When we talk about health and nutrition, we typically talk about the easy metrics: heart health, muscle mass, weight loss, etc. But what gets swept under the rug when it comes to health is male sexual health, or more precisely male penis health. As with all of your body parts, the penis requires the right nourishment and attention in order to perform at its best. Is Your Penis Feeding In The Right Place? Let’s explore what it means to have a healthy penis and how you can help.
Knowing the Penis: Structure and Function.
Before you start wondering how to “feed” your penis, learn about its structure and functions. The shaft of the penis, glans (head), and root that joins it to the pelvic bones are the main constituents of the penis. The penis is filled with erectile tissue, which causes it to erect during sexual excitement. This is orchestrated through an intricate combination of hormones, circulation and nerve impulses.
The penis is made up primarily of two cylindrical structures, called the corpora cavernosa and a smaller one, called the corpus spongiosum. In arousal, the brain releases hormones that pump more blood into the penis, flooding these chambers and producing an erection. The condition of such buildings depends on a variety of influences: diet, lifestyle and health.
Foods to Eat for the Healthiest Penis
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are not only good for your taste buds, but they also contain antioxidants to aid the circulatory system. The flavonoids found in these fruits can enhance erectile function by promoting circulation and decreasing inflammation.
Citrus Fruits
oranges, grapefruits, and lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C and flavonoids. Vitamin C helps keep blood vessels healthy and flavonoids mitigate the symptoms of ED by supporting vascular health.
Leafy Greens
Spinach and kale contain nitrates, which can boost blood flow by increasing blood vessel dilation. Consuming these greens can help you increase circulation, which in turn improves sexual function.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts
Walnuts are not only a healthy snack, but also contain a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which increase blood circulation and even boost testosterone levels. You need adequate testosterone to keep sex drive and erections healthy.
Pumpkin Seeds
Enriched with zinc, pumpkin seeds provide a crucial source of testosterone. This mineral is important for men’s libido and sexual health, which is why pumpkin seeds are an excellent choice to include in your diet.
3. Healthy Fats
Avocados
Monounsaturated fats, like avocados, help maintain healthy blood vessels and support the heart. Their high potassium content keeps blood pressure in check, and helps to maintain a healthy heart.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, which has a reputation for being heart-healthy, reduces inflammation and increases blood flow. Olive oil will not only help your heart, but your erections too.
4. Lean Proteins
Fish
Fat fish, like salmon and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help boost circulation and cardiovascular fitness. By maintaining a healthy blood circulation, frequent fish consumption can enhance sexual function.
Lean Meats
Low-fat foods such as chicken and turkey offer you the protein you need without the added saturated fats from other meats. Protein in a diet helps keep muscles strong and gives energy to the body.
5. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, particularly those containing at least 70% cocoa, contains flavonoids that enhance circulation. It’s also a natural aphrodisiac, and may increase libido and sexual pleasure. Drinking dark chocolate is not only delicious, it is healthy.
Foods to Avoid
While it’s important to know what to eat, knowing what to stay away from is also very important to a healthy penis.
1. Processed Foods
Diets high in trans fats and sugars will increase obesity, an important risk factor for ED. There should be no processed snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks.
2. Red and Processed Meats
Consumption of ED-causing foods including red and processed meat has been associated with higher risks. Such foods cause elevated cholesterol levels, which block blood flow.
3. Excessive Alcohol
Although moderate drinking will sooth you and boost your sexual experience, overindulgence will do the exact opposite. It can cause dehydration and low testosterone levels, which hampers sex.
4. High-Sodium Foods
Insufficient sodium can cause hypertension, reducing blood flow, and increase the risk of ED. Processed and fast foods contain lots of salt, and should be avoided.
Lifestyle Factors
Along with a healthy diet, there are several lifestyle factors that affect sexual health. These include:
1. Regular Exercise
Exercise increases blood flow, reduces stress, and enhances mental health – all factors that positively impact sexual activity. Try to get 150 minutes or more of moderate aerobic exercise a week.
2. Stress Management
Stress in the long run can exacerbate hormonal dysfunctions, which could affect sexual desire and activity. Take up yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to combat stress.
3. Adequate Sleep
Sleeping regularly is crucial to maintaining testosterone and health. Get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night.
4. Quit Smoking
Using tobacco can severely decrease blood flow and cause all kinds of health conditions, including erectile dysfunction. Stopping smoking will greatly improve your sexual life.
5. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration lowers blood volume, decreases circulation and even causes sexual dysfunction. Make sure to drink water throughout the day.
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
But apart from diet and lifestyle, hygiene is essential to penile health. Keep yourself clean:
On a regular basis Cleaning: Clean the penis using warm water to eliminate any sweat or smegma.
Secure Sex: Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause severe damage to sexual health.
Periodic Evaluation: Regular appointments with your doctor will enable you to identify and prevent potential medical problems before they become serious.
Supplements to Consider
If you can’t absorb the right nutrients through diet alone, talk to a doctor about taking supplements. A few supplements that may enhance sexual health are:
L-Arginine: An amino acid which may enhance blood flow.
Ginseng: Often associated with increasing sexual performance and desire.
Maca Root: Is a herbal extract that was traditionally used to boost the libido and improve sex performance.
Conclusion: Are You Feeding Your Penis Properly?
Feeding your penis is an all-encompassing process involving a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and sanitation. Remember, sexual health is not only about being physically healthy but mentally healthy as well. You can improve your sex life and performance dramatically by taking control of your diet and lifestyle.
Let yourself take control of your penis today and start applying these practices into your life. The penis (and overall well-being) will appreciate it!
