Having a healthy libido is linked to feeling emotionally and physically healthy.
It comes as no surprise that the foods, like Truffle Mushrooms and Oysters we eat play a role in boosting our sex lives.
Sex! No need to feel ashamed or embarrassed for peeking into this article. We’re all sexual beings! In fact, just like physical and emotional health, sexual health is critical to overall health and well-being. Having a healthy libido or sex drive is linked to feeling emotionally and physically healthy. It comes as no surprise that the foods we eat play a role in boosting our sex lives.
This list of foods to improve your sexual health may help improve your life dramatically. What do you have to lose? Dive deeper into this blog to find out more about sexual health and foods that can help improve your overall sexual health:
What is the importance of sexual health?
First and foremost, sex is not just about knockin’ boots not having intercourse. It’s about taking charge of your reproductive health and advocating for your emotional well-being surrounding intimate relationships.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, someone who is sexually healthy will process the following characteristics, behaviors, and belief systems in regards to sex and relationships:
- Sexuality is a natural part of someone’s life
- Sexuality involves more than sexual behavior
- Everyone has sexual rights
- Make safe, reliable efforts to prevent STIs and unintended pregnants (and seek care and treatment, if needed)
- Experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when they desire those type of experiences
- Openly communicate about their needs with an intimate partner and healthcare providers when needed
These are goals to strive for provided by the ASHA, but know you do not have to check off everything from this list to have good sexual health. As they continue, “Each person has different ideas and standards for sexual health, and it is an incredibly personal part of a person’s identity and behavior.” But as a rule of thumb, safety, both emotionally and physically, and happiness for everyone in an intimate, sexual relationship keeps living a sexually healthy, authentic life.
When people have healthy, fulfilling relationships, it can improve their overall quality of life, physically and mentally, and may even extend their life.
How can you improve sexual health?
There are many pathways to improving sexual health, like managing stress and eating a proper diet. In fact, a diet rich in nutritious foods can benefit your sexual life in various ways:
- Improve libido
- Boost blood flow and heart
- Improve stamina
Vegetables, lean proteins, and low sugar and saturated fat help prevent disorders that affect sex drive, like hormonal conditions and metabolic syndrome.
What are the best top foods for improving sexual health?
#1: Flaxseeds
Flax seeds have notable sexual benefits in both men and women. Sometimes known as linseed, these little brown seeds increase libido by increasing testosterone, the male sex hormone, in the body. It’s primarily responsible for most sexual functions. The presence of fatty acids in flax seeds also serve as building blocks for sex hormones.
Flaxseeds also increase sperm count and promote fertility due to the presence of L-Arginine. The blood flow also increases to sexual organs by flaxseed oil, thus keeping an erection longer.
#2 Red wine
Pour a glass of red wine, perhaps merlot, to naturally boost testosterone levels, which promote sexual function and sexual desire. Red wine also contains polyphenols, which help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Keep in mind; drinking shouldn’t be in excess as it may lower levels of this sex hormone.
#3 Oysters
Zinc is abundantly present in oysters. This chemical element promotes sperm health, testosterone production and boosts fertility in men. The amount of testosterone present in women is less than in men, but it still plays an essential role in female libido.
Interestingly enough, oysters contain dopamine, which helps influence sexual desire in men and women.
The presence of zinc in oysters promotes blood flow within male sex hormones, helping sexual health and behavior.
#4 Pumpkin seeds
Like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds have a great deal of zinc within them, and the above benefits are quite alike. For instance, the male prostate gland benefits greatly from pumpkin seeds due to rich zinc and magnesium.
Pumpkin sees it contain antioxidative, antihypertensive, and cardioprotective nutrients, all essential for optimal sexual health.
Pumpkin seeds also reduce the chances of prostate cancer, increase sperm production, count, and motility.
#5 Beets
Lettuce, Turnip, the BEETS! These packed veggies have aphrodisiac properties and contain nitrates, which promote healthy blood circulation.
#6 Pomegranate seeds
Testosterone, the primary sex male hormone in men, is responsible for various things, such as regulating estrogen levels and playing an essential role in female sex drive.
Pomegranate seeds are chock-full of polyphenols, a compound associated with reducing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. They also help relax blood vessels and boost blood flow to the brain and heart. If polyphenols improve blood flow in these areas, why not to other areas below the belt?
Not only do polyphenols help with blood flow (below the belt), they are packed with flavones, which promote erectile health, and vitamin C, which helps decrease stress and builds stamina.
#7 Avocado
Did you know the word “avocado” is derived from the ancient Aztec word meaning “testicle?” Consequently enough, avocados are an excellent source for testicle health (or for what lies inside of them).
Avocados are packed with Vitamin C, a crucial ingredient to helping widen blood vessels and potentially lowering the risk of certain heart diseases.
Other perks of this south-of-the-border treat include boosting energy and providing an overall sense of well-being.
Related Read: Men’s Nutrition 101: What to Eat, Where to Get it
#8 Salmon
This fishy-dish helps increase dopamine levels in the brain because it contains omega-3s, making you more energetic and sexually active. We understand that omega-3s help benefit the circulatory system run smoothly, helping lower the risk of certain diseases that may affect sexual health. Eat this pink-fleshed fish, as well as halibut, sardines, and tuna may help you keep your body and sex life healthy!
#9 Apples
“An apple a day may keep the gynecologist away.” That’s the phrase, right? We all know apples have many health benefits, but did you know they may help you “in the sack?” Yes! A compound is known as Quercetin, a flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and is found in many apples. Quercetin helps manage prostatitis symptoms, treatment of erectile dysfunction, and supports overall circulation within the body.
#10 Truffle Mushrooms
Get your old huntin’ dog out and search for truffle mushrooms if you’re looking to promote sexual feelings, including sexual desire.
During the love-making phase, few odorous substances secreted, which are similar to testosterone, are called alpha-androstenol to attract females.
These edible aphrodisiac mushrooms should be at the top of your list!
Conclusion
Like our physical and mental health, sexual health is equally vital for achieving a happy, healthy life. By reducing stress and eating a nutritious diet, it’s easy to promote the health of those organs below the belt. Countless natural sources promote your sexual performance by treating erectile dysfunction, improving blood circulation, or boosting libido. On top of these nutritious tips, we encourage you to speak to a health clinician about your sexual health.
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Inspirational Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-for-better-sex
https://www.healthline.com/health/7-foods-enhance-your-sex-life#bottom-line
