Men Improve Your Sexual Health with these Top Foods and Nutrients

Written by: Steven Schlosser
Published 12/09/2015
Updated: 12/09/2015

You may have heard about certain foods that are believed to be aphrodisiacs, although anecdotal evidence doesn’t definitively prove that foods can or cannot increase sexual interest. However, we know that there are foods that can offer health benefits and boost men’s sexual health. Experts believe that with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and healthy body weight, the symptoms of male sexual dysfunction can be greatly improved or eliminated. Here are some tips that will help you get on the path to health and sexual vitality.

Include plenty of zinc in your diet
Studies have shown that high levels of zinc may be linked with increased sexual desire. As an added benefit, research also shows that zinc can help prevent prostate cancer. Examples of foods that contain high levels of zinc include oysters, veal liver, wheat germ, roast beef, dark chocolate, roasted pumpkin seeds, crab, lamb, and peanuts.

Eat foods that contain L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that can relax the blood vessels in the penis. This makes it easier for men to get and maintain a strong erection for sexual activity. Examples of foods that contain high levels of L-arginine include fresh seafood, sesame seeds, walnuts, dark chocolate, and free-range meats.

Consume plenty of antioxidants
Antioxidants can help the cells in your body stay healthy. Foods rich in antioxidants include fresh produce such as red peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, berries, and grapes. Dark chocolate is another excellent source of antioxidants.

Eat plenty of healthy fats
It’s not a good idea to remove all fats from your diet. Your body needs healthy fats to produce critical chemicals and hormones. Sources of healthy fats include olive oil, nuts, and salmon. It’s important to stay away from unhealthy fats that can clog your arteries. Clogged arteries can prevent blood from flowing to the penis, which makes it difficult to get a firm erection for sexual activity. Be sure to keep your saturated fat intake at reasonably low levels.

Maintain a healthy weight
Sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction have been linked to obesity. If you’re overweight, you could benefit from eating a well balanced diet, following a regular exercise program, and losing excess weight. A healthy lifestyle can help increase your testosterone levels and boost your sexual function. A good rule of thumb is to only consume foods that are good for your heart. By improving your overall circulation, you can also increase blood flow to your penis.

Prescription medications such as Viagra may help combat erectile dysfunction in the short term, but they aren’t permanent solutions for erectile dysfunction. There are also several natural supplements that claim to help improve your sexual health and performance. However, experts believe that you should only use these supplements with caution. In clinical studies, supplements such as ginseng have not been proven to be more effective than a placebo. You’re more likely to benefit from lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. This will allow you to improve your overall health and boost your sexual performance.