10 Fall Foods That Are Really Good For Your Vaginal Health
Since I talk/write about sex a lot, it’s only fitting that I would talk/write about the vagina quite a bit as well. And since today, the theme is all about foods that are in season during autumn, and foods that are really good for vaginal health, before I get into it, I want to share a bit of the method to my madness.
Aside from the fact that your diet plays a highly significant role in your vagina’s pH levels, how much good bacteria remains in it, how to keep candida under control, and even how much natural lubrication occurs, some foods are also aphrodisiacs — including ones that are in abundance during this time of the year (check out “10 In-Season Fall Foods That Are Incredible Aphrodisiacs”).
Now watch this: Since the fall and winter seasons are actually the best time of year to get up under a cable knit blanket and some flannel (or silk; silk can keep you warm too) sheets with your man and do more than just cuddle (check out “Did You Know Fall & Winter Are The Best Times To Have Sex?”), I thought I would provide you with a 10-point grocery list of fall-themed foods (and recipes) that are delicious, great for your vaginal health and might inspire you to want to “give thanks” with your bae thang — long before Thanksgiving even arrives.
The 10 Best Fall Foods For Vaginal Health
1. Bell Peppers
Getty Images
Since this is the time of year when colds, the flu, and also COVID (yep, it’s back upticking; be careful out here) like to make their presence especially known, it always works in your favor to consume foods that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants; that way, you can proactively help to keep your immune system nice and strong. Bell peppers are a food that covers this particular base. Plus, they contain vitamins A and E, potassium, and folate. As far as additional benefits go, if you’re looking for a low-calorie food that will maintain your eye health or even keep your anemia in check, bell peppers can handle both of these things as well.
And why are they great for your vagina? Something else in bell peppers is carotenoids; they are a type of antioxidant that’s been proven to help your health when it comes to fighting off free radicals, softening wrinkles, lowering the risk of breast, ovarian,and vaginal cancer, and even lowering the risk of dementia. Carotenoids also help to keep yeast in check, so if you have a fungus sensitivity (like I do), that’s one more reason to pick up some bell peppers soon.
Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup
2. Collards
Getty Images
Something that brings me a lot of joy is a big bowl of vegan collards with some homemade cornbread in it. CHILE. Every time that I make some, I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it either since collards are a dark, leafy green vegetable, and those are on the superfood list. Shoot, with good reason, too, since collard greens are packed with vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, and calcium, which all work together to strengthen your bones, lower your blood pressure, and keep your liver in good condition. Collards also have fiber that can keep you regular. Plus, if your hair is on the drier side, the properties of collard greens can increase sebum production on your scalp, which can add more moisture to your locks — from root to tip.
Since collards are full of vitamin C, when you eat them, you are helping your vaginal health when it comes to maintaining its pH levels, providing an environment for more good bacteria to grow, and helping to heal bacterial vaginosis from the inside out.
Recipe: Southern Collard Greens 101
3. Sweet Potatoes
Getty Images
If there is a fall-themed debate that will probably never go away, it’s the argument over whether sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie tastes better. Although I personally like both, I must admit that, overall, I prefer sweet potatoes. Chile, I will throw one in the oven and add some butter, honey, and a dash of salt to it in a heartbeat! I won’t think twice either because it’s a veggie that has fiber, a ton of vitamin C, some vitamin A, copper, manganese, and different forms of vitamin B, too. All of this helps to keep your gut in great shape, boost your brain function, and keep your immunity going strong. Something else that’s cool about the properties of sweet potatoes is that if you battle with some form of systematic inflammation, they can help to treat that, too.
As far as your vagina goes, if you’re someone who has a sweet tooth and you’re also prone to having yeast infections (yeast feeds off of sweets, by the way), sweet potatoes can curb your appetite for sugar in a healthy way while also removing toxins in your system, thanks to the fiber that’s in them. Also, the anthocyanins (which give veggies their natural color) in sweet potatoes help to keep oxidative stress at bay. This is good to know since that type of stress can throw off your vagina’s pH balance and even increase the amount of discharge that you have.
Recipe: Sweet Potato Chili Casserole
4. Key Limes
Getty Images
If you’re wondering what’s the difference between a regular lime and a key lime one, apparently, key limes are smaller, tend to have a yellower hue, and they have a tartier taste than “standard limes.” On the health benefit tip, key limes contain a lot of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties.
