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13 foods that act like a natural Viagra

13 foods that act like a natural Viagra

March 12, 2024

Viagra is undoubtedly one of the most used medications for erectile dysfunction and the problems of male erection. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which acts on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and causes this neurotransmitter to be released into the bloodstream.

This causes the relaxation of the muscles, the dilatation of the cavernous bodies and the blood vessels of the male genital area, and this relaxation allows blood to enter the arteries and, consequently, the erection. Viagra is a medicine that acts as a vasodilator.

  • You can know 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 the production of nitric oxide, for example, the amino acids L-arginine or L-citrulline, which are part of all the nitric oxide supplements that are on the market. Nitric oxide is also used in fitness circuits since it improves congestion and muscle growth and, likewise, 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 of the Albany College of Pharmacy (United States), a group of subjects who consumed garlic improved blood pressure and the production of nitric oxide.

This food is a potent activator of NOS (nitric oxide synthase), which decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure when there is hypertension. Nitric oxide levels practically doubled in 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 the levels of nitric oxide and increases libido levels . This is what they discovered a group of researchers from the University of Texas, who explain that this is due to citrulline, This amino acid relaxes the blood vessels and becomes arginine, which helps produce more nitric oxide.

3. Granada

The pomegranate is a fruit little consumed, but that contributes great benefits for the health , in addition to increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Studies show that it causes the reduction of arterial plaque by up to 30% and increases the level of testosterone by more than 20%. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day may be ideal for improving sexual health, since according to research from the University of California, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, increases the quality of erection by up to 32%, since It contains a lot of ellagic acid.


4. Jalapeños

Spicy food is not the favorite dish of many people, however, This type of food provides some health benefits . The jalapeños accelerate the metabolism and, therefore, help to lose weight. In addition, they contain capsaicin, a compound that, according to several researches, increases the levels of nitric oxide.

5. Nuts

Nuts 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 the levels of nitric oxide and, therefore, blood pressure.

6. Pistachios

Another dry fruit that has a great flavor are pistachios. These foods are high in arginine and, like nuts, increases levels of nitric oxide and it brings many benefits for the organism and health. The antioxidants in nuts also protect the nitric oxide that is created by the consumption of these foods.

7. Beetroot

Do not forget to add beetroot to your salads because, in addition to a delicious flavor, it is very nutritious . This vegetable root contains a large amount of nitrates, so it functions as a precursor of nitric oxide for the body. It is also a food that helps prevent cancer and improves the immune system.

8. Curly kale

Some green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale contain coenzyme Q10 and a high level of nitrates that increase testosterone, regulate blood pressure and have a positive effect on the production of nitric oxide.

9. Blueberries

Cranberries are a very effective food to improve a person's cardiovascular health , because it helps to reduce the pressure in the arteries and to avoid hypertension. A study conducted by Dr.Maher and his colleagues seem to indicate that this delicious fruit stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which explains its beneficial effects on arterial inflammation. This has to do with the antioxidants it contains.

10. Onion

Onion is a very nutritious food, which has sexual health benefits . It is a great food to keep skin healthy, but also increases testosterone and contains keratin, which increases the production of nitric oxide by the body.

11. Liver

Liver consumption provides protein and iron in large quantities, but also encourages the production of nitric oxide , because it is a great source of coenzyme Q10.

12. Black chocolate

Dark chocolate is the healthiest version of chocolate that we can consume , because 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 the nitric oxide molecules from free radicals. Further, This vitamin increases the levels of nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that converts L-arginine into nitric oxide .

Aphrodisiac foods

In addition to these foods that increase the production and release of nitric oxide, there are other substances considered as aphrodisiac.

These increase performance and favor sexual activation . If you want to know what these foods are, just read our article: "26 aphrodisiac foods that will improve your intimate relationships".

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