There are many causes that can trigger erectile dysfunction and this problem is associated most of the time with diseases like metabolic syndrome, heart problems, diabetes etc. The damage caused by free radicals and the stress caused by oxidants are processes that underline most of the degenerative diseases. This factors are responsible for erectile dysfunction problems triggered by these conditions.

Having and sustaining an erection depends on a large number of physiological processes. One of the most important factors is having an adequate blood flow in the principal erectile tissue in the penis known as the corpus cavernosum. This depends on the normal functionality of the blood vessels that supply the blood to the penis.

You cannot have an erection without the action of the nitric oxide on the blood vessels that go to your penis. The erection process is initiated by your nervous system via a spinal reflex (which is the direct link to the penis’s nerves) or via nerve signals that come directly from your brain. These nerves, when stimulated release nitric oxide from their dendrites (nerve endings) in the penis.

Mentaining an erection is a total different process. The maintenance of an erection depends on the nitric oxide released from the endothelial lining of the blood vessels form the penis. If those blood vessels are malfunctioning as a result of a condition such as heart problems or diabetes, you will not be able to achieve and keep an erection.

According to recent studies, antioxidants cand reverse the malfunction of endothelial therefor improving the blood flow in the penis. This is accheived by neutralizing free radicals that are responsible for the oxidative stress and endothelial damage in the penis blood vessels.

Antioxidant supplements can improve erectile function up to 35% in the presence of poor endothelial function due to the metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Medicine like Viagra (Sildenafil) improves erectile function by 50% in the conditions and in combination with antioxidants can enhance penile blood flow by 60%.

Antioxidants play a crucial part in the treatment and prevention of heart problems, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, therefor it is not a big surprise that they can help in associated problems like erectile dysfunction.

Antioxidants play a huge role in treating most of the erectile dysfunction forms. “When it comes to naturally occurring foods in the diet spices have the highest antioxidant activity of all food groups including fruit and vegetables” (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2006 and US Department of Agriculture 2007).

Without going in to much details it is easy to conclude that if you add to your diet antioxidants your health will improve and your sex life will massive boosted.

“At present, recommendations are warranted to support the consumption of foods rich in bioactive components, such as herbs and spices. With time, we can expect to see a greater body of scientific evidence supporting the benefits of herbs and spices in the overall maintenance of health and protection from disease.” Prof. Linda Tapsell, National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods, University of Wollongong, Australia