All of this can help your vagina because vaginitis is literally defined as being “inflammation of the vagina.” This means that the more you eat foods that help to keep this from happening, the better off your vagina will ultimately be.
(For the record, limes, in general, can help to prevent kidney stone formation while reducing heart disease and helping to keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking as well.)
Recipe: Key Lime Pie Cupcakes
5. Grapes
Getty Images
Even though it’s pretty common for people to snack on grapes during the summertime, they’re actually a fruit that is at their best during the fall season. Grapes are low-calorie fruits that are full of water (well over 90 percent), fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, and even copper. Copper is good for you because it can help with bone density (especially in post-menopausal women), it can help to fight off cancer, and can even slow down the signs of premature graying. Some other perks include the fact that grapes can help to keep your cholesterol levels balanced, fight against heart disease and diabetes, and, thanks to the melatonin that’s in them, they can improve your quality of sleep, too.
Something that many don’t know is vitamin K and human papillomavirus (HPV) don’t get along very well. In fact, some studies reveal that a consistent dietary intake of vitamin K can reduce one’s risk of being diagnosed with HPV by well over 40 percent. So, if you like to snack on grapes, now you’ve got even more of a reason to continue to enjoy doing so.
6. Celery
Getty Images
Celery isn’t the most fun or flavor-fill food on the planet; still, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a solid impact on your health. The antioxidants that are in this particular vegetable help to reduce bodily inflammation, reduce the chances of getting an ulcer, balance blood sugar levels, help to lower blood pressure levels and they can even help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
If you want to boost your sexual desire levels, celery could also help out in that department. That’s because it has androsterones in it; they’re a component of testosterone, which could help to raise your libido and intensify your pheromones. Studies are still ongoing when it comes to all of this; however, since celery is good for you in other ways, too — hey, why not give it a shot?
(Also, if you enjoy celery seeds, there are also studies that connect those to a boost in a woman’s libido and lubrication as well.)
Recipe: Sautéed Celery
7. Mushrooms
Getty Images
Personally, I’m not a vegan or a vegetarian. BUT when I’m in the mood to take a break from meat, I always find the texture of mushrooms (especially portabella ones) to be a top-tier substitute. If you feel the same, this is another fall-season food that will do your body quite a bit of good. Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, copper, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin D. Mushrooms also help to lower cholesterol levels and boost brain health and, they contain an amino acid that helps to prevent cellular damage (which can lower your cancer risk).
Since various studies reveal that different forms of vitamin B can help with ovarian health, that’s why mushrooms were able to make it on this great-for-your-vagina food list.
Recipe: Easy Mushroom Tacos
8. Guava
Getty Images
Iron. Vitamin A. Calcium. Potassium. Vitamin C. Fiber. These are just some of the nutrients that your body will receive the next time you decide to have a piece of guava fruit. It’s the kind of food that lowers blood sugar levels, strengthens your heart, gives your immune system some extra “umph” and it helps to keep fine lines and wrinkles from setting into your skin. Guava also has flavonoids and tannins in them; flavonoids contain anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties; tannins have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which make eating things like guava and drinking herbal teas ideal during this time of the year (if you’re trying to avoid catching a cold or the flu).
The reason why guava is good for your vagina is because the nutrients in it are super beneficial if you’re looking for a fruit that can make menstrual cramps less uncomfortable. Apparently, the properties in guava leaf extract target the source of period pain and lessen it. The more you know.
Recipe: Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch
9. Turnips
Getty Images
Turnips are interesting because, although the vegetable has a good amount of protein, fiber, and vitamin C in it, it’s actually the leaves of the turnips (what we know as turnip greens) that have even more nutrients in them. Nevertheless, turnips have properties in them that fight cancer, protect against E. coli, support your liver, help to keep your weight under control, and reduce bodily inflammation.
Since turnips are technically considered to be a phytoestrogen kind of food (a food that has plant-based estrogen in it), if you’re going through menopause, it’s a healthy way to get more estrogen into your system.
10. Pomegranates
Getty Images
The reason why this article features a pomegranate as the lead pic is because it’s a fruit that actually symbolizes the vagina — more specifically, the cells inside of your ovaries. Since I’m a Rosh Hashanah observer (the Jewish New Year), I’m a fan of the fruit because, in Jewish culture, they represent things like fertility, love, and righteousness. Health-wise, pomegranates are an amazing source of protein and fiber, as well as a solid source of vitamin C and folate. They’re also rich in antioxidants, anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties. If you’re looking to keep your urinary tract in great condition, eat a pomegranate. Want to build up your endurance while you exercise (or have sex)? Eat a pomegranate. Wanna keep your kidneys healthy, get more potassium into your system, or consume a healthy carb? Eat a freakin’ pomegranate!
