Sun sets, curtains down, candles lit. As the night draws in, you and your date are getting gradually intimate. Everything is perfect, except . . .
Have you ever been in this situation before, that either your brain is not ready or your body is not ready, or that your performance is not up to your expectation? If that is you, and I believe that most of you are at one point or another, this article is for you. Read on for the 5 commonly available food groups that YOU can easily incorporate into your daily diet for an enhanced sex life.
Meats are not always bad: they are packed with proteins
Smooth blood flow is crucial to sexual response and foods that are packed with proteins is the key for a smoother blood flow. This is because foods that are high in protein – beef, chicken, and other meats – contain amino acids such as Carnitine and L-arginine that improve blood flow. As demonstrated by Rhim et al. (2019), arginine supplements are effective in treating mild to moderate erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow (1). However, although a moderate amount of meats helps your blood move more efficiently, too much red meat will cause harm to your heart and other body organs. As an alternative, you may incorporate whole grains and dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese) as your source of protein.
Pink-fleshed fish keeps your heart healthy
Another food group that promotes healthy blood flow throughout your body is pink-fleshed fish. Pink-fleshed fish, such as salmon, sardine, tuna, and halibut, contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help prevents the buildup of plaque in your arteries, keeps your heart healthy, and promotes healthy blood circulation around the body (2). Not only does pink-fleshed fish helps promote your sex life, it also enhances your general health by being a great source of vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.
Shellfish is the most aphrodisiac of all
Yes – another type of fish. I am sure you all have heard of the aphrodisiac effect of oysters. This is because shellfish like mollusks, lobster, and crab contains a high level of Zinc. Not only is Zinc important for aiding blood flow to the sex organs, it also plays a role in regulating testosterone level. According to Fallah et al. (2018), Zinc is especially important in male fertility and its deficiency has a negative effect on testosterone levels.
However, don’t worry if you are allergic to shellfish (or not a fan of them), RYH has got you covered! Great non-seafood sources of zinc include baked beans, pumpkin seeds, and cereals fortified with Zinc.
Nuts and Seeds helps dilate your blood vessels
Cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, you name it. These are just a few examples of a whole host of healthy snacks that contain L-arginine, whose benefits have been described above: L-arginine is converted by the body into nitric oxide, which helps dilate the blood vessels, allowing smoother blood flow. Next time, instead of reaching for a chocolate bar, try snacking on a handful of nuts and seeds.
Berries are your best friend
Berries such as blueberries and strawberries are rich in quercetin – a type of flavonoid that offers many health benefits. In terms of sexual functioning, quercetin plays important role in promoting circulation, relieving erectile dysfunction, and managing the symptoms of prostatitis. The benefits of quercetin and other flavonoid are widely researched and reported in the scientific literature. For example, Cassidy et al. (2016) reported a 14% reduction in erectile dysfunction in males who had a higher fruit intake due to the flavonoid content. Check out delicious recipes of berry-rich smoothie and bakeries that RYH offers.
Conclusion
Meats, fish, nuts, and fruits –all these sex-benefiting food groups have a common theme of promoting blood circulation around the body. More importantly, these ingredients are not only beneficial for your sex lives but also important for your everyday health. Incorporating them into your meal plans now for a better physical and mental health.
References
- Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al. The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis [published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2020 Mar;17(3):560]. J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):223-234. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.002
- Bäck M. Omega-3 fatty acids in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Future Sci OA. 2017;3(4):FSO236. Published 2017 Oct 5. doi:10.4155/fsoa-2017-0067
- Fallah A, Mohammad-Hasani A, Colagar AH. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization. J Reprod Infertil. 2018;19(2):69-81.
- Cassidy A, Franz M, Rimm EB. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;103(2):534-541. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.122010