The overall goal is to keep our blood flow going strong. Perhaps the best way to ensure a healthy heart, and penis, is through exercise. Regular exercise is crucial to promoting cardiovascular health and blood flow throughout the body. You should always aim for at least two and half hours of moderate aerobic exercise a week. So go ahead, get out of the house for a cardio pump, your heart and penis will thank you.

Your grandmother wasn’t wrong: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, both literally and metaphorically. A healthy diet is essential for a healthy heart, and therefore a healthy penis. Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and even bok choy are great for grazing on if you are looking to feed your heart. If you aren’t a Popeye level fan of leafy greens, you can always add them to your smoothie if you prefer sweet treats over salad.

Fat-free or low-fat dairy products provide vitamin D and calcium to help preserve muscle strength, including your favorite muscles: the heart and penis. Greek yogurt is an easy and healthy substitute for less heart healthy condiments like mayonnaise and cream.

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found in fish like salmon. They help to keep your arteries from hardening, regulate heartbeat, as well as lower triglycerides. If you aren’t a fish fanatic, go nuts! Healthy fats can also be found in certain nuts and fruits like avocados. An easy heart healthy hack is to use olive oil when cooking, rather than butter or canola oil.

Fruits, especially berries, are also great for your heart, twig, and berries. They provide necessary anti-oxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium and fiber for a healthy pulmonary system and pelvic region.

Getting your daily dose of whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa is a great way to manage cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits in your vessels, hindering blood flow from the heart to the rest of your body, penis included.

Dropping a couple pounds could help your pulse. Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, all of which can impact blood flow, trickling all the way down to your pecker. A combination of regular exercise and a well balanced diet is the perfect recipe.

There is a reason your mother says, “I’m going to have a heart attack,” when something stressful happens. Chronic stress affects your heart, and as we now know, by proxy, affects your penis. When the body is under stress, it releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can elevate blood pressure, constrict vessels, and raise heart rate. All of which are no bueno when it comes to your heartbeat. Chronic stress can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which brings us to our next topic.

Speaking of unhealthy stress-management mechanisms: swigs and cigs couldn't be worse for heart and penis health, both of which are directly linked to cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction. Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation, and as for cigarettes, they shouldn’t be consumed at all. If you are a smoker, consider quitting for the sake of your schlong (and the rest of your body).

Regular check-ups and routine blood work are really the only way to truly keep tabs on your cardiovascular health. Your primary care provider can help monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels or any other cardiovascular health markers. Your healthcare provider is also a resource for any concerns or symptoms related to erectile and overall sexual function. Should you be experiencing any signs of erectile dysfunction, heart related or otherwise, your provider can address it and find the best course of action for you.