What Are The Sexual Benefits of Dates for Men?

The next time you’re sweetening a smoothie, throw in a few dates. You may end up sweetening your sexual performance too. What are dates benefits sexually? We’re glad you asked.

Due to their impact on the vascular system, dates can potentially improve sexual health by lowering the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), increasing libido, and enhancing fertility.

On top of all that, research shows they’re good for heart health, brain function, digestion, and the immune system.

But how effective are they, really? And should you eat them every day to reap the sexual perks?

Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of this superfood and what the science says about the purported sexual benefits of dates for men.

Native to the Middle East, date fruits come from the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera). They’ve been used in folk medicine for thousands of years to improve immunity, aid digestion, support fertility, and lower the risk of infectious diseases.

Many of their health benefits have been cited in scientific literature, including:

• Improved cardiovascular health. Rich in polyphenols (antioxidant-rich plant compounds) and micronutrients, dates have been shown to support cardiovascular health and potentially lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

• Healthy digestion. Dates are also high in fiber, which can support healthier bowel movements if you struggle with constipation.

• Enhanced immunity. Dates may help boost the immune system and protect against infectious diseases by increasing the number of natural killer cells in the body and reducing inflammation.

• Increased energy levels. Dates can raise your energy levels, thanks to the high content of vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.

• Improved brain function. Studies show that eating dates may enhance cognitive performance (brain function) and protect against neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

They’re tasty and all, but can dates boost your sex life?

Research shows that eating dates may enhance sexual performance due to the way they impact the vascular system (how blood is carried throughout your body). They can potentially reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, improve sperm health, and even enhance sex drive.

But how effective are they? Let’s find out.

Better Blood Flow

To understand the positive effects dates have on sexual function, you need to look at how they impact your blood flow.

Eating date fruit is linked to better vascular function. This means better blood flow throughout the body, including to the genitals. The effects may improve your sexual health because healthy blood flow is a critical component of arousal and performance in both men and women.

Dates have potent antioxidant properties to help reduce oxidative stress throughout the body, including within blood vessels. This might protect the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), which is essential for healthy sexual function.

Reduced Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

Is there any proof that eating dates can help ED?

According to a 2019 study on 128 infertile couples, it just might. Men who ate dates reported not only better erectile function but also improved orgasmic function and intercourse satisfaction.

In an animal study from 2022, researchers found that dates improved sexual performance partly because they inhibited phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) activity. PDE5 is an enzyme found in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels.

This enzyme breaks down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (or cGMP), reducing blood flow. Blocking PDE5 might help improve blood flow to the penis.

ED medications like Viagra^® (and generic sildenafil) and Cialis^® (tadalafil) also inhibit PDE5. But it would be a stretch to say dates work as well as these drugs.

While it might be worthwhile to add dates to your diet, you probably shouldn’t rely on them as a treatment for ED — at least until more human studies are performed.

Enhanced Libido

You may think of oysters when it comes to aphrodisiacs — but don’t overlook dates.

In that same 2019 study on infertile couples, eating dates improved sexual desire in both men and women. The researchers said this might be because of dates’ ability to increase sex hormones and impact the central nervous system.

And we already mentioned how dates improve blood flow, which is vital for sexual arousal and sexual stamina.

Improved Fertility

There’s also some evidence that dates may improve fertility by enhancing hormonal function and semen quality.

In a 2021 review, researchers found several studies linking date consumption to increases in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which all play a role in male fertility.

They also found evidence that dates improve sperm quality, with increases seen in sperm count and motility (how well sperm move).

Are there any risks or side effects to eating dates? If you eat them in moderation, probably not. But don’t overdo it.

Though dates are high in fiber and antioxidants, there’s a reason some people eat them for dessert. They also contain lots of natural sugars like glucose and fructose. Eating too many could make your blood sugar spike or lead to unintentional weight gain over time.

But not all sugar is bad. In recipes that call for refined sugar, consider using dates instead. As a natural sweetener, dates have a low glycemic index, meaning they’re less likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels like the processed sugars found in most baked goods and soft drinks.

Just be sure to opt for fresh dates over dried dates because they have a lower sugar content. You’ll typically find Medjool dates or Deglet Noor varieties at your local grocery store.

Nutritional Value of the Date Fruit

Dates are considered a good source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re high in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, which help balance free radicals in the body.

Here’s a quick glance at their nutritional profile:

• Total calories: 278

• Carbohydrates: 18 grams

• Fiber: 1.61 grams

• Total sugars: 16 grams

• Calcium: 15.4 milligrams

• Magnesium: 13 milligrams

• Manganese: 0.07 milligrams

• Potassium: 167 milligrams

• Phosphorus: 14.9 milligrams

• Vitamin B6: 0.06 milligrams

What’s more, dates contain a whopping 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the human body.

Are there dates and date seeds benefits, sexually speaking? At this point, we don’t have enough evidence to confirm this.

Including dates in your diet as part of a balanced eating plan may boost your sexual health and overall well-being. But you shouldn’t rely on this naturally sweet snack as a treatment for any type of sexual dysfunction.

Here’s what to remember about dates benefits sexually:

• Research on the sexual benefits of dates is promising but limited. There’s some evidence that consuming dates may improve sexual health. But much more is needed (especially on humans) before you swap your medication for this natural sweetener. It’s also unclear if date fruits have the same sexual benefits as date seeds — studies vary on what part of the plant they deem most nutritious.

• Dates offer many other health benefits. Dates are a highly nutritious superfood that may improve vascular health, immunity, digestion, and energy levels.

• Eat them in moderation. Besides being high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, dates contain a lot of sugar. Eating too many could lead to weight gain or elevated blood sugar. When eaten in moderation, they’re a solid addition to a healthy diet.

Want to learn more about the connection between diet and men’s health? Find out what foods help you get hard, check out these aphrodisiac foods, and discover the best foods for male virility.