Garlic can boost men's energy; learn from Sarkozy's "rejuvenating techniques."

**Garlic boosts men's energy.**

Many people advocate eating more garlic in spring because germs have been dormant all winter, and garlic's natural antibacterial properties can come in handy at this time. Actually, for men, garlic has another wonderful benefit-it can significantly increase sperm count.

Chen Wushan, deputy chief physician of the Department of Andrology at Wangjing Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, said that although there is no specific laboratory data, both traditional Chinese medicine theory and clinical practice have proven that garlic, as a yang-positive food and medicine, undoubtedly has an effect on stimulating male hormones. For men diagnosed with low sperm count, eating one to two cloves of garlic once a day for two to three months can result in a significant increase in sperm count, which can be detected in a hospital.

Garlic's ability to boost energy goes beyond that. Spring is the season when bodily functions are at their peak. Creatine in garlic is a key component involved in muscle activity, and the allicin in garlic, combined with vitamin B₁ to produce thiamine, can eliminate fatigue and enhance physical strength.

The health benefits of garlic also include promoting metabolism, lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reducing blood pressure and blood sugar. Therefore, it has certain therapeutic effects on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes.

Many people dislike eating garlic because they fear its pungent odor. Experts recommend chewing tea leaves after eating garlic, especially flower tea and Tieguanyin tea, which are most effective. Alternatively, holding warm milk in your mouth for a while before slowly swallowing can also effectively remove the odor.

Actually, the more important thing to pay attention to when eating garlic is not bad breath, but the dietary restrictions: people with weak constitutions should only eat one or two cloves of garlic at a time, otherwise it is easy to cause internal heat. In addition, garlic is best eaten in the morning and at noon, because eating garlic in the evening is more likely to irritate the nasal, pharyngeal and gastric mucosa.

By Ye Yi, reporter for Health Times, and Wang Junping, special correspondent

Supporting Expert: Chen Wushan, Deputy Chief Physician of the Department of Andrology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

**Learn from Sarkozy's "Art of Rejuvenation"**

According to reports, French President Nicolas Sarkozy successfully lost 4 kilograms of weight under the guidance of 26-year-old female coach Julie Impriyari.

In a media interview, Jolie revealed that her special "fitness method" not only helps Sarkozy lose weight, but also exercises his muscles in specific areas, thereby improving the quality of his sex life with First Lady Carla Bruni.

According to reports, Sarkozy, like many middle-aged people, has encountered the problems of obesity and declining sexual function: his belly has gradually bulged, he is out of breath after climbing just a few steps, and his virility has faded during sexual intercourse.

Sarkozy's "beautiful trainer," Julie, claims that her invented "structural fitness method" can not only help Sarkozy lose weight but also strengthen his groin muscles. She says, "You must imagine that you have a strong urge to urinate, but you must hold it in. This method works for both men and women."

In fact, this "holding in urine" method is what we commonly call Kegel exercises. It is not an invention of the "beautiful coach" but is widely used both domestically and internationally. Because it can exercise the perineal muscles, it is beneficial for urination and perineal health. It can also massage the pelvic acupoints and has a good therapeutic effect on pregnant women, obese people, and those with chronic constipation. It can improve urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, and lower abdominal distension and pain.

This exercise is even more beneficial for men, especially since it massages the soft tissues of the prostate, effectively promoting venous blood return in the perineum, reducing prostate congestion and inflammation, and indirectly benefiting sexual function. This training is recorded in ancient Chinese medicine books and is known as the "Rejuvenation Technique," having been used for thousands of years. Historical records indicate that Emperor Qianlong enjoyed performing this exercise while attending court.

This "rejuvenation technique" involves regularly contracting and lifting the anus. It's very convenient and effective, and can be practiced anytime, anywhere-while waiting for the bus or subway, standing, chatting, reading, or watching TV-and will go unnoticed. It's recommended to do it 100 times a day, regardless of age, and it can promote male sexual function and maintain youthfulness.

Furthermore, Sarkozy's improved libido also benefited from weight loss. Modern medicine increasingly views obesity as a common manifestation of metabolic syndrome, which often leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and androgen deficiency-all four of which are among the most common causes of decreased sexual function today.

Therefore, a reasonable diet and appropriate exercise to lose weight can reduce the risk factors for decreased sexual function. At the same time, weight loss can reduce the burden on various organs, reduce stress on the body, and provide a physical foundation for a fulfilling sex life.

Author: Dr. Yuan Yiming, Department of Andrology, Peking University Hospital