Food and sexual performance.
I hesitated to write this essay.
After all, my mother sometimes peruses my pieces.
But the topic is fascinating, so you learn about foods that can enhance your sex life.
Of course, I cannot resist a quote from my favorite comedian:
“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What’s that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you’re too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you’re young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating …and you finish off as an orgasm.”
― George Carlin
Orgasm Factors
Here are some of the factors that influence our sex and orgasm quality (I think this is the part where I hope Mom is not reading):
- stress
- relationships
- overall health
- thyroid problems
- prostate issues
So, folks, listen up: Your diet could be the secret to unlocking better sex.
Let’s get to a few simple dietary tweaks that may unlock your potential.
1. Food and Sexual Performance: Oysters
I hear about this one a lot, mostly via jokes.
So I was surprised to learn that zinc plays a crucial role in men’s sexual health, influencing a variety of functions:
- Testosterone Levels: Zinc is essential for producing and regulating testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Low zinc levels can decrease testosterone, impacting libido, energy, and muscle mass.
- Erectile Health and Blood Flow: Zinc helps maintain healthy blood vessels and circulation, which is vital for achieving and maintaining erections. It also contributes to nitric oxide production, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the penis.
- Fertility: Zinc is essential for sperm production and maturation. Adequate zinc levels support healthy sperm count, motility, and morphology, all of which are important for male fertility.
- Prostate Health: The prostate gland contains high zinc concentrations, essential for normal function. Zinc deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of prostate problems, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and perhaps prostate cancer.
WARNING: One study showed that, compared to never-users, men who used supplement zinc more than 75 mg/day were at higher risk for lethal and aggressive prostate cancer forms.
Other Foods With Zinc
Here are some other foods that contain zinc:
- seafood (such as lobster)
- red meat
- poultry (turkey in particular)
- nuts (especially cashews and almonds)
- beans
- whole grains
- cereals
- dairy
2. Food and Sexual Performance: Apples
Yes, this common fruit can promote better sexual health.
Thankfully, I love apples.
Today, it’s Cosmic Crisp ones from my home state of Washington.
Why would apples improve sexual functioning?
Quercetin.
How does Quercetin work its magic? The substance plays a role in the following:
- improving circulation
- treating erectile dysfunction
- managing symptoms of prostatitis (a prostate disorder typically associated with inflammation)
Apples, Quercetin, Blood Pressure, and More
Here’s what I mean from a practical perspective.
The Quercetin in my apples helps lower my blood pressure.
Here’s some evidence:
A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled, randomized trials showed this:
Quercetin supplementation significantly reduced blood pressure (BP), especially when the dosage exceeded 500 milligrams daily.
While these results are promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings’ clinical importance, dosing, duration of use, and potential interactions with other medicines for high blood pressure.
What’s Quercetin Got To Do With It?
So what’s the Quercetin: sex connection?
High blood pressure can contribute to sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), due to its impact on blood vessel health and blood flow.
The damage to blood vessels caused by hypertension can impair the circulation required for sexual function.
A 2016 study showed this:
Men with higher fruit consumption had about a one-seventh (14 percent) reduction in erectile dysfunction.
I think fruit flavonoids are likely the agent.
Flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can improve cardiovascular health (and, by extension, sexual function).
And we’re not just talking about males.
In females, high blood pressure can lower interest in sex, especially if the hypertension is associated with fatigue.
Finally, lower blood flow to the vagina can influence responses to sexual activity.
Other Foods Rich in Flavanoids
Apples are great, but here are some other fruit options that are rich in flavonoids:
Healthful foods rich in flavonoids include:
- blueberries
- blueberries
- cherries
- citrus fruits
- dark-colored grapes
- red wine
- tea
What are your favorites?
3. Food and Sexual Performance: Beets
Beetroots are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins and are also high in dietary nitrates, which have been linked to several potential health benefits, including:
- Improved blood flow: Dietary nitrates cause vasodilation, which widens blood vessels and improves blood flow.
- Enhanced athletic performance: Some studies suggest that beetroot juice can enhance performance in high-intensity exercise due to improved blood flow and muscle contraction.
- Blood pressure management: Research suggests that dietary nitrates from beetroot juice can help manage blood pressure in healthy individuals and those with hypertension.
The Truth About Beet Juice
WebMD discusses the research on the potential health benefits of beet juice.www.webmd.com
Beets: Potential benefits for sexual health
While more research is needed to confirm a direct link, the same mechanisms that improve blood flow and athletic performance may also benefit sexual health by:
- Improving blood flow and stamina during sex: Increased blood flow is crucial for sexual arousal and function.
- Supporting overall heart health: Good heart health is important for sexual function.
Here are some other foods that are rich in nitrates:
- arugula (for my British friends, rocket)
- celery
- cress (garden cress)
- lettuce
- radish
- spinach
Beets and Potential for Sexual Performance
When you consume beet juice, the nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in your body. This compound helps relax and widen blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
In addition to its potential blood pressure benefits, beet juice may enhance exercise performance.
The nitric oxide produced from the nitrates in beet juice can improve blood flow and reduce the oxygen cost of exercise, potentially leading to better endurance and stamina.
Some (but certainly not all) studies suggest that drinking beet juice for several days before intense physical activity can help athletes perform better and recover faster.
Of course, while these findings are promising, it is always a good idea to consider these benefits in the context of a balanced diet and overall lifestyle.
4. Food and Sexual Performance: Salmon
As a resident of the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., I cannot resist mentioning salmon.
Why might salmon help in the sexual arena?
Omega-3 fatty acids.
These substances promote heart health.
Keeping your circulatory system working well lowers the risk of certain diseases impairing optimal sexual functioning.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends getting at least two servings of fish per week.
Summary – Food and Sexual Performance
Some foods may help boost your sex drive and improve your overall sexual health.
Examples include:
- Oysters: Oysters are a good source of zinc, which is important for testosterone production. Testosterone is a hormone that affects libido and sexual function in both men and women.
- Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, linked to improved blood flow and circulation. Good blood flow is important for sexual arousal and function.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. These nutrients are important for hormone production and sexual health.
- Fruits: Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help improve overall health and well-being, indirectly improving sexual function.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These nutrients can help improve overall health and well-being, indirectly helping sexual function.
Fine Print – Food and Sexual Performance
Diet plays a role in sexual health, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
If you’re experiencing issues like low libido, pain during sex, or impotence, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
They can help identify underlying causes and provide personalized advice or treatments.
Sometimes, these issues can be related to hormonal imbalances, stress, or other health conditions that need professional attention.
A proactive approach can make a big difference in your well-being and intimate relationships.
Your thoughts? (Not you, mom.)
Get an email whenever Dr. Michael Hunter publishes.
drmichaelhunter.medium.com
Thank you for reading “Eat Your Way to a Better Sex Life: Ultimate Foods for Libido and Performance.”
