Top Almond Benefits for Men Sexually (Backed by Science)
We can all agree that enjoyed in moderation, almonds, (also known as badam), make a healthy snack. Some almond benefits for men are quite obvious, including the fact that they’re a source of protein and fiber. But did you know that consuming almonds also provides numerous health benefits for men, particularly in terms of their sexual health?
For starters, these tree nuts make a good source of vitamin E, magnesium and manganese, all nutrients important to men’s sexual health. In addition, there are other nutrients in almonds linked with supporting male libido and testosterone production. Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of almonds for men.
View the list of all 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health
Nutrition
A one-ounce serving of roasted almonds is a snack packed with nutrition. At less than 170 calories, one ounce of unsalted almonds contains:
6.2g protein (12% DV)
3.3g fiber (13% DV)
7.3mg vitamin E (37% DV)
9.3mcg folate (2% DV)
75.1mg calcium (8% DV)
1.3mg iron (7% DV)
80.8mg magnesium (20% DV)
211mg potassium (6% DV)
1mg zinc (7% DV)
.7mg manganese (37% DV)
.8mcg selenium (1% DV)
It should be noted that almonds are a substantial source of fat. (A one-ounce serving contains 14.9 grams of fat.) But they are cholesterol-free.
Top 5 almonds benefits sexually for men
Now that we have some basic almond nutrition facts, what are the nutrients in almonds linked with putting lead in your pencil? There are many ways in which almond nutrition supports men sexually. Here’s a look at some of the best (and most surprising) benefits of almonds to men’s sexual health:
1. Improving circulation
These delicious tree nuts contain an amino acid, arginine. This remarkable nutrient helps relax blood vessels and promote healthy circulation. You might have heard of arginine discussed in conjunction with heart health. But don’t forget that without good circulation, you can’t have a healthy sex life and achieving climax is virtually impossible.
But arginine isn’t alone in helping promote circulation and heart health. The magnesium in almonds may help lower blood pressure levels. And since high blood pressure is linked with erectile dysfunction, keeping blood pressure at a healthy level is one of the keys to men’s sexual performance.
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2. Providing zinc for testosterone production
Another one of the almond benefits for men might be the nut’s high zinc content. (Walnuts are also high in zinc so if you want a break from almonds, walnut might be a nut to try.) Zinc is a necessary nutrient for testosterone production. And we know that the impacts of low testosterone on men can be drastic and can even include erectile dysfunction.
So there’s one school of thought that the zinc in almonds and other nuts can help support testosterone production naturally. But there are nutritional professionals who promote an opposing point of view.
Because nuts are a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, there is a worry that regularly eating certain nuts, including almonds, could reduce testosterone levels. That’s because some studies indicate that polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease testosterone levels. However, the general consensus among nutritional professionals seems to be that more research is needed to determine whether or not there’s any risk of almonds reducing testosterone in men.
What we know now is that almonds give a man the zinc necessary for testosterone production. But it may be that the nut’s polyunsaturated fatty acids counteract that benefit. Either way, there is plenty of evidence of other benefits of eating almonds.
3. Supporting healthy libido
Almonds, and walnuts too, are also sources of selenium, another nutrient beneficial to men’s sexual health.
Selenium is important for sperm function. But there is also an indication that a deficiency in selenium can negatively impact sexual desire. And since it is best to get selenium from natural sources, not supplements, eating almonds will help ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs for sex drive.
RELATED: Discover the aphrodisiac history of almonds and other nuts
4. Improving male fertility
Selenium isn’t alone in supporting healthy sperm function. The antioxidants in almonds are proven to help reduce oxidative stress. (Note that the antioxidants are primarily found in the nut’s brown skin, which means that blanched almonds will not offer the antioxidant benefits.) Oxidative stress is not only linked with cardiovascular disease but is also linked with male infertility. According to the World Journal of Men’s Health, oxidative stress causes sperm dysfunction.
Findings of a 2006 study on almonds and oxidative damage demonstrated that eating almonds with meals reduced some markers of oxidative damage. Although it is only one study, these findings speak to the potential of almonds to support male fertility.
5. Boosting energy
As I mentioned in the introduction, almonds are a source of plant-based protein. A one-ounce serving contains 12% of the recommended daily intake of protein. (Remember that physical activity, including a night of passion, requires protein.)
