Part 5: Dietary Principles for Regulating Sexual Function and Detailed Explanation of Foods that Enhance Male Virility

◇A Guide to Caring for Your Husband's Health as a Good Wife◇

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Dietary principles for regulating sexual function

◎ Consume sufficient high-quality protein: Protein contains various amino acids necessary for human activity. These amino acids participate in the formation of human tissues and cells, including sex organs and reproductive cells. For example, arginine is an important component in sperm production and can improve sexual function and relieve fatigue. Soy foods, especially frozen tofu, are rich in arginine. Good sources of protein include animal proteins such as poultry, eggs, fish, and meat, as well as soy proteins.

◎Note the need for enzyme supplementation: Enzymes are special proteins that catalyze metabolism in the body, promoting overall health. A deficiency in enzymes can lead to functional decline, including decreased sexual function and even infertility. Enzymes are found in various foods. When cooking, avoid excessively high temperatures and prolonged cooking times. Use cooking methods such as frying, baking, and sautéing to prevent enzyme destruction.

◎Provide an adequate amount of fat: From the perspective of maintaining sexual function, it is advisable to consume a certain amount of fat. This is because sex hormones in the human body are mainly converted from cholesterol in fat. A long-term vegetarian diet can affect the secretion of sex hormones, which is detrimental to maintaining sexual function. In addition, fat contains some essential fatty acids needed for sperm production. A deficiency can not only affect sperm production but also lead to decreased libido. Moderate fat consumption also helps the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin E. Meat, fish, and poultry eggs contain relatively high levels of cholesterol, and moderate intake is beneficial for the synthesis of sex hormones. Animal organs, in particular, contain sex hormones themselves; therefore, they should be consumed in moderation.

◎ Pay attention to supplementing vitamins and trace elements related to sexual function: Modern medical research shows that zinc deficiency in the human body can lead to a decrease in sperm count, an increase in the number of abnormal sperm, and a decline in sexual and reproductive function, even infertility. Animal organs, lean meat, oysters, milk, beans, potatoes, and brown sugar are rich in zinc. Vitamins A and E both have the effect of delaying aging and sexual function decline, and have a good effect on sperm production and improving sperm motility. Poultry eggs, dairy products, fish, crab, shellfish, leeks, celery, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, dried chili peppers, and tomatoes contain vitamin A; wheat germ, egg yolks, beans, sesame seeds, peanuts, vegetable oil, wheat germ, and oatmeal contain vitamin E. Vitamin C also plays a positive role in maintaining sexual function. Foods rich in vitamin C include fresh dates, hawthorn, kiwifruit, and various vegetables and fruits. In addition, the following foods have a good effect on strengthening sperm and improving male virility and can be selected for consumption. Abalone, octopus, clams, oysters, razor clams, whelks, scallops, and other shellfish are rich in amino acids and are effective aphrodisiacs. Slippery aquatic products, such as eels, loaches, and mudfish, also have aphrodisiac effects.

What should men eat to enhance their virility?

◎Bird's Nest: Bird's nest is not only a delicious delicacy but also a high-grade tonic. It is rich in protein, with up to 50 grams per 100 grams, as well as various amino acids, sugars, inorganic salts, and vitamins.

Bird's nest has excellent tonic effects. It can be used as a nourishing supplement for those who are chronically ill, weak, emaciated, or have poor appetite. The "Food Taboos" states that bird's nest has the effects of invigorating yang and qi, harmonizing the stomach and improving appetite, replenishing essence and marrow, moistening the lungs, stopping chronic diarrhea, and eliminating phlegm. The "Compendium of Materia Medica Supplement" states that bird's nest is sweet, bland, and neutral in nature, nourishing lung yin, resolving phlegm and stopping cough, and is both nourishing and clearing, making it a holy medicine for treating weakness and tuberculosis.

Bird's nest also has anti-aging, disease-treating, and health-preserving effects. Stewing bird's nest with appropriate amounts of white fungus and rock sugar can treat dry cough, night sweats, and lung yin deficiency. Stewing bird's nest with Bletilla striata over low heat until tender, then adding rock sugar and stewing until dissolved, and taking it morning and evening can treat chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and hemoptysis in the elderly.

Before consuming bird's nest, it should be rinsed with clean water, then soaked in 80℃ hot water for 3 hours to make it expand and soften. Then, use tweezers to remove the feathers and down, and soak it in 100℃ boiling water for about 1 hour before cooking.

◎ Leeks: Leeks are not only tender and flavorful, but also rich in nutrients. Analysis shows that every 500 grams of leeks contains over 10 grams of protein, 3.0 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 280 milligrams of calcium, 225 milligrams of phosphorus, 6.5 milligrams of iron, 95 milligrams of vitamin C, and 17.5 milligrams of carotene (the highest content among leafy vegetables, except for alfalfa sprouts). Modern medical research has proven that in addition to containing a relatively high amount of fiber, which increases gastrointestinal motility and is beneficial for habitual constipation and important for preventing colon cancer, leeks also contain volatile oils and sulfur compounds, which have the effects of promoting appetite, killing bacteria, and lowering blood lipids. Therefore, they are beneficial for patients with hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease.

