Foods that flop your show in the bedroom
SO you’ve gotten your oats, peanuts, roots, nutmeg and everything else that Vybz Kartel prescribed to improve your performance in the bedroom, but your cast member is still exiting the stage before the end of the first scene. Maybe it’s time to take a look at not just the star-studded foods that you consume just before the show, but the other foods in your diet that have been working menacingly behind the scenes to close the curtains prematurely.
Could any of these libido killers be the culprits that are turning your bedroom romance into horror? Registered nutritionist at Nestle Jamaica, Janique Watts, recommends that you cut them from your dietary line-up before the next act if you don’t want it to be over before the fat (or slim) lady sings.
Sugars
Feel like going for a round after a high-carb dinner? Think again. Watts notes that sugary foods require insulin, which is produced by the pancreas to be absorbed in the body.
“The production of insulin, however, does decrease the production of testosterone which therefore decreases your sexual appetite,” she warns.
Highly processed foods
The key to a turgid, lasting erection is proper blood flow to the penis. The greatest antagonists of good circulation are obesity, diabetes and hypertension, all of which can be caused by constantly consuming highly processed foods.
“These foods contain high amounts of salt and saturated fats, both of which when eaten in excess can lead to weight gain and obesity. This is the precursor to developing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This therefore means arteries are clogged from excessive fat being stored, and this restricts the natural flow of blood. This results in decreased sexual performance,” Watts explains.
Trans fats
While you cannot completely avoid some fat in your diet, and some are actually very healthy, you will do your sex life a huge favour if you stay away from trans fats which are found in many fried foods, baked goods, margarines and spreads.
“Trans fats are known to negatively affect testicular function,” Watts says. “This is due to the male sexual organ being made up of very small veins, and with added fat in the body, blood circulation to areas farther away from the heart becomes more restricted. Less blood flow leads to poor erections.”
Mint
Are we really saying you can’t even have a little mint tea before she comes over? No, we’re not. We’re saying you should watch it though, because it was observed in a review that menthol (active ingredient in mint) lowers testosterone in women who suffer from PCOS(polycystic ovary syndrome) .
“There would need to be further research done for both sexes to have a conclusive claim that testosterone levels would also be affected in men, thus leading to lowered libido,” Watts says.
Soy
Got milk? Then drink it if you can, because soy — the most popular dairy alternative —contains phytoestrogens. These are compounds that mimic the female hormone estrogen.
“High consumption of these foods lead to hormone imbalances, and this can then lead to decreased sexual desire and performance in men,” Watts notes.
Alcohol
That bedroom tonic might be playing a completely different role from the one that’s in the script. While you might feel a buzz after having your favourite beer or tonic wine to take the edge off before the show, it does not increase your stamina.
“Alcohol is a depressant and as such will cause a loss in sexual desire and therefore affect the ability of having an erection,” Watts points out. Over time, too, heavy drinking leads to lowered testosterone levels and increased oestrogen levels, which results in decreased libido.
Marijuana
While you’re feeling high and floating on the clouds, your partner, who has to endure your lackluster performance, might be feeling rather low. Whether you roll one up before the act or consume edibles such as weed brownies or ganja tea to get in the mood, cannabis not only calms your nerves, but also your testosterone levels — for up to 24 hours. Watts warns that prolonged use can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
