Beetroot, also known simply as beet, is a vegetable of the amaranth family, known for its vibrant color and numerous health benefits. Rich in nitrates, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, beetroot has been praised for its potential to improve our cardiovascular health and enhance our physical exercise performance. While hailed by many as a healthy addition to our daily diet, recent claims about its ability to enhance our sexual function have placed it at the center of attention, especially after being dubbed the new “herbal Viagra.”
Since Michael Mosley, a British doctor, appeared on national television praising beetroot as the herbal Viagra on Channel 4, searches for beetroot juice in Welsh online supermarkets skyrocketed by 533%. Mosley stated that the chemical compounds in this humble vegetable are able to enhance sexual desire by essentially increasing blood flow.
Indeed, the expert in health matters provided some reliable dietary advice for men who want to enhance their sexual drive without resorting to Viagra, stating that beetroot acts on the body similarly to the famous “love drug.” According to him, the vegetable is rich in nitrates, which can help blood vessels dilate and increase blood flow where men may need it most. Romans are believed to have used beetroots to boost their sexual drive, as they thought they increased the production of sexual hormones. So, it seems they weren’t wrong.
The truth is that one of the main mechanisms through which beetroot can indeed affect our sexual health is by increasing the production of nitric oxide in our bodies. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it helps relax and widen blood vessels, essentially improving blood flow. This improved blood circulation is necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.
Moreover, consuming beetroots may promote better blood circulation in the genital area, potentially resulting in longer-lasting erections. This result has led to comparisons between beetroot and pharmaceutical drugs like Viagra, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis. For this reason, the vegetable is also called “herbal Viagra.” Additionally, because beetroot is rich in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, it is considered to indirectly support our overall vascular health and, consequently, our sexual function.
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Beetroot and Our Health
While the potential benefits of beetroot for sexual health are promising, scientific evidence supporting its role as a natural alternative to Viagra, especially for men, is still limited. However, several studies have explored the effects of beetroot on various aspects of sexual function and performance.
Some research indicates that dietary supplementation with nitrate salts, such as that provided by beetroot juice, may improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. These effects are believed to be mediated by the production of nitric oxide and improved blood flow. Furthermore, beetroot juice has been shown to enhance performance during exercise by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles and reducing oxygen wastage during exercise.
Incorporating Beetroot into Our Diet
Whether beetroot actually functions as “vegetable Viagra” or not, there is no doubt about its nutritional value and potential health benefits. To reap the potential advantages for sexual health and your overall well-being, consider incorporating beetroot into your diet in various forms, such as:
1. Fresh beetroot: Enjoy beetroot raw, cooked, or roasted as part of salads, soups, or side dishes.
2. Beetroot Juice: Drink beetroot juice as a refreshing and nutritious beverage, either on its own or mixed with other fruits and vegetables.
3. Beetroot Supplements: For convenience, you can also find beetroot supplements in the form of capsules or powders.
