Nutrition and Sexual Health: Is there a link?
Have you ever wondered if improving your libido could be as simple as making minor changes in your diet? Recent research has found a probable link between sexual health and nutrition in both males and females.
Aphrodisiac foods can be defined as “foods that spike your sexual desire” (Allina Health, 2015). The way food science researchers have found that these foods increase desire is their various compounds that “enhance bodily sensations and improve blood flow” (Allina Health, 2015). Although it is still under speculation if these foods really do improve your sexual health- including foods such as artichokes, chocolate, spicy chili peppers, and watermelon include vital antioxidants and vitamins proven to boost your overall health.
For example, watermelon contains citrulline, which is an amino acid that acts as a vasodilator to increase blood flow and stimulate sexual arousal; much like some male enhancement drugs such as Viagra (Taylor, 2022).
When it comes down to the bigger picture, most research has concluded that sexual health may not be food-specific, but rather your overall nutritional health plays the larger role. Researchers found that obesity has a negative influence on male fertility while weight loss improves male fertility. In addition, food insufficiency may be associated with risky sexual behaviors in women. Foods with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a low glycemic index, and various antioxidants may improve fertility while those with high carbohydrate content, trans-fatty acids, and a high glycemic index may have a negative effect on fertility for both sexes (Silva et al., 2019).
Sources:
Silva T, Jesus M, Cagigal C, Silva C. Food with Influence in the Sexual and Reproductive
Health. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2019;20(2):114-122.
doi:10.2174/1389201019666180925140400
Aphrodisiacs: Foods that put you in the mood. Fact or fiction? www.allinahealth.org.
https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/nourish/foods-that-put-you-in-the-mood-fact-or-
fiction
8 Great Natural Fruit & Veggie Aphrodisiacs. Have A Plant. Accessed July 14, 2022.
https://fruitsandveggies.org/stories/8-great-natural-fruit-and-veggie-aphrodisiacs/
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