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Almonds Benefits Sexually: Do Almonds Have a Sexual Benefit?

Kelly Brown MD, MBA

Reviewed by Kelly Brown MD, MBA

Written by Erica Garza

Published 07/15/2024

Believe it or not, “almonds benefits sexually” isn’t the most obscure Google search. You may not think of eating almonds while pregaming before a date — but maybe you should be.

According to some research, this superfood contains a number of essential nutrients that can boost sexual health. Eating almonds is linked to a higher sex drive, improved erectile function, and even better sperm quality.

And those are just almonds benefits sexually. Research shows these nuts can also elevate overall health and maybe even lower the chance of developing ED (erectile dysfunction) in the future.

Keep reading to discover why almonds are a valuable addition to any diet, especially for guys who want to enhance their sexual health.

Almonds are a highly beneficial snack when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. They’re a good source of protein, fatty acids, amino acids, and fiber.

Almonds also contain numerous vitamins and essential minerals, like:

  • Vitamin E

  • Vitamin B

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

  • Manganese

  • Potassium

  • Copper

  • Iron

  • Zinc

Almonds are a low-glycemic index (GI) food. Studies show they can improve a person’s blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress, thanks to the high antioxidant content. They might also reduce inflammation in the body.

What does this mean for your health? Regularly eating almonds has been associated with a lower risk of various diseases, including:

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Obesity

  • Metabolic syndrome

They may offer protection against cardiovascular disease, help you maintain a healthy weight, and — as you’ll see below — even improve your sexual health.

ED Treatment

Read up before getting down

Do almonds boost sexual function?

Studies have shown that eating almonds may improve:

  • Sexual desire

  • Erectile function

  • Sperm quality

These effects could be partly due to almonds’ ability to improve blood flow, which is crucial for arousal, erections, and sperm production. Here’s what to know.

Higher Sexual Desire

You may think of oysters and chocolate when talking about aphrodisiacs. But there’s some research that says you should add almonds to the list.

In a 2019 study, researchers had men follow either a nut-free Western diet or a Western diet that included nuts. After 14 weeks, they asked participants about their sex lives.

Men who ate a mix of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts reported increased sexual desire and orgasm quality compared to those who didn’t eat nuts. The study authors speculated that these effects might have resulted from the nuts’ high antioxidant and fatty acid content.

Improved Erectile Function

One of the amino acids in almonds is arginine. Arginine is a precursor (or “building block”) of nitric oxide. And nitric oxide is a potent chemical messenger that helps with erections by relaxing blood vessels in the penis.

Relaxed blood vessels = better blood flow.

Almonds and other nuts are usually part of the Mediterranean diet. In a 2017 review, researchers found a link between this diet and a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. They credited arginine for enhancing nitric oxide activity.

Another study with over 21,000 men confirmed the link between the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of ED. When men under 60 followed healthy eating patterns that included nuts, vegetables, and legumes, they had the lowest risk of ED. Similar trends were observed in older age groups too.

Increased Sperm Quality

In the 2019 study comparing nut-free Western diets to Western diets with nuts, researchers also found positive effects on sperm.

Men who ate nuts saw improvements in sperm quality. They had higher sperm counts, and their sperm looked and moved better than the sperm of men who didn’t eat nuts.

What’s more, there was a notable reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation. (Sperm fragmentation means there’s damage or breaks in a sperm’s genetic material.) Researchers pointed to healthy fats, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients as the main drivers of these positive outcomes.

The one-stop sex shop

A number of health conditions contribute to erectile dysfunction, both physiological and psychological.

Some of the most common risk factors for ED include:

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol levels

  • Low testosterone production (“low T”)

  • Kidney disease

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

While genetic factors can affect whether you develop one of these health conditions, many are related to lifestyle habits.

Numerous studies and clinical trials have highlighted the protective effects eating nuts has against medical conditions like those listed above. Plus, people who regularly eat nuts tend to have a lower waist circumference and better overall health.

Adding almonds to your diet is a step in the right direction to support weight loss and improve heart health, sexual health, and overall well-being.

In fact, compared to other nuts, almonds have some of the highest amounts of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Meanwhile, they’re among the lowest in calories, carbohydrates, and saturated fat.

In a comprehensive review of the health benefits of almonds, these superfoods were shown to decrease “bad cholesterol,” support gut health, and even enhance brain function. When they replace less nutritious snacks, almonds can improve many of the health factors that contribute to ED.

ED Treatment

Your best sex ever

Unless you have a nut allergy, it might be a good idea to nosh on almonds to improve sexual performance and overall health.

Here’s what to remember about almonds benefits sexually:

  • Almonds have a rich nutritional profile. These nuts are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. They also contain healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal plan.

  • There’s evidence almonds improve sexual health. Studies suggest the benefits of almonds sexually include increased libido, improved erectile function, and enhanced sperm quality. These positive effects might be due to arginine, an amino acid that supports healthy blood flow.

  • They may lower ED risk factors. You might be here because you want to elevate your sex life, but you can’t do that without improving your overall health. Sexual dysfunctions like ED can be related to other health conditions like obesity, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Eating almonds may help reduce the risk of these diseases — and thus reduce the risk of ED.

Eating almonds is just one natural way to improve ED. Find out what other foods can help get you hard, and check out these foods to eat before sex to last longer.

While almonds are a superfood that can supercharge your sex life, they should never serve as a replacement for medical care. If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, explore available ED medications or do a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider today.

5 Sources

  1. Barreca DA, et al. (2020). Almonds (Prunus Dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb): A Source of Nutrients and Health-Promoting Compounds. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146189/
  2. Di Francesco SI, et al. (2017). Mediterranean diet and erectile dysfunction: a current perspective. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510347/
  3. Dreher MA. (2021). A Comprehensive Review of Almond Clinical Trials on Weight Measures, Metabolic Health Biomarkers and Outcomes, and the Gut Microbiota. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8229803/
  4. Salas-Huetos AL, et al. (2019). Effect of Nut Consumption on Erectile and Sexual Function in Healthy Males: A Secondary Outcome Analysis of the FERTINUTS Randomized Controlled Trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627592/
  5. Salas-Huetos AL, et al. (2018). Effect of nut consumption on semen quality and functionality in healthy men consuming a Western-style diet: a randomized controlled trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30475967/
Editorial Standards

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!

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. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

Kelly Brown MD, MBA
Kelly Brown MD, MBA

Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.

She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare.

Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function.

Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health.

Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information.

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