Turns Out Eating This Popular Protein Can Enhance Your Sex Life
It's Friday night and we all know what that means — date night. If you and your partner are looking to spice things up in the bedroom, slip into something that makes you feel sexy and consider heading out to a romantic seafood restaurant. It's not just the ambient lighting that may boost your libido, but more so what you order.
In a 2018 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers found that out of more than 500 couples looking to get pregnant, those who ate greater amounts of seafood had sex more often compared to couples who ate less. In fact, the likelihood for sexual intercourse increased by 39% on days where both partners ate seafood.
While you can't go wrong with grilled shrimp, buttery lobster, or boiled crab, fish may be the best option when it comes to enhancing your sex life — but not just any fish.
The omega-3s in salmon may benefit your sexual health
If you're looking to get in some omega-3s, you can't do much better than salmon. These healthy fats support the health of our cells, organs, as well as our cognitive functioning (via WebMD). Omega-3 fatty acids also boost dopamine release, the same action that occurs during orgasm. This makes sense when you consider that dopamine is often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. "[Dopamine] also elevates mood, and more relaxed people are in the mood for sex more often," sex expert Psalm Isadora told Harper's Bazaar.
Aside from helping us get into the mood, Isadora further explains that the omega-3s in salmon and other fatty fish may also help with symptoms of erectile dysfunction. "Fatty fish also contains L-arginine, an amino acid used to treat problems with erections. Think of it like a natural Viagra," Isadora stated. According to a 2001 study published in BJU International, approximately 322 million men across the globe are estimated to be affected by erectile dysfunction in 2025.
The L-arginine content in salmon helps boost blood flow
As mentioned, L-arginine may be one piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving our sex life. In a 2019 scientific review published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers found that supplement doses of arginine between 1,500 to 5,000 milligrams (mg) improved patient cases of mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in comparison to placebo treatment or no treatment whatsoever. Arginine supplementation was also found to be associated with increases in overall satisfaction, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, and erectile function.
Similarly, findings from a 2022 study published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation showed that taking high doses of arginine over the course of three months also enhanced erectile function in patients affected by mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Mayo Clinic experts explain that the reason for this connection is that L-arginine dilates the blood vessels, thereby boosting circulation throughout the body.
The next time date night rolls around, go ahead and order that pan-seared salmon dish. It may just leave your mouth watering for your meal, as well as your partner.