There are some conditions that are absolutely natural and common, yet still carry a stigma. Erectile dysfunction is one such condition.
The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that by age 40, approximately 40 percent of men experience some kind of erectile dysfunction (and by age 70, that number jumps to 70 percent). Despite this, no one wants to talk about it.
We get it. It’s a private matter and it can be embarrassing.
We believe that’s part of the reason people scour the internet looking for home remedies and over-the-counter supplements to “fix” their sexual problems — it’s much easier than going to a healthcare professional.
The trade-off, however, is that you'll find a lot of misinformation and possibly waste your time (and money) on products that just don’t work.
Beet juice is one such home remedy that is mentioned online for the possible treatment of erectile dysfunction. But like many of the doctor-avoiding solutions you’ll find online, it lacks actual proof of effectiveness.
You know beets, even if only the pickled form on salad bars. They’re deep red and taste like dirt, or as foodies say, “earthy.”
Beet juice is the juice derived from these root vegetables. Look around the Internet, and you’ll see it called beet juice, beet root juice and beetroot juice. But for the purposes of this article, they’re one in the same.
Beets have been grown for thousands of years. In colonial America they were prized for their resilience in winter months.
Now, they’re less likely to be depended on for sustenance and more likely to be served with goat cheese or at your favorite juice bar.
Beets and thus beetroot juice are rich in fiber, antioxidants, saponins, nitrate (more on that later) and phenolic compounds; vitamins such as retinol, B-complex, and vitamin C; and minerals such as sodium, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and potassium.
Yes, beetroot juice is good for you, in large part because of the components found in it listed above. And there is evidence for some of the reported health benefits. Here is a brief summary:
The short answer to this question is: we don’t know. But the full answer is a little more complex.
Recall how beet juice or beetroot supplementation can increase nitric oxide in the body. Well, in addition to potential cardiovascular effects, this could be beneficial for erections.
It’s important to point out, however, that there is no scientific proof that beetroot can improve erections or fight erectile dysfunction. But, in theory, it’s possible.
Nitric oxide plays a very important role in your ability to achieve an erection. And just like nitric oxide impairment is thought to play a role in your increased risk of heart disease, it’s believed to play a role in your increased risk of erectile dysfunction. And, as we discussed above, beetroot supplementation can increase nitric oxide within the body.
Beet root is sometimes suggested as a viable treatment for erectile dysfunction. For example, this article from Renal and Urology News suggests drinking beet juice “a few hours before having sexual intercourse,” but this source and others do not share the evidence for their suggestions.
We know beet juice may increase nitric oxide in your body, but we do not know if this has any impact on your sexual health.
There simply isn’t a body of scientific research supporting any such claims.
We do know that beet juice is good for you, so feel free to drink up.
But if you’re in search of proven erectile dysfunction treatment, you’re likely better off going another route.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.