Viagra is undoubtedly one of the most widely used drugs for erectile dysfunction and male erection problems. Viagra’s active ingredient 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 dilation of the corpora cavernosa and the blood vessels in the male genital area, and this relaxation allows blood to enter the arteries and, consequently, the erection. Viagra is a medication that acts as a vasodilator.

  • You can learn more about how this neurotransmitter works 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, the amino acids L-arginine or L-citrulline, which are part of all nitric oxide supplements on 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 research from the Albany College of Pharmacy (United States) states, a group of subjects who consumed garlic improved their 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 nearly 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 levels of nitric oxide and increases libido levels . This is what a group of researchers at the University of Texas discovered, explaining that this is due to citrulline. This amino acid relaxes the blood vessels and is converted into arginine, which helps produce more nitric oxide.

3. Grenada

The pomegranate is a fruit that is rarely eaten, but that 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 for improving sexual health. According to research from the University of California, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, it increases the quality of erections by up to 32%, as it contains a large amount of ellagic acid.

4. Jalapeños

Spicy food is not many people’s favorite dish, however, this type of food provides some health benefits . Jalapeños speed up the metabolism and therefore help to lose weight. They also contain capsaicin, a compound that research has shown increases levels of nitric oxide.

5. Nuts

Nuts are a healthy, high-fat food rich in vitamin E , which increases testosterone levels. It also contains the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline, which increase nitric oxide levels and, therefore, blood pressure.

6. Pistachios

Another nut that has a great taste is pistachios. These foods are high in arginine and, like nuts, increase levels of nitric oxide and provide many benefits to the body and health. The antioxidants in nuts also protect the nitric oxide that is created by the consumption of 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 vegetable root contains a large amount of nitrates, so it works as a precursor of nitric oxide for the body. It is also a food that helps prevent cancer and enhances the immune system.

8. Kale

Some 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 nitric oxide production.

9. Blueberries

Cranberries are a very effective food for improving a person’s cardiovascular health , as they help reduce pressure in the arteries and prevent hypertension. A study conducted by Dr. Maher and his colleagues seems 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

The onion is a very nutritious food, which has benefits for sexual health . It is a great food for maintaining healthy skin, but also increases testosterone and contains keratin, which increases the body’s production of nitric oxide.

11. Liver

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

12. Dark 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 fruits

Oranges, lemons and grapefruits contain high amounts of vitamin C which, as already mentioned, protects the nitric oxide molecules from free radicals. In addition, this vitamin increases 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 to be aphrodisiacs.

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