What do you think of when you think "man food?" Some of a man's favorite foods, such as hot dogs and French fries, aren't good for his waistline or his heart, and are more likely to send him to the couch for the evening than leave him heading for the bedroom with a wicked grin on his face. Real man food, however, will boost his energy and keep his sex life sizzling. Relax — we're not talking beans and sprouts. Many foods that men like, perhaps even love, are actually good for them. Take a look at the following list of healthy foods that will help him stay energetic and healthy ... both in and out of the bedroom.

           

Oysters. Men have valued oysters as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years, and there is some basis for this belief. Eating a few oysters everyday (and real men prefer them raw, right?) provides an abundant supply of the antioxidant mineral zinc, which is used by the body in numerous processes, from cell repair to DNA synthesis. Oysters are nature’s single best source of zinc, providing almost 100 mg per gram. Research shows that zinc may increase libido by boosting the production of testosterone, and may protect against prostate cancer.

 

Chocolate. Chocolate contains phenethylamine (PEA), a chemical known as the "love drug," that your body creates when you fall in love. It's related to amphetamines, causing an increase in mood, but doesn't cause addiction. PEA activates the brain's pleasure center and triggers the release of "feel good" endorphins. Chocolate also reduces stress due to the compound anadamide, which stimulates the same receptors in the brain as marijuana. Studies have found that dark chocolate also protects the heart and improves memory.

 

Fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna, protect your heart by lowering fat levels in the blood and improving circulation. Fish also contain the amino acid L-arginine that boost levels of nitric acid, which are essential for erections. In addition, omega-3s may raise the levels of the neurotransmitter which helps get you in the mood for a bedroom romp. A couple of servings a week meet the American Heart Association recommendations. 

 

Wine. A study published in Nutrition Journal found that quercetin, a powerful flavonoid found in red wine, helps keep levels of testosterone elevated in the bloodstream. Scientists at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that men who drink four to seven glasses of red wine every week cut their risk of developing prostate cancer by 52 percent when compared to men who didn't drink red wine. Other studies have found that red wine protects the heart, extends life expectancy, and shields the brain from damage following a stroke.

 

Watermelon. This summertime treat is loaded with vitamin C, which is essential for healthy sperm. A study at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that men with poor sperm quality who begin eating diets containing at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C a day improved both sperm counts and motility. Those who increased their intake to 1,000 milligrams daily showed an even bigger improvement. Watermelon is also rich in the amino acid L-citrulline, which is converted to arginine, which in turn boosts levels of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels in a way similar to Viagra. "Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it," said Dr. Bhimu Patil, a researcher at Texas A&M University. 

 

Berries. Berries of all kinds — the darker and more colorful the better — contain a health-protecting flavonoid called anthocyanin, which may help slow down aging and keep the brain from declining. They also help out in the bedroom. Blueberries are often called "nature's little blue pill" because they, like other berries, contain natural compounds that raise the levels of nitric acid in the body, allowing blood vessels to relax and sustain blood flow in a manner similar to Viagra.

 

Bananas. Bananas are nature’s sports snack for men, being handily provided with their own easily peelable, biodegradable wrapper. Some might look at the phallus-shaped banana and think in terms of the ancient medical Doctrine of the Signatures, which held that the key to the usage of plants was indicated by the plant’s form and shape. Whether true or not, bananas contain high amounts of bromelain, which triggers the production of testosterone. Bromelain has also been successfully used to treat Peyronie's disease, which can cause sexual dysfunction in men. And bananas are packed with potassium, which is vital for the production of sex hormones.

 

 

While enjoying these healthy foods, take a daily multivitamin designed for men, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of exercise.