If you are looking for easy ways to improve your sexual health with just a few lifestyle changes, consider the following:
- Eat more walnuts. A recent study from the University of California Los Angeles found that young men who ate 2.5 ounces of walnuts a day experienced an increase in sperm motility and vitality. Although it was a small study, researchers hope that further study in the field can better prove the link between walnuts and sperm improvement.
- Exercise more, eat healthier. A recent study from Singapore found that when obese men lose weight, they experience improve testosterone levels and erectile ability. Just a five percent weight loss was shown to have positive effects on a man’s sexual health—another reason to hit the gym!
- Masturbate more. Regular ejaculation can help reduce a man’s risk of prostate cancer, presumably because it helps to release potential cancer-causing cells. So make regular ejaculation part of your routine, whether through masturbation or sex.
- Have oysters and other shellfish. Shellfish is high in zinc, which is crucial competent when it comes to sexual health such as sperm production and testosterone production. And high levels of testosterone are linked to higher libidos. Oysters are higher in zinc than any other food, so opt for these flavorful rumored aphrodisiacs on date night.
- Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Think all alcohol is bad for your sexual health? Not necessarily. An Australian study found that men who enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol have enhanced sexual performance when compared to teetotalers or those who rarely drink. However, the study cautions that moderation is key: binge drinking can negatively affect your sexual performance such as your ability to achieve and maintain erections (not to mention, it’s not good for your body or your relationship!)
- Decrease intake of soy. Eating a plant-based diet can have wonderful benefits for your health, but it’s important not to swap out meat and dairy for all soy-based products. Soy has been shown to negatively interfere with hormones in men, and one Harvard study shows that men who eat a diet high in soy have lower sperm counts than men who do not. You don’t have to give it up altogether, but enjoy soy sparingly.
- Have meat in moderation. A recent study found that moderate amounts of red meat can help to improve zinc levels, which can help to curb prolactin, a hormone that can interfere with sexual function. Enjoy it in moderation and opt for lean cuts rather than fatty fare.
- Fish can increase libido. The omega-3’s in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna have been shown to increase dopamine and desire. Best of all, it’s low in fat and heart healthy!
- Enjoy your daily coffee. A recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that men who drink coffee (including de-caffeinated versions) have a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who don’t have coffee. The study followed almost 48,000 male health professionals for nearly 12 years, and it found that regular coffee drinkers had less risk of prostate cancer, especially when it came to the most deadly forms of the disease.
- Fulfill your sweet tooth. Cinnamon and peppermint can help improve the taste of your semen, as can fruits such as apples and pineapples. Enjoy your daily dose of fruits while improving the taste of your semen—it’s a win-win!