The Observer, April 8, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 24
"Lifestyles" improving booty through nutrition
Turn Ons
There are few areas that can spark a young adult's interest the way topics related to sex or the opposite gender can. Many attempt to learn various tricks to "woo" the opposite sex, even turning to food sources to lure them in. When a food is used in such a manner as to attempt to increase sexual arousal or desire, it is known as an aphrodisiac.
The list of aphrodisiacs is virtually endless and ranges from chocolate – covered strawberries to bananas to honey. The original intent of using aphrodisiacs was to remedy a variety of sexual anxieties, including fear of inadequate performance and need to increase fertility. While it may spark a sense of hope in some, the use of supposed aphrodisiac foods has proven to have no actual effect on sexual desire.
In fact, the Food and Drug Administration declared in 1989 that use of aphrodisiacs is based completely on folklore; and hold no scientific value. Regardless of the FDA's stance that aphrodisiacs are in fact ineffective and in some cases potentially harmful, people continue on their quest for something to boost sexual desire.
Turn Offs
Despite society's zealous quest for the key to unlocking hidden desires, most people overlook one of the easiest controllable factors in assisting to maintain sexual competence – a healthy body weight. Studies have shown that those who fall out of the range for healthy weight – whether it is overweight or undernourished – experience a greater chance for experiencing sexual dysfunction. In fact, a study performed in the 1940s showed that the sperm viability of men was greatly decreased during times of severe undernourishment – now that's something to chew on.
In his acclaimed documentary Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock broke the fat barrier to see just how harmful fast food really is; he ate McDonald's for every meal every day for one month. The results were astonishing; the grease – laden diet adversely affected many aspects of his life, ranging from inability to walk stairs without losing his breath to total lack of interest in sexual endeavors. (His partner also expressed a disinterest in sex, quite possibly due to the massive amount of weight Spurlock gained.)
Health and Safety
The point is that instead of turning to "miracle foods" or subsisting solely on fast food, people should simply adopt a healthier lifestyle if they want areas of their life to improve. Eating right and exercising will not only boost self esteem, but also decrease risk for innumerable diseases later in life, including Type–II Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and some forms of cancer.
Proper nutrition is necessary to maintain an active lifestyle. It is important to consume adequate calories and eat balanced meals to ensure high energy levels for any activity desired, whether it be running, jumping, or doing the horizontal tango.
Proper nutrition is also a very important component in achieving a healthy pregnancy outcome. While most college women are not actively trying to get pregnant, a large number engage in sexual activity or use oral contraceptives, and it is important to realize that oral contraceptives have been found to interfere with metabolism of folate, a vitamin that is of utmost importance in the prevention of birth defects, specifically defects affecting neural tube development in fetuses that could be potentially lethal.
It is necessary to establish adequate folate stores early in life, as pregnancy outcome in regards to birth defects depends on if the woman had sufficient folate stores months before even becoming pregnant. Therefore, anyone who is taking oral contraceptives or engaging in sexual activity should take a folate supplement because she could become pregnant. The FDA has mandated that all cereal grain products be fortified with supplemental folate in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of neural – tube – defect – affected pregnancies, which makes these products excellent sources.
Men should exercise healthy eating habits to maintain prostate health. Research has shown that cutting down on meats and high – fat dairy products, as well as adding more vegetables to your diet, can reduce the hormonal stimulation of the prostate and prevent future prostate problems.
It is important to establish healthy habits early in life, as nutritious choices and physical activity truly can impact all sectors of your life. After all, eating a healthy diet is much more economical than spending $90 on a month's supply of Viagra.
