A healthy sex drive will come naturally, if you are fit both physically and mentally.
Foods that can appear to boost your libido are also called aphrodisiacs. Scientific research has been unable to prove whether aphrodisiacs actually can increase your sex drive.[1]
However, some foods may be beneficial to your body in other ways that can contribute to better sexual health. For example, foods that can improve your heart health will ensure better blood flow.
The Top Foods to Help You Regulate your Diet
You can try the following foods if you want to enhance your sex life. However, you should remember that you must consume these foods regularly to see significant results.[2]
1. Oysters
This seafood is one of the most commonly cited aphrodisiacs. Research has found that oysters, clams, and scallops have certain compounds that can increase both testosterone and estrogen levels. It is rich in zinc, which is an essential nutrient for sexual maturation.
Zinc can boost testosterone production in the body, which can lead to a boost in sex drive as well and also help in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This can increase your physical stamina. There are ways to consume oysters, but the most common way is to have them raw.[3]
2. Ground Flax Seeds
Superfoods are all the rage in the healthy eating community. Ground flax seeds offer a host of benefits while being very low-maintenance. You can have them daily by sprinkling them over your oatmeal breakfast bowl or smoothie. You can also add these seeds to meat dishes and salads. Rich in antioxidants, flax seeds can help to increase the blood flow towards your sexual organs. The amino acid, L-arginine, keeps the sperm healthy.
Flaxseeds also contain lignans, which are estrogen-like chemicals. They have antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help keep the body healthy. You will stay at the top of your game at all times. Flax seeds also have Omega-3 fatty acids that can improve your cardiovascular health over time.
3. Apples
Apples have quercetin, which is a type of antioxidant that can prevent the development of many sex-related problems in the body.[4] Berries, cherries, and dark grapes also have this flavonoid. Research has found that there is a positive relation between regular apple consumption and better sex drives in women.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds have a large amount of zinc that helps in increasing testosterone production in the body. Moreover, they also have magnesium, which is an essential nutrient and can help in relaxation. Pumpkin seeds provide the body with antioxidants and cardioprotective nutrients that contribute to improving sexual health.
Pumpkin seeds also have omega-3 fatty acids that can prevent both gynecological and prostate problems. Omega-3s can reduce inflammation in the body and allows sexual organs to function normally. Iron makes you feel energized and active.
You can simply add some pumpkin seeds to any yogurt parfait that you make. It serves as the perfect snack. Pumpkin seeds can also enhance the flavor of pesto, so that is a combination you might want to try.[5]
5. Watermelon
Fresh watermelons contain citrulline that can release amino acids as well as arginine in the body. As a result, your vascular health will improve, and your body will experience better blood flow. This will help in maintaining an erection and increasing the libido.
6. Almonds
Having almonds is a great way to take care of your cardiovascular system.[6] It provides your body with cararginine that can improve circulation and help put less pressure on the blood vessels. This amino acid can also help in maintaining an erection.
7. Pomegranate seeds
Pomegranate seeds contain compunds called polyphenols. They are linked with decreased risk of heart diseases and high blood pressure. They can also relax blood vessels as a result of which there is an increase in the delivery of blood to the organs such as brain and heart. Since polyphenols are helpful in keeping the rest of your body healthy, they will also allow you to improve your performance in the bedroom. Polyphenols can give adequate protection to your immune system and improve your mood.[7]
The micronutrients in pomegranate seeds help the body to produce sex hormones and the flavones are crucial for erectile health. The seeds also contain vitamin C that can decrease stress and increase stamina.
Pomegranate juice over ice makes for an amazing afternoon drink. You can add these seeds to any salad that you make.
8. Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that are good for cardiovascular health. As a result, it can boost your sex life. Omega-3s help to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries which can improve blood flow in the body. However, this is not a good choice for guys who are at risk of suffering from high-grade prostate cancer.[8]
9. Avocados
Avocados are a great option for improving testicular performance. They are packed with vitamin D, and are very nourishing for the body. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and widens the blood vessels, so that there is a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, vitamin D can also reduce the risk of sperm DNA damage. Avocados contain vitamin B-6 that can keep the nervous system healthy. They also supply the body with potassium which can boost the overall energy and libido of the body. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated oleic acid which aids in circulation and keeps the heart healthy.
Eating raw avocados will get you the best benefits because vitamin E can be sensitive to heat and oxygen. You can make an avocado dip or toss it into your salad. Heat can reduce the nutritional value of avocados.
Should you avoid particular foods?
There are no specific foods that will worsen your sex drive. However, avoiding processed foods might be the way to go because they can reduce your energy. If you do not want to experience a slump, it is best that you avoid foods that have a high content of salt and sugar. You should also monitor your fat intake so that your circulation remains strong and the blood flow is consistent.[9]
Alcohol can have both positive and negative effects. Having some wine alongside dinner will fill your body with antioxidants. However, too much of alcohol will make you inactive and sleepy. You might not feel up to performing any physical activity. According to a study, people tend to report sexual dysfunction more often after alcohol use.
Bread and cheese are commonly touted by many as sexual performance enhancers, but there is no scientific reason as to why they should increase sexual libido. Studies have yielded conflicting results. Cheese and bread contain high levels of disaccharides, fermentable oligosaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.[10] They can lead to digestive problems.
Conclusion:
To sum up, a diet made with
nuts, fruits, leafy greens and fish with omega-3 fatty acids, will help you
feel the most active. Sexual appetite is dependent on many factors, but
foods in particular can enhance your body’s sex hormones. You will enjoy
erotic stimulation and feel sexual pleasure more often than people who do not
follow a healthy diet. There is no scientific correlation between aphrodisiacs
and increased libido. However, a healthy diet ensures a lower risk of sexual
problems.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125014/
[2] Kingsberg SA, Woodard T. Female sexual dysfunction: focus on low desire. Obstet Gynecol. 2015;125:477-486. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707391/
[4] Vand FS, Akhtari E. To increase health of intercourse with Iranian Traditional Medicine. History of Medicine Journal. 2016;5(14):97–111. [Google Scholar]
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731873/
[6] Sandroni P. Aphrodisiacs past and present: A historical review. Clin Auton Res. 2001;11:303–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30255750
[8] Kaiser FE, Korenman SG. Impotence in diabetic men. Am J Med. 1988;85:147–52. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17000202
[10] Ordovas J.M., Ferguson L.R., Tai E.S., Mathers J.C. Personalised nutrition and health. BMJ. 2018;361:bmj.k2173. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k2173. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef]