Diet: Food for the heart and loin

We used to think of erectile dysfunction in young men in their 20s and 30s as psychogenic in origin, meaning it’s all in their heads. But now, we’re realising it’s more likely an early sign of vascular disease. But even when the penis heads in the wrong direction, the heart need not follow. Atherosclerosis in both organs can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

We know that a substantial body of knowledge demonstrates that the abundant consumption of vegetables, fruit, and whole grain, and the dietary patterns rich in these foods, convey a markedly lower risk of coronary disease. One group of researchers tried putting impotent men on a Mediterranean diet, which includes an abundance of plant-based foods. After two years on the Mediterranean diet, 37 per cent of the men regained normal sexual function.

What is it about the diet that appeared to do it? Improvements in erectile function were tied to five things:

(a)     Increased intake of fruits

(b)     Vegetables, such as green and red leaf lettuce, broccoli, etc.

(c)     Nuts & seeds: Fresh raw nuts and seeds contain Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, essential fatty acids, B-vitamins, and arginine, among other nutrients important for male potency diet. Arginine, common in all nuts and seeds, is well-known for increasing nitric oxide production, a necessity for erectile potency. So, savour the goodness of walnut, cashew nut, ogbono nut, pistachio nut, and groundnut. Also, eat pumpkin seeds, for they are rich in zinc, a mineral needed for male prostate gland health.

(d)     Beans

(e)     Eat more plant fats than animal fats.

The bottom line is this: Anything that is good for your heart is good for your penis!