You’ve probably heard about aphrodisiacs like chocolate and strawberries to get you in the mood, but is there really a correlation between nutrition and sex and if so, what are the best foods for sex? While aphrodisiacs are controversial among experts (no, chocolate is not a magical food meant to make you orgasm), many healthy foods contain important nutrients that can affect hormones or increase blood flow to help increase pleasure in the bedroom (or the bathroom, back of your car, with your vibrator–no judgment!).
But just a reminder that libido is a vital sign—a low sex drive could be the body’s way of communicating that it needs something. So the question isn’t just about how to improve sex drive. Why? Is it our sex drive weak? This list is not intended to replace talking with your doctor about the root causes of low libido.
You can also make a healthy lifestyle a priority for your pleasure. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes can be good for your libido. I asked doctors, nutritionists and sex specialists for specific foods that have nutrients that directly correlate with sexual pleasure. The foods they suggested are healthy, whole foods, so they can’t hurt to eat more of (in other words, whether or not they boost sex drive, they’re still good for you). Bottom line: Talk to your doctor to increase your libido and eat a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. You can feel good about the 10 foods listed below, knowing that they have been approved by experts for spiceing up your sex life.
1. Raw honey
If you’re deciding between sweeteners to add to your coffee, you might as well choose the one that can help increase libido. “Honey is packed full of natural goodness, including a mineral known as boron,” explained Reda Elmardi, a certified nutritionist, trainer, and editor at thegymgoat.com. “Boron has been found to help strengthen the bones, enhance muscle coordination, promote protein synthesis, and help increase the natural production of testosterone.” Even though we associate testosterone with men (especially bodybuilders), every gender has a combination of sex hormones, and testosterone directly correlates to sex drive. Raw honey (look out for organic or manuka varieties), may increase the natural production and libido hormone.
2. Maca
Maca might not be found in every grocery store like honey, but it’s been used for thousands of years for energy, hormonal balance, and increasing sex drive. Maca is a Peruvian vegetable. Although technically a cruciferous plant, it is more commonly found in the United States as a powdered supplement. Some studies suggest that there may be scientific truth to this ancient use.
“A number of research [studies have] shown that supplementing with maca can increase sexual desire,” suggested Wendy Lord, a registered dietitian and consultant for Sensible Digs. Many studies on sex drive focus on men. But a 2008 study found that maca reduced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal females. If you’re interested in trying for yourself, first talk to your doctor about whether or not it’s right for you, and do your research for trustworthy brands.
3. Berries
You probably already know berries are good for skin glow and contain fiber for a healthy gut, but some experts swear that they’re the secret to a better sex life. Dr. Markus Ploesser (integrative psychiatrist and longevity expert) says raspberries and strawberries are rich in zinc, which is crucial for the regulation of testosterone levels (the hormone that drives sex drive).
“Blueberries contain flavonoids like anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to improve sexual function,” Elmardi agreed. Elmardi cited a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine that found that people who ate blueberry-rich diets had increased blood flow to the genitalia after only three weeks (and when there’s more blood flow, there’s more pleasure). What does this mean? Berries are a healthy source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber, so if you’re already a berry fan, keep on adding them to smoothies or eating them with yogurt, knowing you could also be getting sexual health benefits.
4. Saffron
Forget thyme and cumin–you’re going to want to cook everything with saffron from now on. Although the spice is believed to have originated in Greece, it is now primarily grown in Iran and Morocco. It is available in most grocery stores, which is a blessing for us and our sex drives. “The chemicals found in saffron have been shown to improve erectile dysfunction in men and increase lubrication for women,” Lord explained. In a 2012 study, women with low sexual desire were given 30 mg of saffron each day for four weeks. They found that it decreased sex-related pain, increased sexual desire, and lubrication. Try it out! Add the spice to salad dressings, grains and marinades.
5. Oysters
The slurpy seafood is probably not the go-to food when you think of “sexy,” but oysters have long been known for their aphrodisiac effects. While experts are divided on whether or not there’s any truth to aphrodisiacs, there’s truth to the ones that contain specific nutrients known to improve sex drive. The fancy delicacy is available for shellfish lovers. Dr. Ploesser claims oysters increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter that boosts libido. “Oysters are a clichéd aphrodisiac because they contain zinc, which is necessary for the production of prolactin in women,” agreed Candela Valle, the resident nutritionist for MYHIXEL.
6. Watermelon
Watermelon is your summer favorite fruitSo refreshing!It has many benefits all year. Watermelon has many health benefits, including a high water content and nutrients that can be beneficial for multiple functions in the body. It also makes a great sex food. “Watermelon is one of the most effective foods that contain sexually enhanced amino acids (citrulline) that helps blood vessels to relax and improve sex drive,” explained Steve Theunissen, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified personal trainer. Watermelon is 92% water, but the 8 percent remaining is rich in nutrients that can improve sexual and overall health.
7. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a product of India and Northern Africa that dates back six thousand years. The seeds and the green leaves have been used for centuries as a spice in herbal medicine and food to treat various ailments. Turns out, it’s been boosting sexual health for a long time too. “Fenugreek contains chemicals that have properties similar to estrogen and testosterone,” Lord explained. “Research that looked at the effectiveness of fenugreek for improved sexual desire showed that it is effective in this area for both men and women.” As for why the herb affects libido? One of the reasons is that it’s a good source of zinc, which is an important nutrient related to the health of the sexual organs.
8. Red wine
As if we needed another reason to pour ourselves a glass, red wine might be one of the few alcoholic beverages that’s beneficial for libido (and–this may or may not be surprising to you–it’s not the alcohol that can improve your sex life). “Red wine contains quercetin, which might account for the positive response in sex drive,” said Dr. Anderson, Ph.D., a sex and relationship therapist, citing a 2009 study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine that showed one to two glasses of red wine a day increased sexual desire and lubrication in women. “Researchers noted that drinking more than two glasses of red wine daily or indulging in other types of alcoholic beverages did not produce the same results.” Sorry, spicy margaritas–you’re great for Taco Tuesdays, but not for our sex lives.
9. Garlic
One ingredient that makes pasta so delicious, is another ingredient that is often overlooked when it comes down to building sex drive. You might think garlic is a killer for your sex life (no one likes garlic breath…), but the nutrients it contains could be increasing your pleasure by lowering cortisol. Let an expert explain: “Garlic contains a compound known as allicin, which helps to naturally lower levels of a hormone known as cortisol,” Elmardi explained. “Cortisol suppresses the immune system and also suppresses the natural production of testosterone. As the allicin in garlic helps to naturally lower cortisol, this helps to keep your testosterone levels stable.” As long as garlic doesn’t upset your stomach, feel free to eat it as much as you want, as it’s loaded with nutrients that are good for many functions of the body. Maybe just pop a breath mint or two if you’re getting straight to testing out the results.
10. Avocados
What can’t Instagram’s favorite fruit do!? Avocados can be made into delicious toast or a delicious pudding (Kourtney Kardashian’s favorite, TYVM). But the most important thing about avocados is that they are good for so many functions of the body, even sex drive. “Avocados are high in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant involved in widening blood vessels. As a result, you get a sufficient supply of blood to various parts of the body, including the genitals,” explained Barbara Santini, a psychologist and sex and relationship adviser. The increased blood flow to the genitals results in greater pleasure. It can be spread on bread, used in salads, or made into salsa.
Source: The Every Girl
