When the subject of conversation is men, almost always, libido and virility surface.
Why is that? Could it be that men place higher value on their potency than their female counterparts? And that without it, their sense of manhood and power to procreate is lost?
Society and history have been kinder to men. This is because, in the past, being male was considered an advantage. In truth, men ruled, thus the reason for the expression, “Women are the weaker sex.”
The gender definition of a man includes attributes such as toughness, physical strength, emotional control, being a provider, leader and fearless fighter. Traditional masculine roles required aggression, emotional detachment, self-reliance and homophobia.
As a result, these rigid boundaries have disconnected men from social relationships, even from themselves.
Feminine side
In time, men learned to embrace their feminine side by acknowledging their emotions. Yet, even if men learned to express their feelings, still, psychological challenges are evident today.
Alexithymia, for example, is a condition where men use logic and rationality to confront and understand their personal situations.
It has, however, been proven that the complete human being is much admired for an ability to harmonize IQ (intellectual quotient) with EQ (emotional quotient).
Men, who have more total muscle mass, have larger hearts, bigger lung capacity, better and faster wound-healing and higher red blood cell count than women.
When it comes to illness, heart problems and cancer are the main concerns of men. As for mental health, men are less likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and eating disorders. Old age seems to be kinder to men, who can father children way into their elderly years.
Unless this record has been broken, the most prolific father to date was the last Sharifein Emperor of Morocco, Mulal Ismail (1646-1727), who reportedly fathered more than 800 children from a harem of 500 women.
Having big appetites, men should eat generous portions of certain food guaranteed to guard the heart and blood circulation. To improve male health, gentlemen, please take note:
Omega-3 rich foods— Fatty fish ranks high with sardines, salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel. The American Heart Association recommends fish consumption twice weekly. Plant-based sources are walnuts and flaxseed. Omega-3 food sources also include vitamin D benefits.
Sexual function
Zinc-rich foods—Oysters are highest in zinc. This mineral is needed in hundreds of body processes, especially in cell repair. Adequate consumption of zinc ensures sexual function and reproductive abilities, including increased sperm count. Other food sources: legumes lean beef and pork and shellfish.
Potassium-rich fruits— Find your booster in bananas, milk, orange juice, beans and tomato products. In bananas, you will also find a rich source of vitamin B.
Cruciferous vegetables—If it is curly on top, it is good for you. Its phytochemical called sulphoraphane has anticancer properties. Food sources are broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
Nuts—High in the mineral selenium, which lowers LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and reduces blood clots. Other sources are tuna, turkey and brazil nuts (all you need is two nuts a day).
Whole grains—Take the good carbohydrates like quinoa, whole grain pasta/bread and organic rice.
Colorful greens and fruits—For every serving, you consume sufficient amounts of vitamin C and betacarotene plus the fiber. This is for enlarged prostate prevention and immune system boosting.
What men need
At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is required to meet fitness goals. Men who intend to lose weight should increase cardiovascular exercises and resistance training.
Men tend to eat far too much protein (from animal sources) than is needed. Excess dietary protein will increase calcium loss and kidney stones.
Surprisingly, both men and women have the same psychological needs—the desire to be appreciated and recognized ranks high.
Men do not need to be understood, just valued. To give a man importance is one of the best ways to honor him.
Advance Happy Father’s Day!
This week’s affirmation: “I am a superhero.”
Love and light!
References: Psychology Today; “The Psychology of Men” by Tyger Latham