Can Omega-3's improve my sex life?
There are two routes by which omega-3's might help your sex life. The first has to do with circulation, the second has to do with mood.
If circulation is compromised, that means blood has trouble getting both to your heart and to your nether regions. That's why there's such a well-known connection between erectile dysfunction and heart disease. The connecting link is circulation.
Omega-3's can improve circulation. And while all sexual symptoms are obviously not caused by circulatory problems alone, they may be a big part of sexual problems for a lot of people, so omega-3's are definitely a "pro-sex" supplement!
Then there's mood, where the connection to good sex is even more dramatic. Omega-3 levels are seriously depressed (forgive the pun) in depressed people and population studies show that people eating large amounts of fish (omega-3's) have low rates of major depression. Omega-3 fats are an absolutely critical part of the structure of the brain, and the brain requires them to function well. French scientists have demonstrated that rats who don't have enough omega-3 fatty acids have brain chemistry consistent with human models of depression. Omega-3's are incorporated into the cell membranes, making it easier for feel good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to get in. And fish oil has been shown in research to significantly help the depressive symptoms in bipolar patients.
It's pretty hard to be orgasmic if you’re depressed, doubly so if you’re suffering from poor circulation. Since both these conditions can be helped by omega-3’s- it makes sense that they could improve your sex life. (For my favorite brands of omega-3 supplements, see the SHOPPING link for vitamins and supplements at the top of my website)
While you're at it, you might want to increase your protein, zinc and magnesium (increases free testosterone), and score some high-cocoa dark chocolate. Chocolate contains PEA (phenethylamine) also known as the "love chemical" because it releases endorphins in the brain. It also raises dopamine, a neurochemical known to be elevated when you're in love.
And don't forget the greatest aphrodisiac of all- a loving partner who you’re crazy about.
It helps if she or he also thinks you're the hottest thing on the planet.
If circulation is compromised, that means blood has trouble getting both to your heart and to your nether regions. That's why there's such a well-known connection between erectile dysfunction and heart disease. The connecting link is circulation.
Omega-3's can improve circulation. And while all sexual symptoms are obviously not caused by circulatory problems alone, they may be a big part of sexual problems for a lot of people, so omega-3's are definitely a "pro-sex" supplement!
Then there's mood, where the connection to good sex is even more dramatic. Omega-3 levels are seriously depressed (forgive the pun) in depressed people and population studies show that people eating large amounts of fish (omega-3's) have low rates of major depression. Omega-3 fats are an absolutely critical part of the structure of the brain, and the brain requires them to function well. French scientists have demonstrated that rats who don't have enough omega-3 fatty acids have brain chemistry consistent with human models of depression. Omega-3's are incorporated into the cell membranes, making it easier for feel good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to get in. And fish oil has been shown in research to significantly help the depressive symptoms in bipolar patients.
It's pretty hard to be orgasmic if you’re depressed, doubly so if you’re suffering from poor circulation. Since both these conditions can be helped by omega-3’s- it makes sense that they could improve your sex life. (For my favorite brands of omega-3 supplements, see the SHOPPING link for vitamins and supplements at the top of my website)
While you're at it, you might want to increase your protein, zinc and magnesium (increases free testosterone), and score some high-cocoa dark chocolate. Chocolate contains PEA (phenethylamine) also known as the "love chemical" because it releases endorphins in the brain. It also raises dopamine, a neurochemical known to be elevated when you're in love.
And don't forget the greatest aphrodisiac of all- a loving partner who you’re crazy about.
It helps if she or he also thinks you're the hottest thing on the planet.
Labels: aphrodisiac, dha, epa, libido, love, omega 3, sex drive
Jonny Bowden, PhD, C.N.S. is a nationally known expert on weight loss and nutrition and is the author of several best-sellers.