Leeks are also a traditional Chinese medicine, widely used since ancient times. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* states that leeks warm the middle and lower body, replenish deficiencies, harmonize the internal organs, improve appetite, and benefit yang. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* further states that leeks nourish the liver and kidneys, and treat frequent urination and bedwetting. Because of its prominent effects in warming and tonifying the liver and kidneys, and strengthening yang and consolidating essence, leeks are known as the "yang-raising herb" in pharmacopoeias. Leek seeds are a stimulant, with effects such as consolidating essence, strengthening yang, tonifying the kidneys, and warming the lower back and knees; they are suitable for conditions such as impotence, seminal emission, and frequent urination.

Grind leek seeds into powder and take 15 grams twice a day, morning and evening, with boiled water. This is effective in treating impotence. A decoction of leek roots and leaves taken internally can treat night sweats and spontaneous sweating.

◎Sparrow: Sparrow meat contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, inorganic salts, and vitamins B1 and B2. According to "Supplementary Food Recipes," sparrow meat can nourish the five internal organs, benefit the essence, warm the waist and knees, invigorate yang, reduce urination, and treat uterine bleeding and leukorrhea in women.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that sparrow meat can replenish yin essence and is an excellent tonic for strengthening yang and replenishing essence. It is suitable for treating impotence, lower back pain, frequent urination caused by kidney yang deficiency, and for replenishing the qi of the five internal organs. Cooked sparrow meat or soaked in wine has a warming effect. It has good efficacy for yang deficiency, impotence, premature ejaculation, and leukorrhea. Sparrow eggs and sparrow brains also have good tonic effects. Sparrow brains nourish the kidneys and benefit the ears; when cooked, they can treat male impotence and seminal emission. Sparrow eggs help kidney yang and replenish yin essence. They are effective in treating impotence, lower back pain, and thin, watery semen.

Sparrow meat is considered very "heaty" in traditional Chinese medicine, and should not be consumed during spring and summer, or by those suffering from various heat-related illnesses.

◎Dog meat: Dog meat is sweet and salty in taste, and warm in nature. It has the effects of benefiting the spleen and stomach, and nourishing and strengthening yang. According to the *Compendium of Materia Medica*, dog meat can soothe the five internal organs, lighten the body and invigorate qi, benefit the kidneys and stomach, warm the waist and knees, strengthen qi and strength, replenish the five weaknesses and seven injuries, and nourish blood vessels. Cooking dog meat with black beans and consuming both the meat and the broth can treat impotence and premature ejaculation. Dog meat can warm the kidneys and strengthen yang, dispel cold and relieve pain.

Dog meat is warm in nature, and excessive consumption can cause internal heat. It is not suitable for those with heat-related sores or excessive yang energy.

◎Shrimp: Shrimp is delicious and has high nutritional and medicinal value. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is sweet and salty in taste, and warm in nature, and has the functions of invigorating yang and kidneys, replenishing essence, and promoting lactation. It can be used as a nourishing food for those who are weak due to prolonged illness, short of breath, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

◎Mussels: Mussels are rich in protein, iodine, B vitamins, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, etc. They are salty and warm in nature, and have the effects of warming the kidneys and strengthening essence, replenishing qi and nourishing deficiency. They are suitable for male sexual dysfunction, seminal emission, impotence, overexertion from sexual activity, diabetes, etc. Regular consumption by men can strengthen the body and enhance sexual function.

◎Loach: Loach contains high-quality protein, fat, vitamin A, vitamin B1, niacin, iron, phosphorus, calcium, etc. It has a sweet taste and neutral properties, and is believed to invigorate the spleen and replenish qi, nourish the kidneys and promote sperm production. It is also said to have a good effect on regulating sexual function. Loach contains a special protein that promotes sperm formation. Regular consumption of loach by adult men can nourish and strengthen their bodies.

◎Donkey meat: Donkey meat is delicious and is a high-protein, low-fat, and low-cholesterol meat. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that donkey meat is sweet and cool in nature, and has the effects of replenishing qi and blood, nourishing yin and strengthening yang, calming the mind and relieving irritability. Donkey kidneys are sweet and warm in nature, and have the effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, strengthening muscles and bones, and can treat impotence, lower back and knee weakness, etc.

◎Sheep Kidneys: Sheep kidneys are rich in protein, fat, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, etc. They are sweet in taste and warm in nature. They have the effects of nourishing essence and blood, and strengthening yang and tonifying the kidneys. The *Rihua Materia Medica* states that sheep kidneys can replenish deficiencies and strengthen yang and tonify the kidneys. They are suitable for those suffering from kidney deficiency and impotence.

◎Lamb: Lamb is an excellent tonic in winter. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica," lamb can replenish deficiencies, boost energy, strengthen yang, and improve appetite and overall health. Boiled lamb, eaten and broth consumed, can treat various ailments in men, including general weakness, kidney deficiency, and impotence. It also has warming and cold-dispelling effects, and nourishes qi and blood.