Modern medical research has proven that there exists a subtle interdependence between food and human sexual function. Consuming foods with specific benefits can enhance semen quality, strengthen yang, nourish the kidneys and body, and exert favorable effects on sexual desire, response, and behavior to a certain extent. From the perspective of maintaining and regulating sexual function, there are dietary principles in daily eating habits:
1. Consume adequate high-quality protein. Protein contains various amino acids necessary for human activities and participates in the composition of human tissue cells, including sexual organs and reproductive cells. For instance, arginine is a crucial component for spermatogenesis and has the effects of improving sexual function and eliminating fatigue. Soybean products, especially frozen tofu, are rich in arginine. High-quality protein sources mainly include animal-based proteins such as poultry, eggs, fish, and meat, as well as bean protein.
2. Pay attention to enzyme supplementation. Enzymes are special proteins with catalytic roles in the body that promote human metabolism and benefit health. Enzyme deficiency in the body can lead to functional decline, including sexual dysfunction, and even infertility. Enzymes are present in various foods. When cooking, attention should be paid to not exceeding the appropriate temperature and time; frying, baking, and grilling can be used to avoid damaging the enzymes.
3. Provide an appropriate amount of fat. In recent years, with the enhancement of people's health awareness, most adult men worry that fat and cholesterol intake may lead to obesity and heart disease, so quite a few people have adopted a vegetarian diet due to fear of fat. However, from the perspective of maintaining sexual function, a certain amount of fat should be consumed appropriately. This is because the sex hormones in the human body are mainly converted from cholesterol in fat. Long-term vegetarians may affect sex hormone secretion, which is detrimental to maintaining sexual function. Additionally, fat contains essential fatty acids required for spermatogenesis. Their deficiency not only affects spermatogenesis but may also lead to decreased sexual desire. Consuming an appropriate amount of fat also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Meat, fish, and eggs contain more cholesterol, and appropriate intake facilitates the synthesis of sex hormones. Especially animal organs, which themselves contain sex hormones, should be consumed in moderation.
4. Pay attention to supplementing vitamins and trace elements related to sexual function. Modern medical research shows that zinc deficiency in the human body can cause decreased sperm count, increased abnormal sperm count, and sexual and reproductive dysfunction, potentially leading to infertility. Animal organs, lean meat, oysters, milk, beans, potatoes, and brown sugar are rich in zinc. Both Vitamin A and Vitamin E delay aging and sexual dysfunction and have positive effects on spermatogenesis and improving sperm motility. Vitamin A is found in poultry eggs, dairy products, fish, crabs, shellfish, Chinese chives, celery, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, dried chili peppers, and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in cereal germs, egg yolks, beans, sesame seeds, peanuts, vegetable oil, wheat germs, and oatmeal. Vitamin C also plays a positive role in maintaining sexual function. Foods rich in Vitamin C include fresh jujubes, hawthorns, kiwis, and various vegetables and fruits.
The following foods have good effects on enhancing semen quality and strengthening yang and can be chosen for consumption: Shellfish such as abalone, octopus, clams, oysters, quahogs, conchs, and scallops are rich in amino acids and are effective foods for enhancing semen quality. Slippery aquatic products also have the effect of strengthening semen, such as eels, rice field eels, and loaches.
