2019-06-01_VegNews

(Nancy Kaufman) #1
Special guest columnist Stacy De-Lin, MD, is here
to give expert advice on living your best vegan sex life.

80 VegNews SUMMER 2019


veghealth


It’s true: vegans have better sex!
A plant-based diet has multiple
positive benefits for your health,
and that includes the health of
your reproductive organs. Erectile
dysfunction, which affects up to 30
million people in the United States
alone, occurs when blood flow
to the heart and brain is blocked
(a common problem associated
with the consumption of animal
products), decreasing flow to
the penis. However, a whole-
foods, plant-based diet—which
can increase the flexibility and
diameter of the arteries, which in
turn improves blood flow—can
help in regaining one’s sexual
health. According to a study in the
Journal of the American Medical
Association, nearly one-third
of participants saw their sexual
function return to normal simply
by reducing their consumption of
saturated fat and cholesterol, and
increasing their fiber intake.
In other words, want better sex?
Go vegan!

Play Responsibly


“Summer Night” is a time-honored song for a reason: research shows that
sexual activity peaks in the summer months. But with all that romance comes
some unfortunate side effects, as STIs, or sexually transmitted infections,
have also been shown to rise at the same time.

But you can have safe summer sex! In addition to regular STI testing,
condoms are the most effective way to prevent STIs. While some condoms
are processed with the milk protein casein, plenty of safe and effective vegan
brands exist, like paraben-free Glyde, fair-trade and hypoallergenic Sustain,
all-natural Sir Richard’s, and the allergen-friendly, latex-free Unique Plus.

And don’t forget the all-important lube! Beware of lubricants that contain
beeswax and milk-derived ingredients, skip the oil-based ones (which can
break down latex condoms), and choose a water-based option instead.
While there are many brands on the market, vegan-friendly Sliquid is
safe to use with sex toys, completely odorless and tasteless, and perfect
for your summer of love.

Dr. Stacy Says ...


When it comes to vaginal health, probiotic-rich
foods are your best friend. Non-dairy yogurt
and kefir are chock-full of healthful probiotics
and the bacteria lactobacillus, both which
help keep your vagina at a healthy pH level
and fend off yeast and excess bacteria.
Vegan Greek yogurt parfaits, here we come!

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QUESTION: I know about the health benefits of a vegan
diet, but I’ve also heard that a plant-based diet could
improve erectile dysfunction, too. Is this true?

ANSWER:

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