Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health concern for men globally. It’s when a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection during sex.
Most people are aware of conventional treatments that exist, such as Viagra and Cialis. But there's also been a surge in the popularity of natural remedies.
Quick FAQs
Drinking beet juice can lower blood pressure and increase nitric oxide and cGMP production, which can all help treat erectile dysfunction.
It's generally suggested to drink one glass a day, but there's no fixed dosage.
Beet juice can help with maintaining a healthy weight and increasing exercise performance.
One such remedy that may help with ED is beet juice. Find out if it works and how much men should drink for better erections.
While there’s no current research that confirms beet juice can fix ED, there are many reasons to believe that it can. Here are a few to consider:
Lower blood pressure
According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
The article also noted that ED may also be caused by taking high blood pressure medication.
Beets can potentially help with lowering blood pressure because they’re high in nitrates. Studies have shown that nitrates can provide long-lasting blood pressure decrease in those with hypertension.
As a result of beet juice lowering blood pressure and reducing the need for blood pressure medication, men can potentially achieve better erections.
It’s important to consult with a doctor before making any changes to blood pressure treatment.
cGMP production
Research has shown that high nitrate foods may help increase the amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP, in the body.
This substance helps relax blood vessels, which can possibly result in more blood flow to the penis. Given that beets are high in nitrates, it may help with increasing cGMP, and thus improve blood flow to the penis.
Pro Tip:VitaFLUX Nitric Oxide Booster helps to relax blood vessels and allow more blood flow through increased nitric oxide production.
Nitric oxide production
As mentioned just a moment ago, beets are packed with nitrates. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Wang Lushun from Arete Ortho states, “As beets contain nitrates, they allow the body to transform them into nitric oxide, enhancing blood flow. This aids in improved circulation, which can help combat erectile dysfunction.”
Nitric oxide relaxes the penile smooth muscle, which contributes to an erection occurring. The gas helps to maintain pressure in the corpus cavernosum, which is what helps men sustain an erection.
Antioxidant Properties
Beet juice is rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors that can contribute to ED.
How much beet juice for ED
When we asked Dr. Wang Lushun, he advised, “While beetle juice seems promising, there is no universally agreed amount that one should consume for this purpose. Some studies suggest drinking one cup of beet juice a day can make a difference. However, the effects of beet juice vary from person to person.”
Other benefits of beet juice
Beet juice has many other benefits beyond improving erectile dysfunction. Here are a few that are worth noting.
Increased exercise stamina
One study published in 2012 found that beet root juice can improve physical performance.
The participants of the study were trained cyclists. They were instructed to drink 2 cups of beet juice daily.
Over the course of the study, the cyclists improved their 10 kilometer time trial by 12 seconds.
Helps with maintaining a healthy weight
Beet juice is great for keeping a healthy weight because it has little to no fat and is low in calories.
Additionally, men who are at a healthier weight can potentially achieve better erections. It’s been proven that those who have comorbid conditions, such as obesity, tend to have more severe ED.
Good source of minerals
Beet juice is a good source of many minerals, including ones that may actually help treat erectile dysfunction. The minerals that beet juice has include:
Magnesium
Zinc
Iron
Selenium
Copper
Individuals who have lower magnesium levels are more likely to have anxiety. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be caused by mental issues such as performance anxiety.
Drinking beet juice may increase magnesium levels, decrease performance anxiety, and improve erectile function.
In a study on Zinc, researchers found that the mineral helped to improve sexual and erectile function in rats.
Overall, the main benefits of beet juice, according to Dr Lushun, are that it helps lower blood pressure, improve exercise stamina, and potentially boosts brain health.
He also notes, “From an orthopedic perspective, improved circulation is beneficial for bone and joint health as it aids in nutrient delivery and waste removal at these sites.”
While generally safe, consuming excessive beet juice might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and a condition called beeturia, where your urine and stool may turn red.
Dr. Lushun stated that, “Changes in bowel movements or reddish urine known as beeturia, may occur. Those with kidney problems should avoid beet juice due to its high levels of oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. Other than that, as beet juice has blood pressure-lowering effects, those on blood pressure medications should seek professional advice before taking beet juice.”
Takeaways
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects men of all ages. Sometimes it may be occasional, in which case, it’s not a major cause for concern.
While ED medications tend to be the most effective treatment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can sometimes be enough to treat it.
Though more research is needed, beet juice—with its nitrate content and antioxidant properties—holds promise as a natural aid for erectile dysfunction.
The drink may improve blood flow to the penis and help reduce anxiety-induced ED. Talk with a healthcare provider about drinking beet juice to treat erectile dysfunction.
Dr LS Wang is an internationally published, award-winning, double-fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with more than 18 years of clinical experience. Throughout the course of his career, he has pioneered advanced minimally invasive techniques for robotic knee and hip surgery that result in enhanced recoveries. He is currently the Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director of Arete Orthopaedic Clinic."
Sources:
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