Foods That Can Enhance Sexual Health and Wellbeing

Food and various nutrition habits have long been linked to overall mind and body wellness. However, did you know that there are specific foods that can possibly contribute towards enhancing your sex life?

Eating a balanced diet that incorporates fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, essential vitamins and minerals is key for maintaining optimal sexual health and wellness. Additionally, studies show that there are also certain superfoods that can provide extra benefits when it comes to enjoying an active sex life.

“What foods may help with improved sexual health?”

The answer to that depends on your body! And as a disclaimer, the following information is not medical advice! We highly recommend consulting with a medical practitioner or your local health clinic when it comes to making any changes to your lifestyle or diet.

Here is a list of various foods that have been medically studied and linked to improved sexual function.

Vegetables

Spinach: Green leafy veggies are packed with zinc, which is known to boost libido and sperm production quality. Spinach also works to dilate blood vessels, which can increase blood flow to the genitals. Other greens like kale, cabbage, and bok choy are good sources of folate, which helps reproductive health.

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, which helps to maintain healthy skin and hair as well as promote strong bones. They also contain dietary fiber that helps keep the digestive system running smoothly while promoting positive overall health. Additionally, sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Lower inflammation is associated with improved sexual performance and pleasure – in addition to overall comfort and relaxation.

Beets: Beetroot has been linked to improving overall physical performance, and it may also have positive effects when it comes to sexual health. Beetroots are rich in nitrates which, when consumed, can increase blood flow throughout the body including to vital organs such as the brain, and the genitals. Specifically, areas like the clitoris and penile tissue. This increased circulation has been linked with improved arousal, sensitivity and overall sexual function. Beetroot is also a great source of dietary nitrate which can help reduce blood pressure levels in all bodies by improving vascular health. In addition to this, beets are rich in essential vitamins such as A, B6, C & K1 that have been linked with improved skin complexion, hair growth and nail strengthening. All these benefits make it clear why including beetroot into your diet can lead to a more satisfying sex life.

Fruits

Citrus: One of the most important nutrients relating to optimal physical arousal is Vitamin C! Studies have also shown that consuming foods rich in Vitamin C, specifically citrus fruits, may help enhance overall sex life by boosting libido and facilitating improved blood circulation for enhanced pleasure. When your heart rate picks up, your blood vessels dilate or expand, which allows more blood to flow to erogenous zones.

Vitamin C from citrus may help to boost the immune system and protect against infections. (One reason why Emergen-C powder drinks are so popular!) It has been said that 500-1,000 milligrams of vitamin C in a day may help increase the volume and quality of sperm produced as well. Bell peppers and strawberries are also high in Vitamin C. However, be sure to do your research before consuming more Vitamin C to ensure you are meeting the right amount for your body.

Watermelon: Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve circulation in the body. This property makes it beneficial for enhancing overall sexual health as better circulatory health usually provides efficient delivery of essential nutrients to sex organs. As a result, you may experience improved functioning and satisfaction during physical pleasure, intimacy, and/or intercourse. Additionally, watermelon is also known to help reduce inflammation, and again– feeling physically comfortable and relaxed from the inside out can help improve physical sensitivity and response.

Super Seeds

Ground Flax Seeds: These have been shown to be beneficial for improving overall health and wellbeing, including enhancing sexual performance in both men and women. The high Omega-3 content of the seeds is believed to help increase blood flow throughout the body which can improve circulation to organs such as the genitals. (More about Omega-3 below.) This increased circulatory activity may lead to improved sensations during sex and increase the likelihood for sexual climax. Additionally, ground flax seed consumption has been linked to decreased levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Low cortisol levels can also contribute to better overall physical performance.

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are packed with libido-boosting vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, E, C, D, K, and minerals including calcium, potassium, niacin, and phosphorus. Pumpkin seeds are also high in zinc, which is also known to be essential for healthy estrogen levels (spoiler alert: estrogen is linked to sex drive!). Additionally,  high zinc can contribute to healthy sperm production, and may even help with testosterone deficiency.

…Let’s not forget about dessert!

Dark chocolate: Rich, decadent dark chocolate contains a chemical called phenethylamine that triggers feelings of relaxation, intoxication and pleasure. It releases mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin and stimulates physical contact desires and lowers inhibitions,

A Few More for the Road

• Zinc-rich foods such as oysters have been linked to improving male fertility (as well as being an aphrodisiac!), so adding them into one’s diet may be beneficial for those looking to increase their libido levels naturally.
• Tryptophan, which is found in foods like eggs and bananas, can help relax the body.
• Spices such as ginger can help stimulate the body and increase sensation, which is why it has been used traditionally for natural aphrodisiacs. Cinnamon warms the body and increases sexual desire – which is why it is found in many sexual arousal products like nipple stimulation balm.
• Eggs: They’re rich in B vitamins, which can help ease stress, and they are important for maintaining a healthy libido.
• Salmon and other types of fish contain high Omega-3 fatty acids. Aside from blood flow, Omega-3 can help fire up metabolism. It is also found to boost dopamine, a hormone that lights up the brain’s pleasure system.
• Oats and whole grains are one of the few natural ways to possibly boost testosterone in the bloodstream. (More testosterone equals stronger orgasms!)

There is a very long list of foods that can help improve your sexual function – these are just a handful!

And again, every body is different. However, mixing up your meals with different fruits, vegetables, species and even dark chocolate – is a relatively simple switch that could be beneficial in helping to enhance your overall sexual health and wellness.