75. Sex and Nutrition

Hey folks we're going to do something a little different I am recording this episode and streaming live on FB.  So I will be answering questions as we go today!  Woohoo!   

Today I'm tackling sex and nutrition which will include some talk about aphrodisiacs.   

First let's talk some foods that may actually make it more difficult to have sex!  Foods to avoid (not saying these are bad foods...) 

Cheese and Bread 🙁  I know this is probably a big bummer... lol.  The reasoning from nutritionists is these foods are hard for the body absorb generally and may cause bloating, cramping, and gas.  All of which are not super fun to deal with if you are trying to be physically intimate with others. Dr. Emily Nagoski's book Come As You Are gives us tons of evidence that context matters a whole lot for women folk to have sex.  So cramps, bloating, and gas are not the best for sexy contexts. 

The Standard American Diet generally, may be so detrimental to our cardiovascular health that sexual dysfunction, heart attacks, or strokes are often the result. Industrial pollutants such as PCBs found mostly in fish may lead to loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction. The regular eating of calorie dense animal and processed foods may down-regulate dopamine receptors and result in a reduced neurological capacity to enjoy sex. Now that you've rolled your eyes 😉  let's talk about the good stuff. 
 

Here are some great food suggestions for increasing sexual health: 

Ground Flax Seeds (I put these on my oatmeal in the morning!) 

Omega 3 fatty acids-great for cardiovascular health (plus for libido!) 

L-arginine. This amino acid can boost blood flow and keep sperm healthy. 

Now I'm a plant based eater but here is one of those foods that has been called an aphrodisiac. 

Oysters 

This seafood is rich in zinc, a key mineral for sexual maturation. Zinc helps your body produce testosterone, a hormone linked with sexual desire. It also helps synthesize thyroid hormones, necessary for having energy. So don't expect immediate results but for overall sexual health those of you who do eat meat this food can increase sexual health. 

Strawberries 

No surprise here, they even look sexy!   

Encouraging of good circulation is thought to be crucial for sexual functioning in both men and women, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants that benefit your heart and arteries. 
 

What's more, they're rich in vitamin C, which along with antioxidants, has been linked to higher sperm counts in men. Try dipping the berries in dark chocolate, which contains methylxanthines that may activate the libido. 

Pumpkin Seeds 

Pumpkin seeds, like oysters, are packed with zinc. They’re also a great source of magnesium. They contain antioxidative, antihypertensive, and cardioprotective nutrients, all essential for optimal sexual health. 
 

The omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin seeds may help with gynecological and prostate health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation in the body. 

Pumpkin seeds are rich in: 

iron, necessary for feeling energized 

zinc, associated with boosting immunity 

magnesium, essential for relaxation 
 

Avocado!! (My favorite..I could eat this with almost every meal) 

Let’s start with a fun fact: The word for “avocado” is derived from an Aztec word meaning “testicle.” 
 

Avocados are really good for the testicles, or at least what comes out of them. Versatile and nourishing, avocados are loaded with vitamin E. Vitamin E is a key antioxidant that widens blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease. It may also reduce sperm DNA damage. 

Avocados are also rich in: 

vitamin B-6, which helps keep your nervous system in balance 

potassium, which powers up your libido and energy 

monounsaturated oleic acid, which supports circulation and makes your heart healthy 
 

https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20668823,00.html? 
 

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-for-better-sex#11  

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