Of course, if you’re really not a fan of this nut but you still want to get the benefits of almonds for men, you can try walnuts. As I noted above, walnuts offer many of the same nutritional benefits as almonds, including the protein needed for sustained activities in the bedroom.
Additional almond benefits for men
Its clear that almonds are great for men’s sexual health. But they have additional benefits to overall health. Best of all, many of these health attributes will benefit women as well as men.
Controlling blood sugar
The combination of healthy fats, protein and fiber in almonds can help with controlling blood sugar. And the nut’s high magnesium content is proven to give additional help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Supporting weight loss
Any food rich in protein and fiber, including almonds and other tree nuts, will increase feelings of fullness and help prevent overeating. This is good news for both men and women hoping to maintain a healthy weight.
In addition, because some of the nutrients in nuts are hard to digest, your body doesn’t absorb around 10% of the calories in almonds. And there’s some evidence that eating nuts may boost metabolism. In one 24-week study on the impact of almonds on weight loss, subjects who ate almonds daily were more successful at losing weight than subjects consuming a diet rich in complex carbohydrates.
Boosting brain health
Research also shows that badam can be beneficial to brain health. In fact, according to the Brain Research Bulletin, eating almonds daily may delay or even prevent the onset of age-related cognitive dysfunction. Of course, the study demonstrating almonds’ potential was performed on rats and further research is needed to truly understand the potential benefits of almonds to human brain health.
Almond oil and men’s health
Another way to get some of the benefits of almonds is by cooking with unrefined almond oil. Almond oil contains 70% monounsaturated fat, which means it promotes heart health. (And a healthy heart leads to good blood flow and the ability to achieve sexual arousal.) And although almond oil lacks some of the nutrition you get from eating almonds, it is rich in vitamin E, also known as “the sex vitamin.”
Skin benefits
Not only is almond oil a good choice for cooking but it is also proven beneficial when applied topically. It can be used in skincare for both men and women. When used for skin health, almond oil can protect the skin from sun damage and aging.
It is also used as a treatment for scalp conditions including scalp psoriasis. There is a definite lack of scientific study to prove how effective the oil can be as a treatment for a flaky scalp but it has been used effectively in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Benefits for hair
Because it is an emollient, almond oil can make your hair feel smoother. (Emollients are substances used to soften, smooth and moisturize skin or hair.) The moisturizing properties in nut oils including almond oil may also diminish breakage and split ends. It is also suspected that the high vitamin E content in this oil will help hair grow and look healthy.
Raw vs roasted almonds
If you’re wondering if raw nuts are better for you than roasted nuts, the long answer is complicated. But the short answer is not really. Unlike some foods which lose nutrients during cooking, almonds and other nuts remain relatively unchanged. Now, the polyunsaturated fats in almonds can be damaged when roasted at high heat. But, according to this article published in Food Chemistry in 2015, if the almonds are roasted at a low to medium temperature, this kind of damage appears not to occur.
Almond milk, almond butter and almond flour for men’s health
If raw or roasted almonds aren’t your cup of tea, consider almond butter. You can also try almond milk but the benefits of almond milk are not as impressive as what you get from straight almonds.
You can also get many benefits from almonds by using almond flour. It’s made by blanching the almonds to remove their skins and then grinding them to the texture of fine flour. Almond flour has almost all the nutritional benefits of whole almonds, only without the crunch.
Uses, cooking and recipes
Some of my favorite uses for almonds include cooking with chopped or slivered almonds and using almond meal or almond flour. Toasted almonds also make a great garnish. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
Chocolate Almond Seduction Cookies
Wild Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Pomegranate
Fig and Tulsi Lassi with Honey and Almonds
Almond Cake with Honey Balsamic Strawberries
Soaked almonds
There is a school of thought that soaking almonds in water overnight before eating will make it easier for the body to absorb some of the nut’s nutrients. There’s actually very little evidence that soaking almonds will make their nutrition more absorbable. That being said, some people enjoy the flavor and texture of soaked almonds.
If you want to try soaking almonds, submerge them in a bowl of drinking water. Cover the bowl and leave it on the counter overnight. Pat them dry with a paper towel and enjoy.
10 Best Foods for Men
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Edited by Delahna Flagg: This article was reviewed and additional research provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information
This article was written in 2015 and most recently updated in July 2023.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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