6 Foods That Might Improve Sexual Wellness for Men

By: Jason Sandberg, M.D.

Michigan is one of the country’s largest producers of cherries. Maybe that helps explain why more than 100,000 babies are born here in a year.

Cherries are among several foods that researchers link to improved sexual wellness and productivity in men. The links make sense, as nutrition regulates the health of the whole body, including the sex parts.

This blog helps explain why nutrition impacts sexual health and the food categories that can benefit your desire, ability, and performance in the bedroom.

The Role of Food In Sex Is Ages Old

Modern science has linked a range of nutrients to male sexual performance that, fortunately, are more palatable than a vulture’s lung. Among these nutrients are vitamin B, zinc, healthy fats, and the antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in flavonoids.

These nutrients make the heart stronger, enabling it to more smoothly pump blood throughout your body and into the genitals so you can achieve and hold an erection and perform with more stamina.

6 Foods That Can Win Your Desire

Your own body is unique and might respond to foods differently, but research suggests the nutrients in the following foods could improve your libido and erectile health.

1. Three cheers for cherries. These little red delights are among many fruits found to reduce erectile dysfunction(ED) by as much as 14%. Others include apples, berries, citrus, grapes, and/or watermelon. Fact of life: These fruits contain flavonoids and amino acids that facilitate circulation and, therefore, erections. (Consult your doctor about portions if you are diabetic.)
2. Treasures under a sea shell. Men have been shucking oysters and clams for better sex for ages. Crustaceans such as crab and lobster also can do the trick, thanks to one shared nutrient. Fact of life: Zinc is a mineral that helps ease blood flow and regulate testosterone (the male hormone). Research suggests zinc also might aid in sperm function.
3. The salad bar. Here’s a new reason to eat your spinach: The leafy green is among many vegetables, along with broccoli, asparagus, and beets, that deliver nutrients to help your heart pump. Fact of life: Vegetables contain circulation-boosting vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. Research finds that magnesium also could raise testosterone levels.
4. Nutty, scaly fats. Research reveals that healthy fats, particularly in nuts, can perk up sexual function and sperm quality. Fact of life: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are good sources of heart-strengthening omega-3 fatty acids. Pine nuts are rich in zinc. Other good-fat foods include avocados and fatty fish, such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon.
5. Chocolates that are “hot.” There are many reasons to “heart” the coca bean, one being that it is rich in elements that stimulate circulation and improve your mood. Fact of life: Dark chocolate –at least 70% cocoa – contains higher levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (flavonoids) that help circulation and activate the pleasure hormone dopamine.
6. And hot, hot peppers. If you eat hot peppers regularly, there’s a chance your testosterone levels are higher than average, a study in Physiology & Behavior reports. Fact of life: The flavonoids in peppers pack extra heat with a chemical called capsaicin, which triggers the release of endorphins, a biological mood enhancer.

Eat and Drink for Whole-Body Health

If the ancient Romans ate vulture lungs as aphrodisiacs, they might have washed them down with cherry wine, thanks to alcohol’s ability to stimulate your pleasure hormone. However, too many drinks can reduce your ability to get an erection. So keep a level head.

Physical and emotional conditions can interfere with libido, as well. These conditions include stress, the side effects of kidney disease, and prostate cancer (through treatments).

If you’re living with these conditions, you might require medical assistance. Talk with a specialist who can explain your treatment options.

Learn how Michigan Urology’s REDEEM Sexual Wellness Center for Men and Women can improve your sexual wellness. Or visit our “Men’s Health” website to read about the conditions we treat.