Vegan Diet for Erectile Dysfunction

 

What is Erection

As we know, an erection occurs when there is an increase in blood flow in the penis due to any sexual stimulation. (Tissues within the penis are filled with blood, and thus the penis enlarges and gets away from one’s body.

How is Erection caused?

An erection is caused due to any stimulation/ sexual arousal like by watching a television show, fantasizing, also many times erection happens without any reason, like at the time of waking up.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is a difficulty in which a man has difficulty in keeping an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. 

ED happens because of problems related to any stage of the erection process. Erection only occurs when there is an increase in blood flow in the penis.

When a man gets sexually aroused the muscles in the penis relax and thus cause an increase in blood flow down there causing an erection.

 

 

How is Erectile Dysfunction caused?

 

As we know Erectile Dysfunction is becoming a much common problem in men, there are various reasons present that can lead to Erectile Dysfunction.

 

Some of the causes of Erectile Dysfunction are mentioned below:

• Diabetes
• Heart diseases 
• High Cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Increasing Age
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Blood flow issues
• Nerve damage
• Fluctuating hormones
• Low T (testosterone) levels
• Obesity
• Smoking

• Usage of Drugs
• Problems in Relationship
• Sleep Disorder
• Psychological reasons
• Consuming alcohol off the limit

 

 

As we know there are a number of factors present that cause Erectile Dysfunction in men, let us discuss how to prevent the cause of Erectile Dysfunction

 

How to prevent Erectile Dysfunction

 

One can Prevent ED in the following way:

·     ED is all about the lack of blood flow in the penis. Therefore, by doing exercise, the blood flow will increase, which can help in causing an erection.

Cardio based exercises such as:

Ø Swimming

Ø Cycling

Ø  Biking

Ø Aerobics

 

·     One must keep an eye on weight as an increase in weight might have a higher risk of having high cholesterol and high blood pressure which can damage blood vessels.

·     One should stop smoking cigarettes and reduce intake of tobacco products.

·     Drink alcohol in a limitation.

·     Manage your stress level and treat it by practicing Yoga, listening to peaceful music, and giving yourself personal time to do activities that you love.

·     By eating healthy food that is rich in nutrients and avoid eating fried food, sugary or that having fats. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, grains. Limit the amount of meat and cheese. Include sources of potassium (bananas, garlic, almonds).

To prevent Erectile Dysfunction, and also to minimize the effect of ED, one can follow a plant-based diet.

 

Vegan Food for ED

 

·     Flavonoids

A group of plant compounds called phytonutrients that people can find in fruits and vegetables are known as Flavonoids.

Flavonoids help in improving blood pressure and endothelial function.

A 10-year study found; 25,096 males in middle age indicated that after consuming flavonoids, they had a 9 to 11% reduced occurrence of Erectile Dysfunction, compared to those who consumed the least flavonoids.

The following are the flavonoid-rich drinks and foods:

Ø Citrus products

Ø Pears

Ø Strawberries

Ø Blackberries

Ø Blueberries

Ø Apples

Ø Dark chocolates

 

It was found in a study, chances of Erectile Dysfunction reduced up to 19% in those who intake all of the flavonoid-rich foods and drinks. Whereas those who intake total fruit were observed to reduce ED rate by 14%. Some of these foods also help to reduce other factors that contribute to Erectile Dysfunction, including heart diseases, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

 

·     Watermelon

According to research, it is observed that L-citrulline, which is found in watermelon, might help one to stimulate blood flow and hence help with Erectile Dysfunction. In other words, this delicious fruit has a similar effect as Viagra as it helps in increasing blood flow to the penis.

Watermelon also contains lycopene, which is beneficial for the health of the heart.

 

·     Protein Foods

 

Protein foods containing L- arginine (An amino acid, that people consume from protein-rich foods.)

L- arginine is also used by the body to make nitric oxide (it is a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels and widen them to increase the blood flow to the penis.) In a few research, it was found that level of L- arginine is lower in men who suffer from ED.

 

Vegan protein sources are:

Ø Nuts

Ø Dairy products

 

·     Maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a well-known plant in the Brassica family, which is claimed to help to improve sexual function by some people.

 

A review from 2010 did not find much evidence for Maca improving Erectile Dysfunction and thereafter it was concluded that more studies should be done to establish the effectiveness and ideal dosage of Maca.

 

A study from 2019 on mice proposed, Maca was more operative for sexual life when researchers mixed it with a Chinese chive seed extract. Combining these two increased the production of nitric oxide.

 

Maca can be bought in powdered form to sprinkle on cereals or to include in hot drinks and smoothies. It is also available in the form of capsule.

 

·     Nitrates

 

Nitrates help in reducing blood pressure and inflammation, they are compounds in certain foods which increase nitric oxide levels.

 

Food consisting of higher-level Nitrates:

Ø  Spinach

Ø  Lettuce

Ø  Radish

Ø  Chinese cabbage

Ø  Beetroot

Ø  Arugula

This food has high levels of folate i.e., folic acid. Also, folate is a natural form of vitamin B9. According to a study it was found, men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction also experienced a lower level of folic acid.

 

·     Avocado

This green fruit has its own benefits also it has a high level of zinc in it, which helps to increase testosterone levels. The Aztecs even named avocados as ‘ahuacatl’ i.e., a Nahuatl word, meaning testicles as this fruit was represented as a symbol of fertility and love.

·     Bananas

This fruit is high in potassium and along with that it also contains a huge amount of flavonoids. According to a study, those who eat at least three flavonoid-rich food are more likely to have a good sexual life, as the chance of experiencing Erectile Dysfunction is 10% less.

·     Chili Pepper

Once, research was conducted for men in Uganda who regularly use capsicum frutescens – chili pepper to treat Erectile Dysfunction and it was found that this spice can be really helpful. The feeling of sinuses opening up after eating up something spicy and hot, like consuming chili pepper. This can really increase the blood flow by affecting the blood vessels.

 

Along with the plant-based diet, there are many other ways one can treat ED:

Ø Through ED drugs: Sildenafil, Avanafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil

Ø Taking a therapy

Ø By natural treatment i.e., acupuncture, massage

Ø Using a vacuum pump

Ø By performing a surgery: Implantation, Vascular surgery

 

It is always advised to consult a doctor before taking and step by yourself.