Can eating more plants boost your sexual well-being?

Valentine's Day is almost here, and love is definitely in the air. But what about your sexual health—is it thriving as it should be? If you've been searching for a natural boost to your libido, embracing more plant-based foods might be the answer. 

What the science says…

Our tiny blood vessels, known as micro capillaries, play a key role in delivering the blood flow needed for arousal. When these vessels are clear and healthy, the possibilities for pleasure expand! By adding more colourful, plant-based foods to your diet, you can boost your blood flow, which may improve your sexual performance and intimacy. Plus, a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help reduce the need for medications that can lower sex drive or cause erectile dysfunction.

Low-fat plant-based meals are not just delicious; they're also powerful allies against common issues that can lead to impotence, such as high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, prostate cancer, inflammation, and hormone imbalances. Excitingly, research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that men who combine regular exercise with a diet rich in flavonoid-packed foods—like strawberries, blueberries, and apples—can reduce their risk of erectile dysfunction by more than 20%.

But, the benefits of a vegan diet extend beyond men's sexual health. One study conducted at Stanford University found that women who made the switch to vegan diets experienced remarkable boosts in libido, with some reporting increases of up to 383%.

So, if you're looking to improve your love life, it might be time to focus on adding more plants to your shopping basket! A delicious and whole food-focused plant diet could be the key to enhancing intimacy. 

Best foods to improve your libido

Dark chocolate

Chocolate isn't just a tasty treat; it can also make you feel happier! It works by releasing chemicals in your brain, like serotonin and phenethylamine. These chemicals can lift your mood and spice up your interest in sex, making chocolate a fun addition to your day.

Garlic 

Even though people often joke about "garlic breath," don't underestimate garlic! It has a compound called allicin that helps improve blood flow. Why is this important? Better blood flow can lead to a stronger sex drive because it's essential for arousal. Plus, garlic is good for your immune system, so it’s a win-win, especially during cold winter months when you want to stay healthy!

Beetroot 

Beetroot is packed with something called plant nitrates. These nitrates are great for your blood vessels because they help keep them healthy and improve blood flow. This is especially important for getting blood to the genital areas.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a fantastic snack that’s not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial for your health! They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and can enhance your intimate moments by improving blood flow. Plus, they’re rich in a compound called arginine, which helps your blood vessels widen—essential for healthy blood circulation to the genitals. On top of that, walnuts provide zinc, an important mineral that plays a key role in balancing testosterone levels for both men and women. 

Hot peppers 

If you feel extra confident when eating hot peppers, there's actually some science behind it! A study published in Physiology & Behavior found that men who enjoy spicy foods often have higher testosterone levels than those who don’t. This may be because they contain flavonoids, which are compounds that can boost your mood and have aphrodisiac effects, meaning they can get you in the mood for love. Plus, they have a chemical called capsaicin, which helps release endorphins—those feel-good hormones that can lift your mood. 

So, what's the takeaway for romance and vitality? 

Embrace the wide range of benefits of eating plants by aiming to eat 30 different plants a week. This simple goal helps ensure you cover your nutritional bases, from ample fibre to those must-have micronutrients, setting the stage for flourishing health and sexual well-being. 

Here's to love, plants, and the many ways they nourish our bodies!