Food plays a major role in maintaining or deteriorating one’s health. Consuming the right foods provides the body with the necessary nutrients to function properly, and it can also help manage or avoid numerous health issues. Listed here are a few foods to eat and avoid to manage Erectile Dysfunction (ED):

• Spinach : On the top of the list of foods to eat and avoid to manage ED is spinach. It is a powerhouse of folate, which is known to boost blood flow. Studies have shown that folic acid is essential for male sexual function, and a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to ED. A cup of cooked spinach contains 66% of the daily requirement of folic acid. It is also rich in magnesium, which helps improve and stimulate blood flow and boosts the levels of the male hormone testosterone.
• Coffee : It is rich in caffeine, a known stimulant, and can improve blood flow to the arteries and muscles of the penis, preventing ED. One can enjoy two to three cups of this beverage daily. People who don’t like coffee can opt for any caffeinated sports drink or tea.
• Oatmeal : Another beneficial food to eat to manage ED is oatmeal. Oats contain the amino acid, L-arginine, which works the same as Viagra. It helps penile blood vessels to relax and can help maintain an erection. Wild oats are also a known aphrodisiac.
• Watermelon : This fruit can have the same effect on the penile blood vessels as ED medications. Studies say that it can also boost one’s sex drive. This sweet, refreshing fruit is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that is good for the prostate too.
• Sugar : This one is among the most important foods to eat and avoid to manage ED. Sugar can cause a wide range of health issues, and cardiovascular issues caused by the consumption of sugar can result in ED. Sugar is often disguised in many packaged and processed foods as fructose, maltose, lactose, and dextrose. It is also found in juices and in the form of syrups, so one should always read the nutritional labels of packaged food items before making a purchase.
• Refined carbohydrates : Studies say that individuals who consume a diet rich in sources of complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, had a lower risk of developing ED. So, it might be beneficial to replace white bread, crackers, and refined flour snacks with healthier alternatives.
• Meat:  Patients should limit the consumption of processed meats like bacon, sausage, and ham to lower the risk of ED. Consuming a lot of red meat like beef, lamb, and pork should also be avoided. One can opt for fish, whole grains, and vegetables instead.

Incorporating these foods to eat and avoid to manage ED in the diet can also improve one’s overall health.