This is the day when we celebrate love - every single bit of it! It’s all about romance: dimmed lights, candles, rose petals, a glass (or two?) of fine wine, and the whole shabang. While we’re all up for a little romance, especially in the age of romantic cynacism, today we’ve decided to touch upon a subject that is very much related to the holiday of love - a healthy sex life.

While Valentine’s Day has traditionally been all about lingerie and chocolates, it’s hard to avoid the topic of love-making itself and not just the art of seduction. They say that the way to your heart is through your stomach, and that’s precisely the objective of today’s discussion. Proper nutrition does indeed lead to improvements in the bedroom, and you’re about to find out how. Read on!

The Role of Vegan Omega-3 in Sex Life

Unlike other valuable nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids aren’t readily available in the body, as they cannot be naturally produced from scratch. What this means is that we must take it upon ourselves to provide our bodies with a sufficient dose of quality omega-3s in order to maintain the balance of many bodily processes.

What makes these fatty acids so important? Well, first and foremost, omega-3s represent an integral part of cell membranes, also participating in functions of the cell receptors. Furthermore, they have been found to participate in blood clotting, inflammation management, as well as processes concerning artery walls. One of the main roles of omega-3s is in genetic function and female health, while they’re also considered pivotal in healthy sex life.

Besides the physical aspect, what makes all the difference is the psychological factors in combination with emotions. While omega-3 fatty acids cannot aid in creating a spark between two people, they’re certainly crucial when it comes to brain biochemistry. According to a study conducted by Bourre J. M., omega-3s are largely involved in brain biochemistry, composition and functioning, acting as mood and libido regulators.

Furthermore, omega-3 deficiency in the brain has been linked to cognitive disorders, as well as issues concerning mood levels, a study on the effects of omega-3 on the dopamine system suggests. Namely, this study states that omega-3 fatty acids can be found in the very structure of neuronal membranes, hence their effect on dopamine systems. Finally, this same study goes on to conclude that optimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most important factors in the development and maintenance of dopamine systems. Therefore it is safe to say that omega-3 fatty acids truly represent a staple when it comes to “setting the mood”.

What’s more, supplementing with all-natural omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve sexual health in menopausal women. Namely, these fats play a significant role in circulation, blood flow, as well as moisturization of mucous membranes, which is particularly important considering the common condition of vaginal dryness in menopausal women.

The Importance of Antioxidants for Sexual Health

Glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, is one of the most important, yet most underrated nutrients that your body requires. While many people are not familiar with this powerful antioxidant, it is an abundant tripeptide consisting of glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid, and it can be found in cellular structure throughout the body.

The main function of glutathione concerns its protective activity, as it has been found to shield cellular macromolecules from oxidative stress, targeting the very causes of oxidative stress such as mercury. Therefore, Liposomal Reduced Glutathione is considered to be one of the most effective natural detoxifiers in your body at even a cellular level, and its depletion has been associated with numerous health issues and premature aging, a study by J. Pizzorno concludes.

Glutathione, as well as many antioxidants, are also commonly linked to male sexual health, due to their positive effects when it comes to erectile dysfunction. According to a study on glutathione levels in patients with erectile dysfunction, reduced glutathione concentration has been noted in patients dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED). The core of the issue seems to be jeopardized nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, resulting in male sexual issues such as ED, since NO represents the key factor in penile erection.

Furthermore, a study on dietary antioxidants suggests that the majority of cases of ED are directly related to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. With that being said, the same study goes on to conclude that efficient action of all-natural antioxidants such as Liposomal Glutathione and Liposomal Vitamin C is pivotal in combating free radicals and managing oxidative stress, including the instances of ED.

Yet another crucial factor in optimal sexual health is libido, which is a more complex part of sexual health influenced by numerous factors - one of them being psychological health. Yet another vital antioxidant, Liposomal Vitamin C, has been shown to lower stress reactivity, aiding in the management of anxiety symptoms and enhancing vascular function, a study by S. Brody suggests. Moreover, Vitamin C has also been found to promote the production of vascular NO, the importance of which we’ve discussed earlier in the article.

Collagen & Sex Life: The Connection

If we’re referring to glutathione as the master antioxidant, it is only natural to introduce collagen as the master protein, as it is the most abundant insoluble fibrous bodily protein, largely present in connective tissue, as well as extracellular matrix. When it comes to its triple-helical structure, collagen consists of three main amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, each of which offers a variety of health benefits.

Speaking of health benefits, let’s briefly sum up the immense importance of collagen for optimal health. Besides being the main structural protein in ligaments, tendons, bones, skin, blood vessels, and cartilage, all-natural collagen supplementation also has anti-aging properties. It eases the symptoms of joint discomfort, prevents bone loss, and represents a staple in the beauty industry due to its benefits concerning hair, nail, and skin quality.

Nevertheless, the benefits of non-GMO collagen supplementation we’re focusing on today are those concerning sexual health. According to a study conducted by Luangkhot R. et al, there is a clear connection between the levels of collagen and male sexual health as collagen is largely present in human erectile tissues.

Given the high content of collagen protein in erectile tissues, it is no wonder that collagen is recommended in order to maintain erectile function, especially in older men. One of the inevitable, yet manageable consequences of the aging process is the alternation of elasticity of collagen in this area. What happens is that these tissues are unable to stretch as much as they used to due to the change in collagen matrix, compromising the capability of erection.

On the other hand, men aren’t the only ones at the receiving end when it comes to the benefits of collagen. Quite the contrary, women can benefit just as much by boosting collagen levels, especially when it comes to their sexual health. As a structural protein, collagen is also very much present in the composition of vaginal walls, playing a pivotal role in vaginal support. After giving birth or experiencing menopause, the structure of the collagen matrix in the vaginal area may be altered, hence the recommendation of consistent collagen supplementation.

So there you have it. Adding the right daily supplements to your daily nutrition can be just as important as the right undergarments or planning that romantic date. We hope we’ve inspired you to think of a healthy sex life beyond the red roses, as proper nutrition can help you by spicing things up in the bedroom, while also contributing to your overall well-being. And if you’re still not convinced that health supplements can go hand-in-hand with romance, make sure to check out our cozy collagen-infused mulled wine recipe. For more selectively-sourced, premium supplements, visit our online store.