So some herbal supplements may not be safe, but are there any natural vitamins or foods that will help reduce E.D.?

Posted on 29. Mar, 2009 by Mel G in Erectile Dysfunction

: Image by Jimee, Jackie, Tom & Asha via Flickr

Popular nutritional supplements that can treat Erectile Dysfunction include bioflavonoids, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and flax seed meal.

Chocolate contains high levels of “phenylalanine”, an amino acid that increases production of endorphins in the brain and with a high level of endorphins in the body. Naturally, the “feel good” reaction to eating chocolate can help reduce psychologically induced E.D. in men.

Other foods with high phenylalanine content are almonds, apples, peanuts, pineapple, tomatoes, chicken, beef, and spinach.

New research also suggests that phosphorus can increase sex drive and responsiveness. Good sources of phosphorus include seafood; especially crab meat, lobster, truffles, eggs, wheat germ, wheat bran, legumes, and seeds.

Another mineral essential to sexual function is zinc and a deficiency of zinc is associated with numerous sexual problems, including sperm abnormalities and prostate disease. Zinc is necessary for the production of testosterone, and also helps to maintain vaginal lubrication. Stress, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol consumption increase the need for zinc. Zinc-rich foods include nuts, eggs, beef, legumes, chicken, whole grains, and seafood — especially oysters.

Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, which is important in testosterone production for men. Pumpkin seeds are additionally rich in the essential fatty acid “omega 3″, which acts as a precursor of “prostaglandins”, a hormone-like substance that play a key role in sexual health.

Bananas help to boost male libido largely due to the presence of the enzyme called “bromelain”. Bananas are also a good source of B vitamins like riboflavin as well as potassium, which increase the body’s total energy levels and are vital for sex-hormone production.

Avocados help to increase both male and female libido since they contain very high levels of folic acid. It is believed that folic acid assists in metabolizing proteins, thus providing you more energy. Figs are very high in amino acids and are critical to increasing you libido as well as boosting your sexual stamina.

Lastly, while eating garlic may give off an unpleasant odor, garlic contains high levels of “allicin”- a compound that can improve blood flow to the sexual organs. Allicin is only produced when garlic has been chopped as it is produced through an enzyme reaction, so eat chopped garlic or even better, try odorless garlic extract.