Spinach is rich in folate, a known blood flow booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function. Low blood folic acid levels have been linked…so says a (Trusted Source) to erectile dysfunction.

Boiled spinach contains 66% of the Daily Value (DV)…so says a (Trusted Source) for folate per cup (240 grams), making it one of the most folate‑rich foods around.

Additionally, spinach contains a fair amount of magnesium, which also helps so says a (Trusted Source) blood flow and may boost testosterone levels.

• Caffeine may reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction
• Your morning cup of java may help below the belt, as well.

One study so says a (Trusted Source) in over 3,000 people with penises noted that those who self reported the highest daily caffeine intake (85 – 300 mg per day, equivalent to 1 – 3 cups or 240 – 720 ml of coffee) were less likely to report erectile dysfunction than those with the lowest caffeine intake.

It’s important to note, however, that these findings were based on self‑reporting from the participants, so they may not be completely reliable.

• Apples may reduce the risk of prostate cancer
• Apples have some great all‑around health benefits, but one of their lesser known advantages pertains to prostate health.

Apple peels, in particular, contain the active compound ursolic acid. One test‑tube study so says a (Trusted Source)  has noted that ursolic acid may “starve” prostate cancer cells and prevent them from growing.

Note, however, that much more research is needed to fully understand how this effect would translate to apple peels being eaten…rather than ursolic acid being directly applied to cancer cells.

Regardless, some other studies also suggest so says a (Trusted Source) that people who consume more fruits and vegetables have better odds of beating prostate cancer.

• Avocados may help with sperm quality and testosterone production
• Oddly enough, because of their shape and the fact that they grow in pairs on avocado trees, the Aztecs named avocados after a word meaning “testicles” when they discovered them in 500 B.C.E.

Avocados are rich in vitamin E and zinc, which may improve sperm quality in people with infertility…Zinc may also support overall testosterone production so says a (Trusted Source).

Chili peppers may help with overall mood and low libido
One small studyTrusted Source found that people assigned male at birth who preferred spicier food had higher testosterone levels in their saliva than those that preferred milder flavors.

While this doesn’t mean spicy food increases testosterone levels, the chemical capsaicin found in hot peppers may have some bedroom advantages.

Dietary capsaicin intake may stimulate your brain’s pleasure centers, which could potentially improve your mood and provide an aphrodisiac effect.

However, most of the research regarding capsaicin and mood has been done in animal studiesTrusted Source…so it should be taken with a grain of salt.

Carrots may help with sperm count and motility
Looking to improve your sperm count? Science says to eat more carrots.

This veggie may improve both sperm count and motility (the movement and swimming of sperm) due to its carotenoid content…so says a (Trusted Source).

Carotenoids are the orange pigmented antioxidants in carrots that provideTrusted Source many of their health benefits.

Oats may help with low libido, circulation, and testosterone production
Oatmeal may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of sexual health, but it could have some beneficial effects on erectile function.

Oats are considered an aphrodisiac, and they may be beneficial for improving blood flow to the penis. They contain the amino acid L arginine, which may help treat erectile dysfunction and boost testosterone levels…so says a (Trusted Source).

L arginine is thought to help blood vessels in the penis relax so that blood flow to the area can increase.

However, recent studies suggestTrusted Source that the blood vessel relaxing effects of L arginine may not be as powerful as they were once thought to be.

Tomatoes may help with sperm count and motility
Nutrient and antioxidant rich tomatoes offer several potential benefits related to sexual health, fertility, and prostate health.

They contain lycopene, a red pigmented antioxidant that has been linked to healthier sperm production. In addition, they’re rich in vitamin C, which may be linkedTrusted Source to increased sperm concentrations.

Because of their lycopene content, tomato consumption may also be associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer…so says a (Trusted Source).

Finally, one small studyTrusted Source in 44 participants with infertility also noted that drinking tomato juice for 12 weeks was associated with healthier semen and increased sperm motility.

The bottom line…

These eight foods all have some research pointing to their positive effects on male fertility, sexual health, or prostate health, but most of the research is limited.

What’s important to note, though, is that all of these are whole, minimally processed foods.

Looking for more ways to promote prostate or sexual health? Check out our best tips to prevent prostate cancer and advice on improving your sex life.

Dietary patterns that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other minimally processed foods…along with adequate protein and healthy fats…have been shown to help reduce, erectile dysfunction risk, improve prostate health, and optimize fertility…so says a (Trusted Source) .

Tiffany La Forge is a professional chef, recipe developer, and food writer who runs the blog Parsnips and Pastries. Her blog focuses on real food for a balanced life, seasonal recipes, and approachable health advice. When she’s not in the kitchen, Tiffany enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling, organic gardening, and hanging out with her corgi, Cocoa. Visit her at her blog or on Instagram.

• Written By: Tiffany La Forge…(Catch her at) Blog…Parsnips and Pastries
• Written By: Tess Catlett
• Medically Reviewed By: Jared Meacham, Ph.D., RD, PMP, MBA, CSCS
• Copy Edited By: Copy Editors
• Edited By: Cheryl S. Grant
• This article is for informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice or treatment
• For more article goto https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/foods-for-penis