13 foods that act like a natural Viagra

Viagra is undoubtedly one of the most used drugs for erectile dysfunction and male erection problems. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which acts in 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 of the male genital area, and this relaxation allows blood to enter the arteries and, consequently, the erection. Viagra is a drug that acts as a vasodilator.

• You can learn more about the functioning of this neurotransmitter in our article: "Nitric oxide (neurotransmitter): definition and functions”

Foods that work like Viagra

However, there are other compounds that stimulate nitric oxide production, for example, amino acids L-arginine or L-citrulline, which are part of all nitric oxide supplements in the market. Nitric oxide is also used in fitness circuits as it improves congestion and muscle growth, as well as performance.

But… Are there natural foods that act like Viagra?

What are they and what characteristics do they have? You can find the answer to these questions in the following list.

1. Garlic

As stated by an investigation by 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 lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure when there is hypertension. Nitric oxide levels practically doubled in the 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, explaining that this is due to the citrulline, this amino acid relaxes blood vessels and turns into arginine, which helps produce more oxide nitric.

3. grenade

The pomegranate is a little 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 the level of testosterone by more than 20%. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day can be ideal to improve sexual health, because according to research from the University of California, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, increases erection quality by up to 32%, as it contains a large amount of acid ellagic.

4. Jalapenos

Spicy food is not the favorite dish of many people, however, these types of foods provide some health benefits. Jalapenos speed up your metabolism and therefore help you lose weight. In addition, they contain capsaicin, a compound that, according to various investigations, increases nitric oxide levels.

5. Walnuts

Walnuts are a food rich in healthy fats and rich in vitamin E, which increases the 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 walnuts, increase 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 eating these foods.

7. Beet

Do not forget to add beets to your salads because, in addition to a delicious flavor, it is very nutritious. This root vegetable contains a large amount of nitrates, which is why it works as a precursor of nitric oxide for the body. It is also 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 the testosterone, regulate blood pressure and have a positive effect on nitric oxide production.

Blueberries are a very effective food to improve a person's cardiovascular health, as it helps reduce the pressure in the arteries and prevent hypertension. A study conducted by Dr. Maher and his colleagues seems to indicate that this delicious fruit stimulates nitric oxide production, which explains its beneficial effects on inflammation arterial. 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 the skin healthy, but it also increases testosterone and contains keratin, which increases the production of nitric oxide by the body.

11. Liver

The consumption of liver provides protein and iron in large quantities, but also promotes nitric oxide production, thanks to it being a great source of Coenzyme Q10.

12. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is the healthiest version of chocolate that we can consumeBecause 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, protect nitric oxide molecules from free radicals. What's more, 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 as aphrodisiacs.

These increase performance and promote sexual arousal. 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”.