A lot is expected of you as a man, especially when it comes to matters inside the bedroom. So when you realize that you can’t get or maintain an erection, you can only blame it on one condition, erectile dysfunction (1).
Known as the most common sexual disorder in men, erectile dysfunction can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from pre-existing medical conditions to psychological issues. While it’s not uncommon to experience erectile dysfunction every once in a while, a constant recurrence of the condition can be a warning sign for bigger health problems.
Over the years, a lot of treatments have been designed to address erectile dysfunction and its causes. Viagra became a bestselling drug in 1998, and soon after, several varieties of the PDE5 inhibitor sprouted in the market.
But the hefty price tag of synthetic treatments has prompted many people to look for alternative solutions to erectile dysfunction, one of which is drinking beetroot juice which quickly gained popularity around the world. But are there any real links between beetroot and erectile dysfunction?
What Is Beetroot?
Many health enthusiasts deem beetroot as a superfood because of its many benefits. In fact, beetroot has been considered a natural medicine back in the Roman era, and it continues to be part of many people’s diets. Based on research studies, beetroot is a powerful dietary source of health-promoting agents that help in treating many pathologic disorders (2).
Are There Any Links Between Beetroot and Erectile Dysfunction?
A lot of men drink beet juice to help treat their erection problems. But there have been no scientific studies or research that links beetroot and erectile dysfunction.
However, some studies prove the efficiency of beetroot juice in lowering blood pressure in men when consumed as part of a healthy diet (3).
Erectile dysfunction is commonly experienced by hypertensive men not only because of their condition but also as an adverse effect of some antihypertensive medications (4).
Beetroot juice is known to help lower blood pressure, which could also mean improving blood flow to the penis to promote an erection. According to studies, drinking at least one cup of beetroot juice a day is already enough to experience these benefits.
Beet juice is also rich in nitric oxide, which is known to open up blood vessels to promote increased blood flow (5). Nitric oxide also keeps the pressure on the corpus cavernosum, which is the tissue that becomes filled with blood during an erection.
So if you drink beetroot juice regularly, which is high in nitrates, you’ll have enough nitric oxide in your body to sustain an erection.
But if that’s not enough, a recent study also revealed that foods rich in nitrates could contribute to an increased amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the male body (6).
A lot of drugs used in treating erectile dysfunction are known to contain substances that allow the body to recycle cGMP, which is highly beneficial in helping the arteries relax to promote better blood flow to the penis resulting in an erection.
What Are the Other Health Benefits of Beetroot Juice?
Aside from its potential in helping men with erectile dysfunction, beetroot juice is also proving to offer many benefits to your overall well-being.
Beets contain some essential nutrients, including potassium, iron, folate, manganese, and copper, all of which are essential to a healthy diet. It also contains fiber and a bit of protein, although fiber is usually removed during the juicing process. So aside from drinking beetroot juice, you can also use beet in other preparations.
Betalains, which are present in beetroot, are also extremely beneficial to the body because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are Other Things That Could Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
Aside from embracing beetroot as part of a healthy diet, you can also make specific lifestyle changes that will help you deal with erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, this is the best time to give up your vice.
A healthy diet should also be paired with regular exercise, as it allows you to keep your energy up and your blood flow going, so you can achieve and maintain an erection.
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological factors, you can start practicing meditation or yoga and even talk to a counselor if you need the help of a professional. Of course, communication with your partner is essential in relieving your anxiety.
