Eating Avocado Has An Unexpected Effect On Men's Sexual Health
We would argue that avocados are the perfect complement to just about anything — tacos, salads, omelets, you name it. In addition to being downright delicious, this creamy fruit comes with no shortage of nutrients. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one avocado fruit (150 grams) is made up of 3 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, 18 milligrams of calcium, 78 milligrams of phosphorus, 728 milligrams of potassium, and much more. These nutrients can support our overall health in many different ways, and while the research is limited, some of these nutrients may have benefits to offer men's sexual health, specifically.
Approximately 30 million men across the country experience erectile dysfunction (ED), reports the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). People with ED, whether it is experienced temporarily or on an ongoing basis, have difficulty initiating or sustaining an erection during sex. Fried foods, refined sugar, alcohol, and processed carbohydrates are all food items that may worsen ED symptoms, according to experts at Precise Men's Medical Center. Avocados, however, may help prevent ED.
Avocado consumption may lower the risk of ED
Avocados are a fruit, which means we're already off to a good start, according to findings of a 2018 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine which outlined how greater fruit consumption (as well as veggies and flavonoids) has been linked with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Avocados are also a great source of vitamin E, which experts at Allo Health say may help boost libido as well as circulation. As an antioxidant, vitamin E may also support the health of sperm and boost testosterone levels (per Allo Health).
Avocados also contain mostly healthy monounsaturated fat, which, unlike trans fat and saturated fat, can help keep our cholesterol levels in check. Maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol means that we lower our susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Not only does heart health play a role in men's sexual health, but healthy fats may also enhance hormone production.
Finally, eating avocados may help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, which is a known cause of ED, according to the NIDDK. In a 2023 longitudinal study published in the Journal of Diabetes Mellitus, researchers found that Hispanic/Latino individuals who ate avocados were less prone to developing type 2 diabetes than individuals who didn't include avocados in their diet.