I don't think it is a coincidence that since implementing a regimen of daily ingestion of 5g of dark (88%) cocoa my erectile function has been fantastic. There appears to be some science to back this up.
jw1441
I would like to read the science to back the dark chocolate as an ED drug. Can you provide them?
I like the dark chocolate in any case, so I will give it a try :)
James
The are no properties whatsoever within high cocoa-solids chocolate that are known to have a measurable effect erectile function. But that being said, there are some mild psychoactive properties (mild euphoria) that might explain a slight reduction in sexual inhibition. I have an ex-gf who would always get horny after generous portions of chocolate cake. And it does seem to have some medicinal effects, as it is well known in helping to alleviate certain kinds migraines. I often consume about 20 grams of dark choc at the onset of a migraine, but I've never found it to coincide with improved erectile function. Shame, it would be awesome if it did!
jw1441....Maybe you are just much happier after eating the chocolate which helps improve your sexual activities. A depressed person has problems with sex. It may be the mental attitude that makes the difference. Not trying to be funny, this could be true. dplookin
QuoteThe are no properties whatsoever within high cocoa-solids chocolate that are known to have a measurable effect erectile function
Not true, it's high in arginine, there are better foods than dark chocolate that improve erectile function like onions, chicken, fava beans, chickpeas, fatty fish, garlic, pomegranate, etc
Did anyone read my post on proanthocyanidins? I'd have to disagree with you Welshwales.
Chocolate definitely improves endothelial and arterial health, raises nitric oxide, and even has theobromine and caffeine which are phosphodiesterase inhibitors and TGF-beta blockers no different than pentox. Flavanols and proanthocyanidins do raise nitric oxide rather dramatically when taken in supplement form. There are studies on this, even if not directly on chocolate and erection quality. I would not be surprised if simply consuming a lot of cocoa had noticeable effects just like Grape Seed Extract and Pine Bark.
Cocoa flavonols and procyanidins promote transforming growth factor... - PubMed - NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12524479)
Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilation in ... - PubMed - NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14654748)
Cocoa flavanols: effects on vascular nitric oxide and blood pressure (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022066/)
I was eating dark chocolate in the past in "commercial" quantities for a different illness. I felt energetic during that period, but can't say if helped with ED because I had no ED/Peyronies problem at that time. If I am thinking back, it also increased my sex drive, even it was always very high.
James