Dr. Nan Wise, neuroscientist, on how better health leads to better sex and how it is “going to drive more sexual desire”

There are many recommendations for how to spice up one’s sex life but they’re all for not if you don’t first start with living a healthy lifestyle. Just as having overall good physical health through exercise and nutrition helps improve your wellbeing, so too do they affect having good sexual wellness.

This is especially true when it comes to preventing cardiovascular ailments like high blood pressure, which not only can put your long-term health at risk but also disrupt your blood flow. This is a key element for helping with arousal in both sexes as well as the production of sex hormones. Additionally, the nutrients you ingest will also benefit both of these areas.

Keys to unlocking bedroom magic

Dr. Nan Wise, a neuroscientist and sex therapist, shared with SELF some of the foods that can provide the key ingredients to producing sex hormones and health benefits to improve your sexual wellness. These target increased blood flow, reduction of inflammation, and aid in better overall wellbeing.

Got zinc?

One of the hormones that is most involved with sexual desire in both men and women is testosterone. Zinc is vital for maintaining a robust libido and one’s sexual desire. Scientific studies have shown that it enhances orgasms and satisfaction during intercourse.

Furthermore, for women it increases vaginal moisture helping to reduce pain. Higher testosterone in men improves sperm quality says Dr. Wise.

This valuable mineral can be found in red meats and fish as well as oysters. The latter is one of the best natural sources. So while the idea that they make you randy may be a myth says Dr. Wise, they are still worth putting on the menu.

The catch of the day: omega-3 fatty acids

When choosing your fish, it would be a good idea to go with the fattier species like anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines. Not only do you get the zinc, but you also get omega-3 fatty acids for a boost to your libido and dopamine levels in addition to supporting healthy blood flow and optimal levels of testosterone.

Furthermore, it’s an anti-inflammatory fat. You can also get your dose of omega-3 fatty acids from avocados and nuts such as almonds and walnuts as well as pumpkin seeds. Nuts are also packed with flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

Adding some flavonoids

These are believed to positively affect your blood sugar and cholesterol levels and can be found in another food group that can be beneficial to your sexual wellness, colorful fruits. Berries, citrus fruits, and other fruits and foods that are rich in these natural chemicals are “really good for your [metabolic] functioning,” according to Dr. Wise.

And a fan favorite that should not be overlooked is dark chocolate. While its aphrodisiac properties may not be proven, its health benefits have been. From mood-boosting chemicals to decreasing inflammation and improving blood flow.

Spicing things up

You can also spice up your sex life by adding cinnamon and ginger to your diet. Scientific studies have shown these two spices to have a range of health benefits like reducing inflammation.

So, by improving your how your body feels, in addition to experiencing better health overall, it’s “going to drive more sexual desire,” explains Dr. Wise.

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