Are beets a natural form of Viagra?

Key takeaways

• Some people with erectile dysfunction (ED) eat beets to improve their symptoms. However, they are not a natural form of Viagra, and more research is necessary to confirm the effects of beets on ED.
• If you have ED and are considering natural remedies, talk with a healthcare professional first. They can help you figure out the condition’s cause and the best treatment options.
• There are many medications that can be used to manage ED. You can speak with a doctor about your options.

Overview

ED is what happens when a person cannot get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The condition can cause frustration and affect self-esteem, so people who experience it may look for different remedies, whether it’s medication or natural remedies, like beets. 

Beets are a root vegetable with many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to lower blood pressure. However, there is no direct scientific evidence that beets can help with ED.

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

What does science say about beets and erectile dysfunction?

Beets contain many minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are essential for health, like nitrates, folate, copper, iron, and vitamins C and B. But it’s the nitrates that may have benefits for erectile dysfunction.  

Our bodies convert nitrates into nitric oxide, a key substance in the dilation of blood vessels and hormone release. According to a 2022 study, because of these properties, nitric oxide improves heart health and may help with ED.

It also increases blood flow, which can help people with mild to moderate ED cases, according to an older 2015 study.

Because of nitric oxide’s ability to increase blood flow, beets may act like sildenafil (Viagra), which works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help maintain an erection. 

A 2021 study also found that because of the nitrates in beets that turn into nitric oxide, taking beet supplements helped improve athletic performance. 

However, overall, more research is necessary on the ability of beets to help improve ED, and it is therefore difficult to tell whether beets are the natural equivalent of Viagra.

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Natural remedies for ED

There are other natural remedies that can help with ED, including dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle strategies. 

Diet

Some foods may help prevent or improve ED. According to 2020 research, eating a balanced diet that includes lots of vegetables — including beets— fruits, pulses, nuts, and fish is linked with a lower risk of developing ED.

Foods that may help with ED include:

• salmon and other fatty fish
• olive oil
• pulses like lentils
• leafy greens
• whole grains
• berries
• ginseng
• ginkgo

Supplements

Some supplements that may benefit ED include:

• L-arginine supplements: These can improve blood flow by helping dilate your blood vessels. A 2019 study found that people who took L-arginine experienced an improvement in ED symptoms.
• Propionyl-L-carnitine supplements: This chemical plays an important role in metabolism, energy production, and blood flow. One 2024 review suggests that people who take propionyl-L-carnitine supplements may see their ED symptoms improve. 
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): DHEA helps produce testosterone and estrogen. These sex hormones are important for sexual function. DHEA production decreases with age, so supplementation may help with ED. A 2018 review of studies found that DHEA supplements may help with ED but noted that more research is necessary to confirm this. 

Lifestyle strategies

Lifestyle practices can help lower your risk of developing ED or improve symptoms. Some lifestyle strategies include:

• exercising
• avoiding stress
• maintaining a moderate weight
• ensuring quality sleep
• avoiding alcohol and smoking

Learn more about natural treatment options for erectile dysfunction. 

Medical treatment for ED

If you have ED, a doctor or healthcare professional may prescribe medications or other medical treatments:

• Medication: Medications to treat erectile dysfunction include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra).
• ED devices: These devices work like a vacuum to help produce an erection.
• Surgery: A healthcare professional may sometimes recommend a penile implant or vascular surgery for ED.  

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What to do if you think you have ED

If you’re having difficulties with arousal or getting and maintaining an erection, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional.

ED can be the result of both physical and mental health conditions. A healthcare professional can help you figure out the root cause of ED and come up with the best treatment plan for you.

Online care for ED

ED can have negative effects on your mental health, and it’s not always manageable with natural remedies like beets. Speaking with a doctor can help you find a treatment that works for you.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

One potential natural remedy for ED and support treatment is beetroot, or beets, which are root vegetables with many health benefits, including the ability to lower blood pressure and cancer prevention properties.

Beets also have nitrates that the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps increase blood flow. This may help with ED.

Viagra (sildenafil), a well-known medication to treat ED, helps the condition by increasing blood flow to the penis. This may be one of the similarities between beets and Viagra, but beets are not a natural form of Viagra.

If you have ED and are considering natural remedies, talk with a healthcare professional first. They can help you figure out the condition’s cause and the best treatment options.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.