Semen, gunk, spunk, jizz or whatever you prefer to call it, is made up of two components – spermatozoa (or the tadpole-like reproductive cells that contain half of the genetic information to create human offspring) and seminal fluid (composed mainly of water, proteins, vitamins, and minerals).
All the components in semen are relatively safe to ingest. However, the mere thought of consuming semen can make most people’s stomach turn. And for understandable reasons: the way semen looks, tastes, and smells can be off-putting to many. But did you know that ingesting or getting exposed to semen can pose some great health benefits? If it doesn’t turn you off, read on as we give a rundown on why semen can be good for you.
Natural Anti-Depressant
Some research shows there could be natural antidepressant properties in semen including endorphins, estrone, prolactin, oxytocin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and serotonin.
A 2002 study conducted by the State University of New York at Albany surveyed 293 college-age females to see if exposure to semen, without the use of outside condoms worn on the penis, affecting their overall mood.
According to the survey, those who were directly exposed to semen showed significantly better mood and fewer symptoms of depression.
However, this study should be taken with a grain of salt.
Although the above study’s findings leaned in favor of semen as an antidepressant, the National Health Service of the United Kingdom points out that engaging in sexual activity, in general, is linked to a decrease in depression.
Helps in Relieving Stress
Due to the anti-depressant properties of semen, some believe it could also have stress-relieving properties. This claim stems from the mood-boosting properties of oxytocin and progesterone hormones, both of which are present in semen.
Promotes Better Sleep
Sex can be exhausting, and it can surely leave you worn out after the deed. But that may not be the reason why you slept soundly that night. Semen contains melatonin, which is a chemical that induces sleep and relaxation. Whether you ingest semen or receive it through intercourse, it will enter your bloodstream and help you sleep better than most over-the-counter sleeping pills.
Potent Multivitamin
A teaspoon of semen contains over 200 proteins and numerous beneficial vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, chlorine, citric acid, fructose, lactic acid, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin B12, and zinc. While amounts of each vitamin vary with age and relative health of the source male, there is usually a significant amount of zinc present (about 3 percent of US RDA). Zinc is an antioxidant that helps slow down the aging process.
Helps Control High Blood Pressure
According to a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, ingesting semen regularly can help lower blood pressure. Women who swallow their partner’s sperm during oral sex often have a much lower risk of getting preeclampsia — a complication during pregnancy that results in super-high blood pressure. So, semen is essential in both the conception and birthing of a baby.
Lowers the Risk of Prostate Cancer
This health benefit does not entail the consumption of semen but rather its release. According to a 2004 study in The Journal of the American Medical Association, “high ejaculation frequency was related to a decreased risk of total prostate cancer.” This means that whether you do it by your lonesome or with a partner if you’re ejaculating regularly, you’re lowering your chances of getting prostate cancer later in life.
While the results of these studies are most welcome, we are not advocating that reproductive-age people shun condoms to take advantage of the health benefits of semen. Just like any other form of unprotected sex, swallowing or getting exposed to semen during intercourse can put you at risk for an STI.
Before you and your partner engage in any unprotected sex, make sure that you have an open conversation about your STI status. This will help you evaluate the overall level of risk. If everything is safe, by all means, indulge!