The importance of preserving bodily functions becomes ever more salient as we get older. Two areas that can come under attack are the heart and libido, both of which are often linked. “In most cases, sexual problems are caused by the heart or circulatory condition itself. Or by worries and anxieties relating to it,” explains the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
One study in people with heart disease who supplemented with ginkgo revealed an immediate increase in blood flow to multiple parts of the body.
This was attributed to a 12 percent increase in levels of circulating nitric oxide – a compound responsible for dilating blood vessels.
Similarly, another study showed the same effect in older adults who were treated with ginkgo extract.
Additional research points to ginkgo’s protective effects on heart health, brain health and stroke prevention.
According to the health body, regular exercise will make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient, lower your cholesterol level, and also keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
What is the optimal exercise?
“Any aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming and dancing, makes your heart work harder and keeps it healthy,” says the NHS.
According to UK health guidelines, you should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.
Moderate activity will raise your heart rate, and make you breathe faster and feel warmer.
Vigorous intensity activity makes you breathe hard and fast.