The Red and Black

Issue date: 1/24/07 Section: News

Media Credit: www.sxc.hu

To add more flavor to your sex life, health officials say you should visit a local grocery store.

Omega-3 fatty acids, soy and certain granolas can amp up sexual experiences for students by improving blood circulation.

"You need to make sure you have healthy blood vessels," said Mary Ann Johnson, professor of foods and nutrition in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Johnson said Omega-3 foods can help blood vessel flow - in addition to improving vision, brain function and overall health.

Examples of Omega-3 foods include salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines, said Ashley Webb, a clinical dietician at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Walnuts are another good source, as well as ground flax, which has a plant-based Omega-3, Johnson said.

Students also have the option of eating soy to enhance blood flow.

"There's a type of protein that's in soy that might lower blood cholesterol, which improves blood vessel health," Johnson said.

As for soy products, students can consume foods such as tofu and soy milk.

"Any food made from the whole soy bean (will work)," Johnson said.

Aside from the wide variety of sex-improving foods, some students were unaware of the sexual benefits.

"I'm sure those foods would increase stamina and be helpful in the bedroom," said Caitlin Phillips, a junior from San Diego.

She said she thought garlic was good for circulation and regularly ate it raw.

"You smell kinda bad, but I love it," Phillips said.

And she was right about the circulation.

"Garlic, onions and chili peppers help in general with circulation," Webb said.

"But overall, circulation depends on good heart health."

Students can focus on antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables and green tea to improve health, she said.

Overall good health is one of the main keys for a healthy sex life.

"The best combination is a healthy diet and regular physical activity and avoiding (being) overweight," Johnson said.

Webb suggested students should avoid trans fats and eat more lean meat.

"I'd imagine that if you eat healthier, your body would function better," said Brigette Herron, a junior from Athens.

To improve their sex lives, students need to stay healthy.

Michelle Cohen, health educator at the health center, said, "A healthy lifestyle can certainly contribute to a healthy sex life."

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