Worst Foods For Erectile Dysfunction?

Many of us know the classic date-night formula. 

It usually starts at a restaurant, where an indulgent dinner and some unique cocktails are savored over light banter. But what if your food and beverage choices prevent you from enjoying the “final course?”

An occasional red wine and a rib eye won’t hinder your bedroom performance. However, if unhealthy choices become a pattern, they can catch up to you, contributing to erectile dysfunction (ED). 

So what are the worst foods for erectile dysfunction? And better yet, are there foods that kill erectile dysfunction so you can enjoy sex again?

Before discussing nutrition, let’s understand the basics. 

What is ED? 

Also called impotence, ED is when someone finds it difficult to become or stay erect, and the severity varies from person to person.

When an individual becomes sexually aroused, blood rushes in and fills the sponge-like tissue of the penis, causing it to become harder. 

If there’s a problem with this process, either physically or emotionally, ED occurs.  

But what does food have to do with penile health?

What’s the link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and diet? 

Food comes into play because it’s directly connected to our wellness. 

What we eat can decrease or increase the chances of:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity 

Not to mention, all the above health concerns are risk factors for ED. In other words, the risk factors associated with the foods we eat are linked to unhealthy penis function. 

For instance, regularly eating fatty foods can eventually block or harden our blood vessels and arteries. And vessels and arteries are needed to get healthy blood flow to the penis. 

So what about nights at the pub? Does alcohol play a role in sexual health?

Long-term or excessive drinking can be another significant catalyst of ED, as alcohol can impair one’s ability to become erect or perform sexually.

Drunkenness can delay the signals between the body and the brain, decreasing sexual function. And consuming too much alcohol causes dehydration, reducing blood volume and circulation. 

In short, unhealthy foods and bevies can contribute to ED because they disrupt blood flow, which is needed for a firm, long-lasting erection. 

But that’s not it. There’s more to the food we eat and how it affects sexual health, so let’s dive in.   

What are the worst foods for erectile dysfunction? 

Occasional calorie splurges won’t impact your health or erection. However, if you were to make saturated fats, empty calories, and a lot of alcohol a part of your daily life, you’d most likely see less pleasing results between the sheets. 

Foods that cause erectile dysfunction include: 

• Alcohol, like beer, spirits, and coolers
• Baked goods, such as donuts, cinnamon buns, and Danishes
• Canned meals, such as soups, chile, spaghetti
• Flavored soda, like rootbeer, colas, or orange drinks
• Soy foods, such as edamame, soy milk, or tofu
• Fatty meats, like beef or pork
• Processed meats, such as pepperoni, salami, or prosciutto 
• Dairy products, such as milk and cheese from cows that are fed artificial hormones 
• Microwavable popcorn
• Bottled water

Want a little more info on the foods that can disrupt an erection?

Below are the top foods that cause erectile dysfunction: 

• Boozie beverages

As we discussed, alcohol slows response time and desensitizes you, which isn’t optimal for sexual prowess. However, there’s science behind why too many drinks can cause ED. 

A study published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal reveals that having five or more drinks suppresses testosterone production. 

That said, having one or two beverages with alcohol seems to have minimal or no effect on testosterone. So do your best to keep those margarita Mondays moderate, and don’t overdo it. 

• Baked goods

Cookies, squares, and cakes are often made with margarine (especially if homemade). While this butter substitute is cheaper, it acts as an artery roadblock. 

Furthermore, according to an article written by Dr. Ahmed Zayed, trans fats contained in margarine can skyrocket bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, often leading to erectile problems. 

Studies found a connection between high cholesterol and ED, although the relation isn’t fully understood. 

• Canned meals

Your rainy-day comfort food, mushroom soup, might hinder your sex life. Canned soups and other foods in a tin are notoriously high in sodium. High levels of dietary sodium can lead to increased blood pressure and reduced blood flow, which affects the genital region. 

In an article for Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Ulchaker explains that high blood pressure can lead to ED because there’s a lack of proper blood flow through the arteries. 

• Flavored soda

Research published in the Central European Journal of Urology uncovered that the sweetener in soda increases the risk of ED. More specifically, the soda sweetener, aka high fructose corn syrup, boosts cholesterol levels and harms arteries in the penis. 

Furthermore, empty calories in sweetened sodas may cause weight gain, eventually leading to obesity. Ulchaker notes that carrying extra lbs can escalate the risk of ED. 

However, not all’s lost. Research suggests that adopting more nutritious eating habits and losing weight can lead to stronger & healthier erections again. 

• Soy products

Often, soy foods can be nutritious, affordable, and easy to find. But, when you consume too much of this product, your erection may suffer. 

Soy-based food products eaten often have been linked to ED. Research published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention uncovered that two scoops of pure soy protein powder taken daily for four weeks lowered men’s testosterone levels by close to 20%.

Before you head to the fridge to toss everything out, there are foods that kill erectile dysfunction, meaning there are foods that can help you get your mojo back. 

What are the best foods for erectile dysfunction? 

Time to hit the health food store or produce aisle!

Sticking to nutritional eating habits is closely linked to a lower ED risk. The more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your meals provide, the better you’ll feel, and the better you’ll maintain solid erection health. 

While no miracle diet will guarantee better erections, science is on your side with the Mediterranean Diet. This meal program is rich in lean proteins, leafy greens, and fresh fruits and has been shown to decrease the risk of ED. 

Furthermore, here’s a list of the best options to improve ED:

• Bananas
• Chili peppers
• Coffee
• Greens
• Garlic
• Dark chocolate
• Fatty fish, such as salmon
• Nuts
• Oysters
• Watermelon
• Whole grains

Furthermore, Cleveland Clinic explains that a flavonoid-rich diet can lower the odds of developing ED. Flavonoids are found in fruits, veggies, and seeds. 

Treatment

Are you worried about erectile dysfunction? Help is closer than you think. Talk with a doctor to test your testosterone levels and discuss ED. 

Better yet, consult a doctor discreetly from the comfort of your home. 

We offer remote physician appointments where you can discuss ED with a medical expert. 

Get started by:

1. Download the Ravkoo Health app onto your phone. 
2. Book and attend your online healthcare appointment. 
3. Discuss any concerns with an MD. 
4. Receive a prescription delivered to your doorstep should your consult result in one. 
5. Rest easy knowing you’re being proactive. 

Final Thoughts

This sexual health issue is more common than one might think, affecting millions in the USA. While it can feel isolating and cause distress, take comfort in knowing it’s not unusual. 

Furthermore, many factors can cause ED, including emotional duress, so ensure you consider various avenues for treatment, including therapy.