You know that what you eat affects your health, but have you ever considered that diet can:
- worsen PMS symptoms
- increase or decrease your chances of getting pregnant
- and yes, even affect sexual function
Nutrition plays a powerful role in just about every bodily function. It makes sense to pay close attention to your diet no matter what your goal. Maybe you're
- trying to get pregnant
- want to enjoy a healthy, active sex life or
- just want plenty of energy to get through the day.
First, we’ll start with what you shouldn’t be consuming.
Soda.
Hopefully, you’re well aware by now of how damaging soda can be to your health.
It’s bad for your waistline, your teeth and just about everything else.
Research out of Denmark found that men who drink at least a quart of coke a day have sperm counts that are almost 30% lower than men who don’t.
This study suggested that it was the caffeine in cola that hindered sperm. Yet, obstetrician Niels Lauersen says the “real culprit” is likely the high-fructose corn syrup.
He notes, “…studies show too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which disrupts fertility. Second, powerful pesticides used in America’s cornfields—including Atrazine—have been shown in studies to be endocrine disrupters. Male corn farmers who regularly work with Atrazine are found to have lower sperm counts.”
Women aren’t in the clear when it comes to soda either.
A Danish study conducted on women, revealed that it was sugar sweetened sodas that caused infertility- not caffeine.
Aside from sugar, researchers feel chemical additives or contaminants like bisphenol A may have an adverse effect.
Both men’s and women’s bodies are adverse to processed foods. That includes the reproductive system.
Trans fat is present in many processed and fast foods.
This can contribute to infertility.
Research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that men who had high concentrations of trans fats in their semen had 96% fewer sperm as compared to those with low concentrations of this potentially harmful substance.
In other words, stay away from packaged, processed foods and places like McDonald’s. Focus on natural foods instead!
And here's what you should be eating
Even if you’re not trying to have a baby, sexual health is an important part of what we are. If the body isn’t functioning as it should, it can have a significant negative effect on your sex drive.
Fueling your body with nutritious foods puts you on the best path to great sex.
There are some that are a bit better than others at boosting sex drive.
According to Cynthia Sass, RD, “The link between food and sex drive isn’t just wishful thinking. Studies show that certain foods or nutrients do play a role in boosting libido and supporting a healthy sex life.”
1. Strawberries:
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that benefit the heart and arteries. This promotes good circulation – essential for sexual function in men and women.
They’re also rich in vitamin C which has been linked to higher sperm counts in men.
2. Avocados:
This superfruit can help promote better blood flow which helps get things going when you’re in the sack .
It’s rich in vitamin E, potassium and B6 that may help prevent or delay heart disease too. Men who have heart disease are said to be twice as likely to have erectile dysfunction.
3. Almonds:
These tasty nuts are packed with libido-benefiting properties.
They’re a rich source of zinc which is essential to testosterone production. This hormone is a huge factor of sex drive in both men and women.
4. Sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes contain lots of potassium which is known to help battle against high blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
Research also suggests that the high beta-carotene content of sweet potatoes may benefit people with infertility issues.
5. Watermelon:
One study out of Texas A&M found that watermelon may have a “Viagra-like effect.”
Its lycopene, citrullilne and beta-carotene content is believed to help relax blood vessels, which offers a natural enhancement to sex drive.
Are you seeing a pattern here? If you answered, “Yes, whole, natural foods,” you’re right.
Foods that haven’t been altered by any type of chemical process and come from the earth, are the most beneficial for good reproductive and sexual health.
And don’t forget to spice things up – not just in the bedroom, but in your meals!
Adding spices,like curry, cumin and cayenne pepper can provide an instant boost to blood flow. That can rev things up when it’s time for intimacy.
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. Please share this information with your friends and I always love to read your comments below.
