Pomegranate benefits for male sexual health

If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED) or low libido, you might be looking for ways to boost your sexual health with superfoods like pomegranate or pomegranate juice. But what are the pomegranate benefits for males sexually?

Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and nutrients like vitamin E and potassium that may support cardiovascular health, prostate function, and possibly even insulin sensitivity. Since blood flow, hormone balance, and metabolic health all play a role in erectile function, it’s possible that pomegranate could offer some benefits sexually. However, the evidence is still limited —  especially in humans  — so think of pomegranate as a potential bonus, not a proven solution.

Read on to learn about the benefits of this supercharged fruit and what else to do if you’re experiencing ED or struggling to perform at your best sexually. 

Pomegranate has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and in recent years, modern research has begun to explore its potential health benefits. While studies are still in the early stages, pomegranate has been linked to supporting cardiovascular health, protecting prostate function, improving metabolic markers, and possibly aiding in blood sugar regulation and weight management.

Let’s take a closer look at these potential perks, shall we?

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May stave off diabetes

Fruit juice isn’t typically associated with diabetic health, but limited studies have shown that pomegranate juice may be an exception to the (unwritten) rule. 

One small study found that drinking fresh pomegranate juice significantly lowered blood sugar and insulin resistance and increased insulin levels in people with prediabetes shortly after consumption. These effects suggest that pomegranate juice may help improve early markers of metabolic dysfunction and potentially help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, a condition that commonly leads to ED. It’s worth noting, however, that the study involved just 28 participants, and only 10 were males. 

According to a 2013 review, pomegranate juice’s potential power to help prevent diabetes may be due in part to the numerous antioxidants — specifically, polyphenols in the form of tannins and anthocyanins —  found in the fruit. Still, more research is needed to truly understand the impact of fruit (and its juice) on long-term blood sugar control and diabetes prevention before it is routinely recommended. 

May protect your prostate

Several studies have shown that pomegranate extracts and juice may help protect against the development of prostate cancer cells, and limited research has also shown a possible role in slowing the progression of certain prostate cancers. 

A 2017 review concluded that evidence for pomegranate juice as a prostate cancer treatment remains limited overall. However, it noted that people with certain genetic profiles appeared to respond more favorably to the fruit’s antioxidant compounds. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that pomegranate may offer some support for prostate health — and possibly sexual health — making it a fruit juice worth sipping from time to time.

May support cardiovascular health 

Few studies have examined pomegranate’s effects on heart health, and the results so far have been mixed. That said, one clinical trial of 55 participants found that pomegranate extract caused a “significant” decrease in diastolic blood pressure after eight weeks. However, there did not appear to be a significant benefit in other areas, such as systolic blood pressure, body fat, and waist circumference. 

Another review from 2012 identified numerous antioxidant benefits to consuming pomegranate that may help prevent artery hardening (atherogenesis), although the studies included research with both humans and mice. This may be the method by which it can help with cardiovascular health, since a 2020 review found little to suggest that pomegranate significantly affects serum lipid profiles. Overall, further research is needed to better understand the relationship between pomegranate and heart health, but it’s plausible that its antioxidant effects contribute to its potential benefits.

May help prevent obesity

One of the indirect pomegranate benefits for males sexually may have to do with its ability to protect against obesity — a risk factor for ED. While studies are somewhat limited, some of the findings are encouraging. 

A 2023 meta-analysis of 28 total trials assessed the effects of pomegranate on obesity indices. While researchers found that many measures of obesity, such as waist circumference, fat mass, and body fat percentage, were not significantly affected by pomegranate intake, some results showed a significant reduction in body weight and, specifically, body mass index (BMI). These effects may be due to pomegranate’s ability to decrease dietary fat absorption and increase fat cell breakdown, but more research is needed to understand how to best make use of this fruit.

May improve fertility

A 2008 study found that rats given daily pomegranate juice for seven weeks saw increased sperm concentration, sperm motility, and more well-formed sperm in general. Furthermore, the rats treated with pomegranate juice also saw lower rates of abnormal sperm compared to the control group. That said, research on humans is needed to truly determine how, if at all, pomegranate (the fruit and juice) may affect sperm quality and, in turn, fertility. 

Pomegranate is neither an accepted treatment nor a simple cure for ED. Though research is limited and results are mixed, it is still possible that the fruit may offer health benefits that can potentially improve ED when consumed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle over time. 

A randomized control trial looked at the effects of pomegranate juice (vs. placebo) in 53 participants with erectile dysfunction after 10 weeks. While some of the participants reported improved erectile function after drinking pomegranate juice, the results were not statistically significant compared to the placebo.

Another very small study of 16  men with penile prosthesis implants found that pomegranate juice may also help relax the smooth muscles leading to the corpus cavernosum (the spongy erectile tissue in your penis). This could mean pomegranate juice intake can help support healthy erections. However, the effects of pomegranate juice are likely significantly less potent and predictable compared to actual prescription ED medications like Viagra and Cialis. 

Pomegranate juice can be a healthy beverage for sexual performance as part of a well-balanced diet, and consuming it regularly could have subtle, indirect impacts on your sexual performance. 

One 2014 review cited numerous indirect benefits of drinking pomegranate juice, including blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammatory, and hyperglycemic protections. Diabetes, cholesterol, inflammation, obesity, and high blood pressure are all associated conditions that could lead to sexual dysfunction. Of course, this review contained many animal studies, and further research is needed on the results of pomegranate in human beings.

Another 2013 review examined the potential role that pomegranate extracts could play in urological health and wellness, noting that extracts had a similar nutrient and antioxidant content to 250-500 mL of juice. This review contained a mix of basic science research and clinical trials involving humans. The authors found that pomegranate extract offered benefits in the management of oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypoxia and potentially even in the prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction.

Pomegranate — as a whole fruit and a juice — is typically considered safe for adult consumption. But the root, stem, and peel contain substances with potentially harmful effects, so they should not be consumed in large amounts. The most commonly reported side effects of pomegranate are digestive tract symptoms such as diarrhea, though interestingly, pomegranate has also been hypothesized to benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its anti-inflammatory effects, though further research is needed to confirm this potential effect. 

It’s possible to have an allergy to pomegranate. If you experience hives, swelling, rash, trouble breathing, vomiting, stomach pain, or vomiting after eating or drinking the fruit, seek immediate medical attention as these are signs of an allergic reaction. And, of course, if you already know that you are allergic to pomegranate, you should steer clear of the fruit (in any form) altogether. 

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 While more research is needed to determine how pomegranate can actually benefit male sexual health, early findings suggest it may offer supportive effects through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s what we know so far: 

• Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. 

• These effects can, in turn, support cardiovascular health when consumed regularly over a long period of time and improve blood sugar control in combination with a balanced diet. Alongside a healthy lifestyle, they can also potentially protect against conditions that contribute to sexual dysfunction (e.g. diabetes, prostate issues). 

• Though far from a cure for ED, pomegranate juice may indirectly improve erectile function by boosting blood flow and relaxing smooth muscles in the penis — two key steps involved in achieving an erection. 

• When it comes to addressing sexual dysfunction and other down-there difficulties, clinically-proven treatments, such as Viagra or Cialis, are way more reliable and effective than simply adding more pomegranate (fruit or juice) to your diet.

• If you’re dealing with ED or down-there difficulties, consulting your healthcare provider is always your best bet to ensure you’re safely and effectively addressing your symptoms.