Men from the Middle East don’t have to look far for the best diet for erectile health, says health experts. Read more about preventing erectile dysfunction in part II of this series.
Last week, we looked at the impact of diet on men’s sexual function. Here we continue with fat-friendly information: “The focus of the Mediterranean diet isn’t on limiting total fat consumption, but rather to make wise choices about the types of fat you eat,” explains the experts in an article on the Mayo Clinic website. Information like this might make fat and carb phobic eaters squirm, but only until they learn about the benefits of such a lifestyle to a man’s sexual wellbeing and performance.
In part I of this series, we introduced the Med diet in conjunction with National Impotence Awareness Month in the US (home to a large segment of Greenprophet readers), and focused on one building block of foods that make a man more vigorous: Proteins. This is good news for Middle East eaters who already consume more fish and poultry in their diets, but it’s bad news for red meat lovers; turns out, some proteins are better than others to a man’s favorite muscle. In part II, we’ll take you further on the journey, and do our best to convince you that this diet is scientifically the best aphrodisiac on the planet.
Being Fat Wise: For the same reason that red meat is a turn off, butter is a big no-no, and low on the Mediterranean diet totem pole. That is why the number one source of added fats is from Olive oil. It’s monounsaturated, which means it lowers bad LDL cholesterol levels. “Virgin” and “Extra-Virgin” are best because they are least processed, and have the highest levels of protective antioxidants.
(One note of caution: Olive oil doesn’t take high heat as well as canola oil; so cook with the latter as well. Another great oil choice is grape seed oil, which can be heated to a higher degree without losing its nutritional benefits).
Goods fats provide linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. This lowers triglycerides, the risk for sudden heart attacks, modifies blood pressure and makes your vessels healthier. Healthy heart translates into – you guessed it – a vigorous reproductive system.
Fat from the foods you eat make a difference to a man’s libido too. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, albacore, herring, sardines, lake trout, and mackerel, are rich in libido enhancing compounds like zinc, omega-3s (specifically, one that enhances serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps elevate your mood), Vitamins A, D, B, calcium and protein.
The eco-conscious can visit the Seafood Watch page at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to make sure your fish is from a sustainably harvested source.
Eat your pasta, for heaven’s sake! No carbs, low carbs, only carbs – fuggetabout the nonsense, and do what those in the Med do. Eat your breads, pasta and rice, as long as they are from whole grains and low in trans fats. The fiber helps your ticker and your tooter, and the carbs give a man staying power.
Red, red wine, makes you feel fine: Wine has been a player in the game of seduction for eons, and not just for it’s heady, musky and masculine reds. Those earthy notes that some suggest mimic a man’s pheromones and inhibition-lowering properties are only half of the sexual health story.
Studies show that red wine can raise HDLs (the good cholesterol) and prevent LDLs from forming. It’s a rich source of antioxidants called flavonoid phenolics, which are thought to work their heart magic. Those in the Med region who drink regular amounts of red wine have lower risks of heart disease and ED. According to the Mayo Clinic, this amount means no more than 5 ounces a day for men over 65, and no more than 10 ounces a day for men under 65.
Of course, if your personal or family history suggests that no wine is best for you, then forego the vino and opt for red grape juice, which contains those same antioxidants.
To milk or not to milk: Dairy isn’t high on the list, but low fat cheeses and milk are part of the Mediterranean diet too. Maybe they don’t call that favorite hard cheese Pecker-rino for nothing, after all…
From eatsomethingsexy.com, here’s more palate and prowess pleasing news:
Embraced in Italian culture as an aphrodisiac, cheese contains ten times as much PEA, phenylethylamine – believed to release the same rush of hormones as sexual intercourse – as does chocolate.
Australian researcher, Dr. Max Lake, who has performed extensive study on the connection between sexual arousal and culinary scents comments, “The vaguely sexual odors of certain cheeses may be pleasant to both men and women.” In addition to the PEA provided by a serving of cheese, Lake surmises that part of this ancient food’s appeal is in its scent. The five-carbon fatty acid that gives most cheeses their flavor is a close relative to a mid-cycle vaginal pheromone.”
At the very least, we hope you find these suggestions in part I and II of this series gave you pleasurable food for thought. Stay tuned for more on aphrodisiacs of the Middle East, and eco-sexual ways to enhance intimacy throughout the month of November.
Read more on on green sex:
Eco-Sexy Nutrition for Women, from Horny Goat Weed to Vitamin C
The Ins and Outs of Eco-Friendly Lubrication
Tinamarie is a regular contributor to Greenprophet.com. You can follow her on @ModernLoveMuse and facebook. She blogs at www.tinamariebernard.com.
photo credit: vramak
Author: Tinamarie Bernard
Tinamarie combines her interests in two of her favorite topics – relationships and the environment – for Greenprophet.com. As our eco-sexpert, she explores ways to make our personal lives more sustainable, whether it’s between a couple, the sheets or our ears. While eco-sexuality is a new term and still unfamiliar to many, being conscious about what we use in moments of intimacy is connected to better stewardship of the planet. The idea that green is sexy and sex can be green is one she is thoroughly enjoying discovering. This married mom of two also believes we owe it to our children to teach them to love themselves, each other, and the environment for futures to come. Intimacy isn’t something we are born knowing. Neither is good stewardship of the earth. In her spare time, she muses about sacred sexuality, conscious love, intimacy, feminism and parenting as the top-rated Modern Love column for Examiner.com and several other media outlets. She composes poetry (mostly in her heart), mediates (when time allows), rides horses in the Galilee, and searches for delicious parve dessert recipes. She considers chocolate a righteous sin, and won’t give up a single pair of red shoes. You can find...
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