3 Unusual Foods To Improve Male Sexual Health

Intake of high quality nutrients plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of optimal sexual health and regulation of libido in both males and females. For example, according to a new study reported in the Journal of Sex &Marital Therapy (1), investigators suggested that high intake of antioxidants in the diet is associated with satisfactory sexual performance in men living with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Besides high quality diet, various other factors such as human physiology, emotional state, social factors and interpersonal relationships also plays an important role in regulating a healthy sex life.

What Are Some Simple Tips To Improve Male Sexual Health?

Although, several medications are available on prescription or as over-the-counter formulation to restore normal sex drive in men, but almost all the pharmacological preparations are associated with a wide variety of complications. Surprisingly, consumption of certain foods can boost the sexual health without aggravating the risk of complications or drug-induced side-effects. In most cases, the beneficial effects of these foods are mediated by an improvement in the serum testosterone levels.

Some of these foods are as follows:

1. Oysters:

Oysters have been used since ancient times to improve the sexual performance and enhance the libido in men. Shellfish, particularly oysters are known as one of the remarkable natural aphrodisiacs available to mankind and after a series of studies, researchers have proposed several mechanisms that may explain these aphrodisiac properties:

• Oysters exert their aphrodisiac functions by improving the secretion of testosterone in the body.
• Long term intake of oysters can help in fighting against the prostate cancer (which is the commonest cause of infertility in older men).

• According to a new study reported in the Sexual Medicine Reviews (2), oysters also contain two rare and unusual amino acids, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate (or NMDA) that triggers the release of sex hormones.

Another reason why oysters are believed to boost the sex drive is high zinc content. According to a new study reported in the Journal of Functional Foods (3) investigators suggested that zinc plays a pivotal role in the production of testosterone and since raw mollusks (like oysters) are high in zinc, it is safe to assume that oysters can enhance sexuality and trigger arousal in males. Besides oysters lean beef also contains high quantities of zinc.

2) Pomegranate:

According to the Daily Mail, one glass of pomegranate juice per day produces the ‘Viagra effect’ by boosting the sexual drive. This divine fruit is rich in antioxidants and is known for reducing the secretion of stress hormones. High intake of antioxidants also helps in elevating mood and overall quality of sex life. Moreover, according to a new study, investigators provided statistical evidence that high intake of pomegranate juice can drastically improve the semen quality and overall sperm motility (4). Experimental studies performed on laboratory animals proved that intake of pomegranate juice ameliorates the negative effects of environmental, industrial and dietary toxins and boosts sperm motility and sexual health (4).

3) Deep Sea Fish:

These include tuna, mackerel and salmon. Research indicates that deep sea fish are high in two important nutrients, omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D. it is imperative to mention that both of these agents are essential building blocks of sex hormones. Another study reported in the Integrative Cancer Therapies (5), suggested that intake of deep sea fish is associated with a lower risk of prostate malignancy in men due to protective effects of omega fatty acids.

In short, besides pharmacological options, there are several natural choices to boost the male sexual health and secretion of testosterone to enjoy a pleasurable sex life.

References

1. Stanislavov, R., & Nikolova, V. (2003). Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. Journal of Sex &Marital Therapy, 29(3), 207-213.

2. West, E., & Krychman, M. (2015). Natural aphrodisiacs—a review of selected sexual enhancers. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 3(4), 279-288.

3. Chen, D., Liu, Z., Huang, W., Zhao, Y., Dong, S., & Zeng, M. (2013). Purification and characterisation of a zinc-binding peptide from oyster protein hydrolysate. Journal of Functional Foods, 5(2), 689-697.

4. Türk, G., Çeribaşı, S., Sönmez, M., Çiftçi, M., Yüce, A., Güvenç, M., ... & Aksakal, M. (2016). Ameliorating effect of pomegranate juice consumption on carbon tetrachloride-induced sperm damages, lipid peroxidation, and testicular apoptosis. Toxicology and industrial health, 32(1), 126-137.

5. Aucoin, M., Cooley, K., Knee, C., Fritz, H., Balneaves, L. G., Breau, R., ... & Seely, D. (2016). Fish-Derived Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer A Systematic Review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 1534735416656052.