Oysters, dark chocolate and red wine have long thought to be aphrodisiacs, or foods that can boost sexual desire. If the thought of raw crustaceans doesn’t get your sex drive revved up, though, there are other options, as certain nutrients can improve libido and support a healthy sex life.
The Power of Produce
Stop first in the produce section, where you can find a number of fruits and vegetables that might spice things up in the bedroom. These include blackberries, which contain phytochemicals that enhance libido, according to Drs. Anna Maria and Brian Clement in “Fitness,” magazine, as well as broccoli. The vitamin C content in the cruciferous vegetable could improve female libido, as well as improve blood circulation to organs in both sexes, says registered dietitian Keri Glassman. If you can find fresh figs, these fruits live up to their aphrodisiac reputation, say the Clements, because figs boost pheromone secretion.
Hot for Herbs and Spices
Not only are cloves considered to boost your libido, they pull double duty by ridding you of bad breath, which will help when it comes to kissing. Other herbs and spices that might get things going are ginseng and ginger. Add any of these spicy superfoods to a cup of hot tea for a sex life boost.
Frisky Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids improve the function of your nervous system, and that, in turn, can improve your sex life, she says, particularly in men because improved circulation leads to greater erectile response. Add fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon and nuts such almonds to your diet to repeat the benefits. Almonds also contain zinc, selenium and vitamin E, all of which can help with your sex life.
Foods to Avoid
The last thing you want to do is inadvertently kill your sex drive with the wrong types of foods. Drs. Clement say the saturated trans fats in baked goods lower the libido by clogging ventricles and reducing oxygen to sexual organs. The lactic acid in dairy products such as ice cream and cheese can also lessen desire, so skip the fettuccine Alfredo and ice cream sundae on date night. Surprisingly, while a few glasses of wine might relax you, too much alcohol deflates sexual desire and decreases arousal and sensitivity.
Don’t let your sex life get dragged down by an unhealthy diet. Not only will a meal plan right in libido-enhancing foods help you feel desirous, but it also might lead you to lose a little weight…boosting your confidence in the bedroom, too.