Natural ‘aphrodisiac’ for men: 5 key levers to support male vitality

What does ‘aphrodisiac’ mean for a man?

In everyday language, the word aphrodisiac refers to a substance or food that is supposed to stimulate sexual desire, improve libido and/or support sexual performance in general.

Traditionally, this expression covers plants, foods or preparations used to promote desire or pleasure during the sexual act.

The use of this type of aid is mainly based on traditional and cultural usage, without belonging to a recognised scientific or medical category.

As a result, there is no official definition validated by the health authorities for the term ‘aphrodisiac’.

Today, when it comes to sexual energy and libido in men, research is more concerned with physiological factors.

So, we're talking more about solutions designed to support male vitality indirectly by acting on:

• energy and general vitality
• blood circulation, which is involved in erectile function
• hormonal balance
• emotional well-being and stress management

Together, these elements contribute to a man's libido and sexual performance.

The 5 key factors that can influence male vitality

Energy and general fatigue affect men's fitness levels

Chronic fatigue can have an impact on a man's overall dynamism and sexual vitality in particular.

Lack of sleep, stress or mental overload can affect the mechanisms involved in male well-being and sexual desire.

A drop in energy can be accompanied by a loss of vitality and a reduced interest in sexual activity.

Certain plants are traditionally used to support the body in these situations.

Maca (Lepidum meyenii), for example, is an adaptogen plant traditionally used to enhance stamina, vigour and vitality. In particular, it is reputed to stimulate sexual desire and increase male fertility (1).

Discover the Super Maca food supplement standardised to 0.6% macamides and macaenes, the plant's active compounds.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is used to promote mental well-being in cases of nervous tension and stress. It also contributes to a healthy sexual appetite, helping to maintain good relationships (2).

Discover Damiana Extract food supplement, a natural damiana extract suitable for both men and women.

Blood circulation: an essential element in male sexual function

A good blood supply to the genitals in general, and the penis in particular, is essential for a good erection.

Blood circulation therefore plays a central role in male sexual function.

In addition to allowing the penis to fill with blood to become erect, good vascularisation also ensures an optimal supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

This contributes to sexual comfort and vitality.

Nitric oxide is a key molecule in this process. It plays a part in the relaxation mechanisms of blood vessels, thus promoting their dilation and blood supply (3).

To encourage its natural production, the body needs certain amino acids, in particular arginine, its direct precursor, and citrulline, which is involved in its synthesis (4).

Discover the Nitric Oxide Formula food supplement, formulated with nitric oxide precursors to support its physiological production.

Discover Prosexstim, a dietary supplement formulated with polyphenols studied for their protective effects on the nitric oxide produced by our bodies.

In addition, certain plants are traditionally used to support circulation and tone.

For example, catuaba is used by the Tupi Indians to support vitality in preparation for long nights of lovemaking (5).

Discover the Catuaba Power food supplement, naturally extracted from the Brazilian catuaba plant (Trichilia catigua).

Hormonal balance: important for male vitality

Certain hormonal parameters play a part in male vitality.

Testosterone, for example, is involved in a number of physiological functions such as energy, building, muscle mass and overall motivation.

However, certain everyday factors can influence hormone production. Lack of sleep, stress or an unbalanced diet can all have an impact.

Fortunately, certain plants and nutrients help to support hormonal balance in men.

For example, Tribulus terrestris is an Ayurvedic plant that has long been used in traditional Indian medicine to support male vitality.

It is thought to promote sexual desire and the natural production of testosterone.

With its effect on muscular endurance and power, it is also thought to improve libido and erectile function, helping to boost men's sexual performance (6).

Discover the Tribulus Terrestris food supplement standardised to 40% saponins, the plant's most important active ingredients.

Chrysin is a flavonoid naturally present in certain plants.

It is being studied in particular for its potential interaction with certain enzymes involved in the metabolism of male hormones (7).

Discover the Chrysin dietary supplement, which provides 500 mg of natural chrysin, extracted naturally from passionflower, per tablet.

Finally, some formulas combine several plants and micronutrients that can help maintain a normal hormonal balance.

Zinc is particularly important because, within the body, it contributes directly to maintaining normal levels of testosterone in the blood, making it a key element in supporting male hormonal functions (8).

Discover the Natural TestoFormula food supplement formulated with Tribulus terrestris, maca and other plants, as well as zinc.

Stress and emotional balance can affect a man's libido

Stress is more than just mental discomfort. It has a direct impact on the physical sphere by triggering responses that redirect the body's energy primarily towards managing tension.

In this context, certain functions seen as secondary by the nervous system, such as desire or mental availability, can take a back seat.

In the long term, poorly managed stress can lead to a decline in motivation to have sexual relations or a gradual loss of interest in sex.

Stress acts via the nervous system and certain hormones called neurotransmitters.

It can also disrupt sleep, increasing fatigue and also impacting a man's libido.

Certain nutrients, such as magnesium, contribute to the functioning of the nervous system and reduce fatigue (9).

It can therefore be useful to consume them during periods of stress that have an impact on your sex life.

Discover the Optimag dietary supplement, which combines 8 forms of magnesium with excellent bioavailability and solubility for greater effectiveness.

Certain plants are also traditionally used in many cultures to help manage stress.

Ashwagandha, for example, is an adaptogen that is thought to contribute to optimal relaxation and promote mental and physical well-being. It is thought to help us adapt better to stress and support emotional balance in general (10).

Discover the Super Ashwagandha food supplement made from whole ashwagandha root.

Rhodiola rosea is another adaptogenic plant that helps you adapt to stress and stimulates the nervous system, with a beneficial effect on fatigue and sleep (11).

Discover Rhodiola Rosea food supplement, a superior extract of rhodiola standardised to 5% rosavin and 1.8% salidroside, the plant's active substances.

A healthy lifestyle has an impact on men's vitality

As you can see, male vitality depends on many factors. These include diet, sleep and physical activity.

A balanced diet provides the micronutrients needed for the body to function properly, while regular physical activity can support circulation and overall energy.

Sleep, for its part, helps the body to recover properly on a daily basis.

To support the benefits of a varied diet, it can be useful to supplement the body's intake of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to help it function at its best.

Discover the Daily 3 food supplement, an ultra-complete formula, providing essential micronutrients on a daily basis.

Act on several parameters at the same time for a more complete action

When sexual function problems recur, it's important to consult a doctor to identify a possible underlying cause.

In the absence of a specific pathology, it is worth adopting a global approach, seeking to act on several factors simultaneously.

So, in addition to a balanced lifestyle tailored to your specific needs, you can turn to a food supplement designed to support several of the mechanisms mentioned in this article.

Discover the Prosexual Formula Man food supplement, a formula that combines vitamin B3, which contributes to normal psychological function and reduces fatigue, nutrients involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide, ingredients studied for their effects on hormonal activity and plants with a positive effect on general well-being.