Coconut Benefits Sexually for Men

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Coconut isn’t just delicious. It’s an exotic food with surprising benefits, especially for men. But can it boost your sex life? That’s the question we’re answering as we explore coconut benefits sexually for men.

View the list of all 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health

Table of Contents

Why is coconut good for men?

Coconut is a great energy source. It’s known for boosting endurance. It’s revered for its ability to aid and strengthen the digestive system. And it contains nutrition to support overall health and wellness.

But coconut has some nutrients that are specifically beneficial to a man’s sex life. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition in coconuts so we can understand how this tropical nut may give your sex life a boost.

Nutrition

According to the USDA, a one-cup serving of fresh, raw coconut contains:

283 calories

3g protein

7g fiber

11% DV for iron

10% DV for zinc

15% DV for selenium

60% DV for manganese

It also contains potassium, magnesium and traces of vitamins C and E.

Coconut benefits for male sexual health

All of the nutrients listed above are linked with a healthy sex life. Although these nutrients are important for women and men, some, like manganese and selenium, are proven to be particularly beneficial to men’s sexual function.

In addition to the nutrition listed above, coconut is rich in a very interesting type of fat. Lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found in coconut, is linked with improving testosterone levels and promoting healthy sperm.

What does coconut do for sperm?

Coconut is a great source of manganese and this nutrient is linked with sperm motility. A lack of manganese is associated with a lack of semen. Zinc, sometimes called the “man’s mineral” is also associated with healthy sperm and a healthy prostate. In addition, the aforementioned lauric acid found in coconut is linked in lab tests with improved sperm quality, at least in rats.

Can it reduce anxiety?

It isn’t just the nutrition in coconut that has benefits to your sex life. The scent of coconut might help in the bedroom, too. According to the British company Perfume’s Club, the scent of coconut can reduce anxiety, aid in relaxation and potentially elevate mood.

This isn’t necessarily the most scientific report but it may be worth experimenting with coconut and mood to see if it works for you.

Are there coconut oil benefits?

The topic of coconut oil and health remains a controversial one. Countless studies have investigated both positive and negative health claims.

For example, in one recent study on the use of coconut oil in cholesterol management, participants reported higher sex drive when taking daily doses of coconut oil. That seems like a pretty positive benefit of coconut oil to us.

Coconut oil and testosterone

According to at least one study, there is some evidence that coconut oil may increase testosterone levels, at least in lab subjects. However, there is too little evidence to conclusively say that coconut oil will have a beneficial effect on testosterone in men.

Is it good for prostate health?

There is some research to suggest that coconut oil may be an effective aid in reducing an enlarged prostate. It should be noted that this research does not indicate any potential beneficial effects to those with a normal prostate.

Could coconut oil hurt libido?

Overindulging in coconut oil could cause the kind of health problems that destroy sex drive. That’s because, despite some potential benefits, the oil is high in saturated fat. (Saturated fat is linked with erectile dysfunction.)

So it’s recommended that you enjoy it only in moderation and watch your overall saturated fat intact. For most individuals, moderate enjoyment of coconut oil should be fine without negatively impacting libido.

Can coconut oil be used as lube?

Coconut oil is known as a good moisturizer for most skin types. But can it be safely used as a sexual lubricant?

As a certified mind-body medicine practitioner and our nutrition director, Delahna Flagg endorses coconut oil as a natural lubricant. Because it is moisturizing, it can be as if not more effective than over-the-counter alternatives for long-lasting intercourse.

It is also a lubricant often favored by women going through menopause as the moisturizing effects can combat uncomfortable feelings of vaginal dryness. If your partner is female and in the menopausal age range, bringing coconut oil to the bedroom may enhance the experience for both of you.

Some users may find coconut oil too heavy and prefer something that feels lighter on the skin, like this cannabis lubricant. In addition, anyone with a coconut allergy should avoid using coconut oil as lube. If you aren’t sure how your skin will react, test a small patch of skin like the inside of your wrist before applying coconut oil to more sensitive parts.

Coconut water benefits for male sexual health

If personal accounts can be believed, coconut water has a long history as a libido booster. (Read more on the aphrodisiac history and use of coconut water.)

There’s a definite lack of study-based evidence that coconut water can improve men’s sexual performance. However, the drink is a source of several minerals important to men’s sexual health, including potassium and magnesium.

While modern science has yet to prove that drinking coconut water boosts sexual health, there is a study demonstrating that coconut water has the potential to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. And anything that can improve heart health will also increase blood flow to the sex organs. This helps to ensure the ability to achieve sexual arousal and orgasm.

There is also some evidence that the potassium in this nutritious drink could lower blood pressure. But research in this area is only in its infancy.

We do know that, because it is rich in electrolytes, coconut water is extremely hydrating. And hydration is one of the key steps to feeling and being your most sexy. Please keep in mind that, unlike calorie-free water, coconut water is a type of juice and contains calories. Luckily, unlike most juices, it won’t raise blood sugar levels.

Order a case of coconut water now

How to get more coconut in your diet

There are so many ways you can incorporate coconut into snacks and meals. Dried coconut is a tasty ingredient for homemade granola bars and trail mix. This is one of the easiest ways to eat more coconut. Fresh coconut can be eaten straight from the shell like you might eat a piece of melon.

But you don’t have to eat fresh or dried coconut straight. There are so many ways to use this nutritious food to make eating for your health more tasty.

A flour made of finely ground coconut can be used as a substitute for white flour in baking. Coconut milk brings an exotic flavor to soups and sauces. Coconut oil will give sautéed vegetables a tropical twist.

Recipes

Coconut Pancakes
Coconut Shrimp Thai Curry
Easy Coconut Muffins
Avocado Toast with Cashew and Coconut
Blackberry and Coconut Parfait

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

Featured image by Tijana Drndarski

Image of a man’s hand holding a coconut by Diana Kuleniuk

This article was written in 2015 and most recently updated in May 2024.

Author
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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

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.