The Health Diva

The sexual response, penile erection and clitoral engorgement, rely on a flow of blood to the genitals. Hardening of the arteries or any other condition that reduces blood flow, such as heart failure, will effectively reduce this most important aspect of sexual function. Other conditions that will affect blood flow to the genitals include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood lipids and smoking. Another important problem for men is ‘leaky vein’ syndrome. Blood in the erect penis has to be kept there, and this means slowing down the rate at which blood leaves the penis via the veins. If the veins are incompetent or leaky then this can lead to problems.

The Ginkgo Biloba extract (GBE) enhances blood circulation and increases the supply of oxygen to the heart, brain and all body parts. In addition, it acts as an anti-oxidant and thereby has anti-ageing effects.

In men, it improves the arterial inflow to erectile tissues through arteries and veins without any change to systemic blood pressure. It is therefore considered to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of male impotence due to lack of blood flow.

Ginkgo combines well with Horse Chestnut, which is the most important herbal remedy to support and strengthen blood flow through the veins.

The amino acid arginine has been linked to both male hormonal balance and cardiovascular support. Like the drug sildenafil citrate (Viagra), L-Arginine is thought to enhance the action of nitric oxide, which relaxes muscles surrounding blood vessels supplying the penis. As a result, blood vessels in the penis dilate, increasing blood flow, which helps maintain an erection. The difference in how they work is that Viagra blocks an enzyme called PDE5 which destroys nitric oxide and L-Arginine is used to make nitric oxide.

In one study, 50 men with erectile dysfunction took either 5 grams of L-Arginine per day or a placebo. After six weeks, more men in the L-Arginine group had an improvement compared to those taking the placebo.

Look after your heart!

Stop smoking, start regular gentle exercise, will all help to improve circulation.

Eating plenty of essential fats such as oily fish nuts and seeds, dark berry fruits and green stem vegetables are packed with antioxidant nutrients to protect and support the cardiovascular system.
For more detailed information check out our cardiovascular health page.