Foods that Increase Male Sexual Performance

At some point during my adult life, because I rarely used pharmaceuticals and refused to become a slave to tobacco and caffeine, I was labeled an "herbalist". I wasn't really sure what it meant and the first few times I heard it I thought it was in reference to smoking dope, which I don't do either. Having said all that, I am a beatnik - and unlike dirty hippies, I have style despite being non-materialistic. It's called minimalism, and it invades every part of my lifestyle.

As an example, a few years ago, while I was hanging out with some of my Eastern European friends I learned that a very simple mixture of almonds and honey was very helpful in relation to men's sexual health. This was not surprising to me in the least. In that part of the world most people have reasons both culturally and economically to seek natural alternatives for modern medication. Americans, on the other hand, have become overweight, overmedicated spoiled lazy children - hooked on TV and living vicariously through our children, other people's children, celebrities, athletes and idols. We have too much of everything here, with ego being most abundant.

Being that I am a minimalist, I typically try to find a straight line from point A to point B. I like being natural, keeping it real 60's/70's - before the microwave era. It seems to balance the equation of dealing with postmodern stress disorder. So, in that respect, putting two and two together isn't so difficult. I typically have a high sex drive - and eat natural (but not organic) foods. This isn't brain surgery, you dig? One plus one equals us, baby.

So I guess you are thinking, where is the chase and how do I cut to it? Slow down and understand one thing, you have to treat your body as a whole entity. Sexual health comes from all around physical well being. There are no real short cuts, just common sense.

The two most important classifications for men's sexual health foods are those that promote good blood circulation and those that will increase dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Here are the top 10.

1. Salmon - and other oily fish such as mackerel and herring are packed with Omega 3, which increases blood flow around the body and to the genitals and is vital for fighting erectile dysfunction.

2. Lean Meat (in moderation) - Low levels of iron can also cause fatigue and kill sex drive, so eat lean red meat, dark turkey meat, chicken, eggs and oily fish; all of these are a good source of iron.

3. Cherries - raspberries and blackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that prevents fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels keeping blood running smoothly. Fruitsareliterallybursting with fiber and antioxidants. They are thought to be loaded with aphrodisiac properties; Apples, apricots, bananas, coconut, dates, figs, grapes, mangoes, papayas, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quince, raspberries and strawberries - take your pick.

4. The avocado - Believe it or not, the Spanish conquistadors helped spread its reputation throughout the world as a powerful sexual stimulant. Guacamole usually contains a lot of sodium, however so be careful.

5. The tomato - a potent source of the powerhouse antioxidant, lycopene, was once a highly sought-after libido enhancer. Other veggies reputed to turn up the heat include: beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsley, peppers, soybeans, spinach, truffles, turnips and watercress.

6. Shellfish - including abalone, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster and deep, cold-water fish like cod and halibut, fuel the body, brain the and sex drive. Oysters, for instance, are rich in zinc and iodine. Zinc is a vital sexual nutriment and essential for testosterone production in both men and women.

7. Chili Peppers - can improve your circulation and stimulate nerve endings. Ginger can do the same thing. Because circulation is increased, so will your sexual pleasure. Both pine nuts and pumpkin seeds are also sexual energy boosters.

8. Nuts & Honey - natural almonds and pure honey are like a sexual one-two punch. They increase blood flow and stimulate dopamine to promote sexual energy and stamina. General Mills makes a cereal featuring this combo, which is marketed as "heart smart".

9. Low-fat yogurt - It burns fat and creates lean muscle mass, especially in the stomach area. Muscle helps burn calories, but it is often compromised during weight loss.

10. The Pistachio - Every Eurasian (and Mediterranean) man knows from his own experience the power of the Pistachio nut. Its combination with honey produces an abundance of prostatic fluid (and sperm), with the accompanying quality of enhanced erections. It is full of micro-nutrients, many of which are responsible for the male response actions and its value as a food cannot be underestimated. For example, one ounce of dry roasted pistachios contains 165 calories, with 7 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat (required for the effective production of testosterone in the man's reproductive system). The pistachio is cholesterol free and contains high values of Vitamins A and C, as well as important percentages of calcium and iron.

The pistachio contains 18 essential proteins. It is almost a complete food on its own. From vitamins, pistachios contain Vitamin A. C, D, E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Foliates, Vitamin B12, and K. From minerals, pistachios contain high amounts of calcium and iron, and magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium. When mixed with honey, it becomes a highly enriched food that will show its circulatory benefits demonstrated in harder erections. Add about one cup (de-shelled) of dry roasted pistachios to an equal amount of natural honey. Place the mixture into a glass jar and expose to the sun for one week. The best time to prepare the mixture is during the summer months. After one week's exposure, the mixture is ready. One tablespoon daily is recommended in the mornings and one tablespoon when sexual activity is anticipated. It may be eaten alone, mixed with yogurt or with some fruit. The result over time will be an increased sexual drive and stamina.

Foods that receive an honorable mention are: green tea, asparagus and olives. One mineral that is crucial to sex drive is Zinc, so make sure you get plenty of it from crab, multigrain bread, oysters, red meat and sardines. These foods should be eaten in a diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fiber for overall energy. These foods act as stress relievers that also improve male sexual health.

What to do and what not to do:

1. Quit Smoking. Smoking damages every part of your body, especially the circulatory system, and introduces dangerous chemicals directly into the blood.

2. Exercise, every day. It is estimated that you need at least 30 minutes of strenuous exercise daily as a minimum. To get testosterone levels up naturally, start a combination cardio/weight lifting program. See your doctor first, and then ask a professional trainer to give you a custom program suited to your body type, age, and physical condition. Your testosterone levels will rise naturally.

3. Diet. If you are overweight, your penis will eventually pay the price, along with your heart and every other critical organ. Eat plenty of fruits (in season only) and vegetables, lots of roughage (in the form of cereals) and lean meat (sparingly). Your weight will drop naturally (without an official diet) and you will notice your libido returning to normal.

4. Moderate your alcoholic intake. Do not over-indulge in drinking. Only drink Hard liquor sparingly; wines and beers in moderation. Beer contains zinc but it also contains a lot of calories and useless carbs.

5. Get rid of processed foods and eat good carbs for energy, such as brown rice and potatoes with skins. Eat five portions of fruit or vegetables per day and drink plenty of water.

The sexual organs cannot be treated in isolation in regards to the male libido. This means an overall healthier lifestyle. The big killers are drinking smoking and recreational drugs so cut them down or stop altogether. You then need to have a diet to give you energy and fight stress and that means eating naturally. Since good blood flow is important for a good erection, food that is good for your heart will also be good sexual health. If your heart is not operating properly there is a very good chance that your penis will not respond as well as you would like. Because saturated fat clogs the arteries, which in turn restricts the blood flow, it also restricts the blood flow that reaches your genital region. Your body does require fat to create hormones, but it needs the right kind of fats. Good fat comes from olive oils, sea food, and nuts. These good fats will help in the production of hormones that are essential for sexual peak performance.

I hope this article helps. Consult a physician before you start any diet or exercise program.

Above all, use your common sense.