Citrus fruits for erectile dysfunction– yup, it works.
Ahh, sex, what a wonderful part of life! So much of our time and effort is invested into thinking about sex, trying to get sex, and improving our sexual performance, but it’s so worth it. Sex is one of the most enjoyable activities around. As we grow older, our bodies begin to have problems. We gain a bit of weight, our hormone levels fluctuate, our bones weaken, and the list goes on. Sexual health problems are fairly common among those over the age of 35 or 40, with erectile dysfunction affecting a surprising number of men–5% of those over 40, or up to 25% of those over 65.
However, according to a new study, eating the right foods can help to reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction. The study examined the diet and lifestyle of more than 25,000 men over the course of 20 years. The research data they obtained indicated that those who consumed more flavonoid-rich foods had lower instances of erectile dysfunction.
What flavonoid-rich foods should you eat?
- Berries — Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and elderberries are just a few of the delicious berries that can help to fight off ED. Not only are they rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, but they’re also an amazing source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Grapes –– Specifically the dark red or purple grapes, the kind used to make red wine. The dark color is provided by the flavonoids, which will improve your cardiovascular health, improve circulation, and reduce your risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
- Red Wine –– Grape peels are used to make red wine, and you get more antioxidants and flavonoids from the peels than from the flesh of the grape. The darker the red wine (think Merlot, Carmenere, or Cabernet), the more antioxidants it contains.
READ MORE: 10 Best Vitamin C Foods That Aren’t Citrus
- Citrus –-Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines are all good sources of antioxidants. In this case, the orange-colored fruits are the most effective ones, as the flavonoids and carotenes that give them their color are what will protect you from ED.
- Carrots — Did you know that carrots contain the same flavonoid as oranges? It’s the reason that they’re so similar in color! While citrus fruits are a better source of the specific flavonoids that help to reduce ED, carrots are a veggie-source of the antioxidants.
- Pumpkin/Squash — Anything with an orange color is going to contain flavonoids, and squash is no exception. It doesn’t contain the same quantities as citrus fruits or berries, but it’s a good alternative if you’re trying to limit your sugar intake.
- Bell Peppers — Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers contain Vitamin C and flavonoids in quantities similar to oranges. If you are trying to combat health problems like ED, these peppers definitely deserve a place on your menu.
Best of all, you don’t need to drastically increase your fruit and veggie intake! According to the study mentioned above, eating just three portions of these colored foods was enough to reduce ED risk by as much as 14%. By adding physical activity to your life, you can reduce the risk of ED even more–by up to 21%.
Just a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, and you can take bold steps toward reducing your risk of this disorder. It’s hard to imagine anyone NOT wanting to add these fruits and veggies to their diet once they realize the benefits they offer. It’s definitely in your best interest to start eating these colored foods today.
