Vegetables can play a significant role in improving sexual health. Besides benefiting heart and waistline health, and preventing prostate cancer, certain vegetables with high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins can help with erectile dysfunction (ED) and prostate health. Amongst those vegetables that support sexual health are beets, which are high in nitrates, and lycopene-rich tomatoes.
Beets and their juice are known to treat ED by increasing nitric oxide levels, which enhance blood flow to the penis. Studies have shown that healthy people who drink beet juice have improved blood pressure, and beet juice consumers walk farther and longer compared to those who consume a placebo. In addition to beets, other vegetables with high nitrate content include radishes, turnip tops, carrots, lettuce, and celery. It is important to note that phytonutrient-rich natural nitrates found in whole foods are safer than supplements.
Lycopene, the red pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, red carrots, and grapefruit, can also help with ED. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is part of the carotenoid family and is best absorbed through diet combined with other spinach and oily vegetables, such as avocado. A study at the Madrid Urological Institute showed that lycopene from tomatoes taken with olive oil may improve ED. This carotenoid pigment has also been found to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Garlic and onions can also support sexual health. Both herbs have been found to improve blood circulation and lower a man’s risk of an enlarged prostate. Furthermore, the selenium content in garlic may help prevent prostate cancer.
Lastly, vegetables high in folate may help lower the risk of plaque and lead to better sexual health as a result of improved genital blood flow. Vegetables high in folate include spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, Swiss chard, bok choy, and cabbage.
Emphasizing the importance of vegetables in a diet can lead to improvements in many aspects of health, including sexual, which can lead to a better quality of life.