

10 of 11

Broccoli

Broccoli

Start steaming fresh broccoli daily to reap the vegetable’s plentiful health benefits. Groundbreaking research has shown compounds found in cruciferous veggies like broccoli can help combat cancer. Meanwhile, its vitamin C content boosts blood circulation and has been linked with an improved libido. Plus, it’s an affordable, easy-to-cook side dish loaded with fiber so your stomach will feel fully satisfied, too.SEE ALSO: 8 Foods You Should Avoid >>

11 of 11

cayenne pepper

Hot Peppers

A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, found that men who like spicy food tend to have higher-than-average levels of testosterone. Try chili peppers—they contain the chemical capsaicin, which raises your heart rate and releases endorphins—two must-have factors for optimal sexual health.SEE ALSO: 9 Foods For Effective Clean Bulking >> 

Back to intro

Out of all the 52 foods that boost penis health, there are 10 major ones that can dramatically cut your risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) according to brand new research.

In the study—published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition—researchers collected data from more than 50,000 middle-aged men. Since 1986, the men were asked about their ability to have and maintain an erection during intercourse, their body weight, physical activity, caffeine consumption, and their smoking habits every four years.  

Researchers discovered men who regularly consumed flavanoid-rich foods—especially those with anthocyanins, flavones, and flavanones—experienced a significantly reduced risk of the disorder than those who did not. Good news since the foods are already popular in American diets. Lead researcher Aedin Cassidy says, “…the top sources of anthocyanins, flavones and flavanones consumed in the U.S. are strawberries, blueberries, red wine, apples, pears and citrus products.”

Overall, men with a higher total intake of fruit saw a 14 percent reduced risk of ED, whereas men who consumed foods rich in anthocynanin, flavones, and flavanones, had a 10 percent reduced risk of ED. What’s more, consuming several servings of these foods each week is as beneficial for your manhood as briskly walking for five hours each week. But, if you really want to reap the benefits, men who exercised and consumed flavanoid-rich foods experienced a whopping 21 percent reduced risk of erectile dysfunction. 

Though this disorder is more common in older men, Cassidy and her team “found that the benefits were strongest among younger men,” according to a press release. And lets’s face it, no man (or woman) wants to encounter a “failure to launch.” So, rather than going the medicinal route, stock up on these 10 powerful eats instead. 

SEE ALSO: The Top 30 Muscle-Building Foods >>

Berries

The most natural way to consume your sweets—and burn off excess fat—is by consuming berries. Even better: The vitamins found in red berries can increase sperm count. Add them to plain, non-fat Greek yogurt for a protein- and nutrient-rich breakfast or snack.

SEE ALSO: 6 Perfect Post-Workout Meals >>

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, especially grapefruits, are relatively high in fiber and are known to promote weight loss. They’re in season now (winter); pick them up next time you’re at the farmer’s market. 

SEE ALSO: Best Fruit For Your Bodybuilding Diet >>

 Red Wine

Sure, it’s good for your cholesterol, but did you know red wine can benefit your manhood? Red wine contains nitric oxide, which helps relax the arteries and increase blood flow in the genitals, and the compound quercetin, which helps block the enzyme that triggers your body to push away testosterone, allowing you to maintain high levels of testosterone—and a strong erection well past foreplay.

SEE ALSO: How to Drink Alcohol and Still Build Muscle >>

Green Tea

Another beverage that packs a bevy of health benefits is green tea. It contains catechins, which help boost metabolism and kill off free radicals that damage blood vessels, letting your blood flow more freely to your organs—including the one down below.

SEE ALSO: The Power of Matcha Green Tea >>

Pears

Pears are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, and they’re entirely free of cholesterol and fat! High-fiber fruits and vegetables help aid weight loss, too, since they help keep you full longer. And at just 100 calories, this fruit is the perfect supplement to your daily diet. 

SEE ALSO: Fuel Your Gains With Dragon Fruit >>

Dark Chocolate

Don’t feel too guilty when you indulge in dark chocolate; it has amazing health benefits, including the ability to skyrocket your dopamine levels—aka the “pleasure hormone” in your brain, which is responsible for getting you in the mood. 

SEE ALSO: The 8 Best Foods for Total Body Strength >>

Kale

Hate greens? Give kale a try (along with these 10 others!)—you won’t be disappointed, at least when it come to your health. This nutrient-rich leaf is ultra high in fiber, which is great for satiety. Add kale to your salads, sandwiches, and smoothies to get the benefits every day. 

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways To Cook Kale >>

Apples

It’s true: An apple a day truly will keep the doctor away. Not only does this powerfood boost muscle strength and size in old age per science, but additional research also shows they can turn excess white fat into calorie-burning brown fat. What’s more, apples are full of vitamins and minerals, and are high in fiber to keep your appetite under control.

SEE ALSO: 21 Foods You Should Never Be Without >>

Broccoli

Start steaming fresh broccoli daily to reap the vegetable’s plentiful health benefits. Groundbreaking research has shown compounds found in cruciferous veggies like broccoli can help combat cancer. Meanwhile, its vitamin C content boosts blood circulation and has been linked with an improved libido. Plus, it’s an affordable, easy-to-cook side dish loaded with fiber so your stomach will feel fully satisfied, too.

SEE ALSO: 8 Foods You Should Avoid >>

Hot Peppers

A study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, found that men who like spicy food tend to have higher-than-average levels of testosterone. Try chili peppers—they contain the chemical capsaicin, which raises your heart rate and releases endorphins—two must-have factors for optimal sexual health.

SEE ALSO: 9 Foods For Effective Clean Bulking >>

 

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Written by Christina Simonetti for Men's Fitness
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