It is no surprise that libido plays a vital part in the overall male health. This is the main driving force of desire and sexual activity. Modern physicians recognize the significance of healthy libido since it directly affects your confidence, emotional, mental, physical and social well-being, which is the reason why it is considered to be a clear indicator of one’s state of health. Men often struggle to increase their drive, this can be due to stress, low mood, nutritional deficiencies and most commonly can be caused by a decline in hormones due to age. However, there is no need to worry, you can get your mojo back by adding aphrodisiac superfoods, herbs and spices to your diet and regularly exercising.

Below are six vital reasons why improving the male sex drive can be beneficial for their health:

1) Oxytocin

Oxytocin is an essential hormone necessary for childbirth and male fertility. This hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and discharged by the pituitary gland. Also known as the love hormone, oxytocin levels rise when physical contact is made with another human. It aids in sperm motility and the production of testosterone in the male organ. Oxytocin is also essential for coitus and specifically orgasm, which supports in the release of this hormone. It leads to a surge of benefits, which include glowing skin, mood enhancement, protection against different hormone-mediated cancers, lower levels of blood pressure and cortisol, which suppresses testosterone levels.

2) Improved Blood Flow

Intercourse can lead to the dilation of blood vessels all over the body, which promotes the flow of blood to genitals. Improved oxygen-rich blood flow brings nutrients to the organs thereby boosting health, strength, vitality and ejaculation. When your heart pumps at full force, heart muscles relax, it lowers heart rate and your blood pressure flows more evenly and smoothly. Furthermore, it promotes healthy skin, brain functionality and keeps your mind focused. A healthy body is better prepared to ward off bacteria and infections.

3) Stress Reduction

A fulfilling sex life leads to less hostility, anxiety and violence. Especially since it promotes intimacy, security and the release of endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. Endorphin triggers positive feelings in the entire body. It also diminishes the perception of pain, thereby working as effective analgesics. This chemical manufactures in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body as neurotransmitters, thus injecting zeal all over the body. Similarly, dopamine is also a neurotransmitter which plays a vital role in the human body. It is responsible for our movement, speech, motivation, mood, how we eat, learn and whether we become addicted to drugs or not. The release of these three chemicals together leads to a happy state of mind which creates an unbreakable bond between you and your partner and better equips you to deal with stress.

4) Cardiovascular Health

The male organ is a good indicator of cardiovascular health. Since erections are directly linked to blood flow in the genitals, vascular diseases can clog the arteries, diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and high cholesterol are said to be the underlying cause of 70% erectile dysfunctionality (ED).

5) Health Benefits

Physical intimacy counts as exercise and burns at least five calories per minute, it improves heart rate and uses several muscles. Not only is it good for the heart, but it also keeps your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance. In dire cases, lower levels of either can trigger osteoporosis and heart disease. It is also vital to note that, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found men who ejaculate frequently are at a lower risk of prostate cancer. Furthermore, intercourse can also help you sleep better, this is due to the reason that after an orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released which leads to relaxation and sleepiness. Touching and hugging can merely trigger the release of feel-good hormones which help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness, self-esteem and confidence.

6) Health Indicator

Lack of desire and passion can be a harbinger of health concerns to come. Low libido is usually accompanied by decreased apathy, energy, stamina, mental sluggishness, depression, low immune functionality which puts you at the risk of developing ailments. Your drive can be a clear indicator you have too much stress on your plate, chronic stress over-energizes you to burnout and makes you irritable. This can disrupt the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, also called HPA axis, which can lead to low energy levels, increased blood sugar, chronic sleep disturbances, reduced stress tolerance, weight gain, inhibited drive and suppressed immune functionality.

It is vital to note, due to the exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical toxins, it can directly put you at risk to pesticides, reduced sexual functionality and risk of developing cancers. Obesity is also the cause of low hormone levels amongst men. Excessive carbohydrate consumption increases the rise of insulin, which is the primary hormone that regulates the absorption of carbohydrates from the bloodstream and into tissues. Constant high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance thereby disrupting hormone functionality, especially the production of testosterone levels. Furthermore, belly fat is directly linked to testosterone levels, specifically, since it has an enzyme called aromatase which converts the male hormone into estrogens, the female hormone. When estrogen levels rise their hormonal system triggers the body to reduce the production of testosterone. Hence staying active and avoiding pot belly is the way ensure increase male libido.