Best foods for libido/sexual health

[kaksoiste222]

Currently going through a flatline and doing research on foods that can support sexual function and libido during recovery. Found some solid science on a few key foods that actually work through specific mechanisms rather than just broscience. Thought I'd share what I've learned.


Watermelon:

Watermelon contains high levels of citrulline, an amino acid that gets converted to arginine in your body. Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which is essential for healthy blood flow and vascular function. This is the same pathway that ED medications target, just through a different mechanism. Studies show that citrulline supplementation can improve erectile function in men with mild ED. The rind contains even higher concentrations than the flesh, though most people don't eat it. Only downside is you'd need to eat quite a bit to get therapeutic doses, and it gets old after a while. Also I'm not a fan of the taste personally.


Dark leafy greens:

Leafy greens like spinach are loaded with nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide through a different pathway than arginine. This dual approach to boosting NO levels can be particularly effective. The nitrates in vegetables are more bioavailable than synthetic versions, and they also provide folate, which supports healthy testosterone production and sperm quality. Arugula specifically has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac, and while the folklore might be overblown, the nitrate content gives it legitimate vascular benefits that translate to better sexual function. Spinach also contains a shitton of iron which is nice if you don't eat a lot of meat.


Pomegranate:

I was quite surprised by this but apparenly pomegranate has some of the strongest research backing for sexual health. It's packed with antioxidants that protect blood vessels from oxidative damage and improve endothelial function (which basically helps blood flow). Several studies have shown pomegranate juice can improve erectile function, and one study found it increased testosterone levels in both men and women after two weeks. The antioxidants also support overall cardiovascular health, which is foundational for sexual function since erections are essentially a vascular event. Pure pomegranate juice is expensive but you don't need much, maybe 4-6 ounces daily.


Garlic:

Contains allicin, a sulfur compound that gets released when you crush or chop fresh cloves. Allicin enhances nitric oxide production and has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce arterial stiffness. Studies have found that aged garlic extract can improve erectile function, likely through its effects on circulation and endothelial health. Garlic also supports testosterone production and has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit overall vascular health. You need fresh garlic to get the allicin, since it breaks down quickly after chopping, but even cooked garlic retains other beneficial sulfur compounds that support circulation. From what I've read, the most optimal way to consume it goes like this :
1) crush your garlic
2) get your food cooking
3) when your food's about done cooking, add the garlic
Because the maximum allicin gets released after 10 minutes. But I've also read that this autistic tweaking doesn't really matter because even if you immediately eat it after crushing it (basically if you chew it and swallow) the allicin gets released 10 mins later in your digestive track/stomach so either way you get it.

The common thread with all of these is that they support the vascular and hormonal systems that underpin sexual function. During flatline, your body is essentially rebalancing after being overstimulated, and giving it the raw materials to rebuild healthy sexual response makes sense. Also, they all improve blood flow, so doing cardio is probably more efficient than all of these combined but if you're an optimizer like me you'll probably like to do both lol.

[JTeller]

Good post, be careful with garlic tho because if you eat too much you'll start smelling like it lol

[kaksoiste222]

Good post, be careful with garlic tho because if you eat too much you'll start smelling like it lol

And that's a good thing.

[ANTIWorld]

Good post, be careful with garlic tho because if you eat too much you'll start smelling like it lol

It's an excellent deworming and antibiotic. Some people straight up eat raw cloves when they start feeling sick and it helps. Just shower and use deodorant and you're good

[liuBei]

Ginger is actually so based it's not even funny, legit one of the most OP foods you can eat.
Basically destroys inflammation, works better than ibuprofen without destroying your stomach lining. My joints feel like they're 5 years younger after heavy sessions when I'm hitting the ginger regularly. Works for muscle soreness too
Digestion becomes god-tier, metabolism gets a decent boost too, nothing crazy but it's free real estate. Burns about 10-15% more calories just from existing, which adds up over time. Also unfucks your insulin sensitivity so your body actually knows what to do with carbs instead of storing everything as fat
Blood flow improvements are legit. Better circulation means your muscles get fed properly and recover faster, and like OP said it also translates into better sexual health
Don't buy the powdered crap, fresh or nothing. Tastes like spicy plant water in tea but you'll get used to it.
Costs basically nothing, available everywhere, zero side effects unless you ho crazy with the dosing
+ apparently it can boost libido but I haven't experienced this myself, but maybe it's legit for some people