Since pomegranates are also considered to be an aphrodisiac, of course, they had to round out this fall season food list. They’ve got some data to back ‘em up because pomegranates contain properties that help to lower cortisol (stress) levels so that climaxing is easier, and it can add a bit of testosterone to your system, which can make your libido stronger.
So, whether you choose to cut open a pomegranate and enjoy it raw, treat yourself to some sort of pomegranate salad, or turn up with an alcoholic beverage (like the recipe below), don’t let fall pass you by without indulging in this fruit. As you can see, there are too many reasons for you — and your vagina — to do so. Happy Fall, y’all!
Recipe: Pomegranate Margarita
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Tsuji/Getty Images
- 10 Ways To Have An "Extra Sweet" Vagina ›
- The Foods Your Vagina's Been Craving ›
- Here’s What Your Vagina Wishes You Would Eat LESS Of ›
- Ready To “Prep” Your Vagina For The Fall & Winter Seasons? ›
Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
This Content Creator’s Journey To Clear Skin Began With Trusting With The Process
In About Face, xoNecole gets the 411 on IGers who give us #skincaregoals on a daily. Here they break down their beauty routines on the inside and out, as well as the highly coveted products that grace their shelves and their skin.
Kyra Joe is the Queen of all things beauty. She regularly lets us in on her beauty routine while sharing updates on her dating life. The content creator debuts flawless skin and aspirational makeup routines in each video. As a consumer, it's easy to assume that Joe has always had the perfect canvas for the beauty world. However, that is not the case.
Like most of us, she's experienced her share of struggles with acne and hyperpigmentation. “I saw a dermatologist when I was 14, and the products he recommended didn’t work because I wasn’t consistent,” Joe said. The responsibility and consistency required of Joe in her adolescence made skincare feel like a job rather than a self-care act.
In 2020, things began to take a pivotal turn for Joe when she found herself regularly consuming skincare TikToks during the pandemic. “I saw people showing me how to use skincare products to get rid of hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation. That made a huge difference for me.” Her enjoyment began to arise as she tried recommended products from her favorite skincare content creators.
Joe added, “I was finally starting to enjoy skincare because I was finding products that worked for me through TikTok. I had undereye patches and creams and began building a routine.” What was once a chore has now become a passion. Joe has since grown an online community of more than 200,000 across TikTok and Instagram, sharing her beauty secrets underneath the moniker Kyra Nikole.
Courtesy
“I learned early on in my journey to keep things simple. I also try to encourage this in my content,” said Joe. Being able to get to the root when a breakout occurs is why Joe chooses and encourages skincare routines to be simple. “If I have a breakout, it’s easier for me to figure out what product causes it if I don’t have an extensive routine.”
Keeping things simple has allowed Joe to clear up her hormonal acne and manage her hyperpigmentation, and keeping things minimal has given Joe a clear canvas for her makeup.
She gave us an inside look into the skincare routine that’s changed her views on self-care:
Kyra Nikole's Daytime Skincare Routine
Step One: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Facewash
Hyper Skin
“I love this because it’s specifically made for hyperpigmentation, and it’s a gentle cleanser.”
Step Two: Pixi Glow Tonic
Pixi
“It’s an exfoliating toner, but it’s light enough to use daily. I use this for both day and night.”
Step Three: Glazing Milk Essence By Rhode Skin
Rhode Skin
“I have eczema and dry skin, so this helps give me the moisture that I need.”
Step Four: La Roche-Posay Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay
“This is just a regular moisturizer that I love because it sits well under my makeup.”
Step Five: Kiehl's Better Screen UV Sunscreen
Kiehl's
"There is no white cast, no peeling, it works under makeup, and it’s SPF 50; there’s nothing better than that!”
Kyra Nikole's Nighttime Skincare Routine:
Joe uses the same products for her nighttime skincare routine, except for sunscreen. Her main goal is to lock in hydration to last the entire evening. Aquaphor is her ointment of choice to ensure her skin gets the moisture it deserves.
Final Step: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor
"Aquaphor does a great job of holding in the moisture.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image courtesy