Since ancient times, men have looked for foods that increase virility.
It’s no wonder since ED is so common. It affects 52% of men between 40 and 70. More than 85% of men over 80 suffer from it.
Oysters, chocolate, red wine, hot peppers…all are touted as libido boosters. But there is little science showing they have much effect.
However, a new study shows one type of food really does enhance male sexual function.[1]
The research was published in the journal Nutrients. Scientists enlisted 83 subjects who were eating a typical western diet. That means low fruit and vegetable consumption but high in animal fats. For 14 weeks, half the subjects continued to follow that diet. The other half added two daily ounces of walnuts, hazelnuts, and/or almonds.[2]
At the study’s end, all subjects completed an IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire. It assesses male sexual function.
The men who ate nuts had improved sexual desire and orgasm quality. Those who stay on their usual diet had no change
Make Tree Nuts Your Go-To Snack
Tree nuts such as the almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts used in the study are loaded with healthy fats and fiber. Besides improving male performance, studies show they:[3]
- Aid weight loss
- Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
- Improve blood sugar levels
- Reduce inflammation
- Lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
Peanuts do not have the same health effects as tree nuts. In fact, peanuts are not technically nuts. They are legumes.
Follow the protocol of the study by eating two ounces of tree nuts a day. That’s the equivalent of about 45 almonds, 25 hazelnuts, or 12 walnuts.
Be sure to go for unsalted nuts. Salt can raise your blood pressure. And that can contribute to ED.[4]
Men should also consider eating:
Foods high in zinc. Zinc is a mineral that regulates testosterone. Foods rich in zinc include pine nuts, shellfish such as crab and lobster, and red meat.
Fruit. Research has linked higher fruit intake with a 14% reduction in ED risk. This is because of the flavonoid content of fruit. Fruits rich in flavonoids include berries, grapes, apples, and citrus fruits.[5]
And don’t forget exercise. Working out raises your testosterone levels.
Editor’s Note: Discover other natural, nondrug methods to improve your health by reading Independent Healing. It’s your best source for unbiased, evidence-based health information. To find out how to subscribe, go HERE.
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[1]https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/6/1372
[2]https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-07/uriv-c6g072419.php
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-nuts#section10
[4]http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Yourbody/Erectiledysfunction
[5]https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/103/2/534/4564750