Viagra is, without a doubt, one of the most used medications for erectile dysfunction and male erection problems.
The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which acts on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and causes this neurotransmitter to be released into the bloodstream. This causes relaxation of the muscles, dilation of the corpora cavernosa and blood vessels in the male genital area, and this relaxation allows blood to enter the arteries and, consequently, an erection.
Thus, Viagra is a medication that acts as a vasodilator, which facilitates adequate blood flow through the penis during an erection. However, there are also other healthy elements that you can use as if they were a natural version of Viagra. We will focus on them throughout this article, in which you will find a list of foods that work like natural Viagra in the sense that they help improve blood circulation.
As we have anticipated, beyond Sildenafil There are other compounds, natural foods, that act in a similar way to Viagra Some stimulate the production of nitric oxide, for example, the amino acids L-arginine or L-citrulline, which are part of all nitric oxide supplements on the market. Nitric oxide is also used in fitness circuits, as it improves pumping and muscle growth, as well as performance.
In addition, there are certain foods that improve blood circulation in other ways, something key if we take into account that most cases of erectile dysfunction are based on insufficient blood flow to the penile area at the time of erection.
Thus, it is possible to find edibles that act like something we could call “natural Viagra” without being medications or based on active ingredients. Its effectiveness is less than that of Sildenafil, but if we combine them, in the medium and long term they will contribute to mitigating this type of problems linked to sexuality.
Of course, keep in mind that if consumed under medical supervision, Viagra is a perfectly valid, reliable and quite safe resource. Currently it is even possible to find the generic version of this medication, so it is possible to find it under other names and made by different manufacturers. As long as you can get it at a pharmacy and they are based on Sildenafil, you shouldn’t have any problems; If you start to experience side effects, go to your doctor and he will offer you alternatives, knowing first-hand your particular case.
That said, let’s see what these foods are that serve as natural Viagra, and what characteristics they have.
1. Garlic
As stated in research from the Albany College of Pharmacy (United States), a group of subjects who consumed garlic improved blood pressure and nitric oxide production.
This food is a powerful activator of NOS (nitric oxide synthase), which reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure when there is hypertension. Nitric oxide levels nearly doubled in subjects who ate garlic, and the same study found that the combination of garlic and vitamin C tripled NO levels.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious fruit that also increases nitric oxide levels and increases libido levels This is what a group of researchers from the University of Texas discovered, who explain that this is due to citrulline. This amino acid relaxes blood vessels and is converted into arginine, which helps produce more nitric oxide.
3. Pomegranate
The pomegranate is a rarely consumed fruit, but it provides great health benefits, in addition to increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Studies show that it causes a decrease in arterial plaque by up to 30% and increases testosterone levels by more than 20%. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day can be ideal for improving sexual health, since according to research from the University of California, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, it increases erection quality by up to 32%, since which contains a large amount of ellagic acid.
4. Jalapenos
Spicy food is not many people’s favorite dish, however, These types of foods provide some health benefits Jalapenos accelerate metabolism and, therefore, help you lose weight. In addition, they contain capsaicin, a compound that, according to various research, increases nitric oxide levels.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts are a food rich in healthy fats and rich in vitamin E, which increases levels of testosterone levels. It also contains the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline that increase nitric oxide levels and, therefore, blood pressure.
6. Pistachios
Another nut that has a great flavor is pistachios. These foods are high in arginine and, like nuts, increases nitric oxide levels and provides many benefits for the body and health. The antioxidants in nuts also protect the nitric oxide that is created by consuming these foods.
7. Beet
Don’t forget to add beets to your salads because, in addition to having a delicious flavor, it is very nutritious This plant root contains a large amount of nitrates, which is why it works as a precursor of nitric oxide for the body. Likewise, it is a food that helps prevent cancer and improves the immune system.
8. Kale
Some green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale contain coenzyme Q10 and a high level of nitrates that increase testosterone, regulate blood pressure and have a positive effect on nitric oxide production.
9. Blueberries
Blueberries are a very effective food to improve a person’s cardiovascular health, as it helps reduce pressure in the arteries and avoid hypertension. A study conducted by Dr. Maher and his colleagues seems to indicate that this delicious fruit stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which explains its beneficial effects on arterial inflammation. This has to do with the antioxidants it contains.
10. Onion
Onion is a very nutritious food, which has benefits for sexual health It is a great food to keep skin healthy, but it also increases testosterone and contains keratin, which increases the body’s production of nitric oxide.
11. Liver
The consumption of liver provides protein and iron in large quantities, but It also promotes the production of nitric oxide thanks to the fact that it is a great source of coenzyme Q10.
12. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is the healthiest version of chocolate that we can consume since cocoa increases nitric oxide and is full of antioxidants that lower blood pressure.
13. Citrus
Oranges, lemons and grapefruits contain high amounts of vitamin C which, as already mentioned, protects nitric oxide molecules from free radicals. Besides, This vitamin increases levels of nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that converts L-arginine to nitric oxide
aphrodisiac foods
In addition to these foods that increase the production and release of nitric oxide, there are other substances considered aphrodisiacs.
These increase performance and promote sexual activation If you want to know what these foods are, you just have to read our article: “26 aphrodisiac foods that will improve your intimate relationships.”
