Wouldn’t it be great if there was a food that can increase sex drive and desire?
Low libido is a common problem for men and some women to the point that some people try a lot of unconventional ways to manage it. Among the most commonly recommended home remedies is eating the right type of foods.
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. There’s no concrete evidence of food that instantly puts you in the mood. However, some foods support and invigorate bodily functions linked to sexual activity.
Below, you’ll find a list of 10 libido boosting foods that can help you restore your libido, and why they work.
1. WATERMELON
More than just a refreshing summer treat, there’s good evidence that watermelon might have “Viagra-like” effects, according to a study published in Science Daily. In other words, it helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
The key ingredient in that effect is citrulline. Citrulline is converted to arginine, which boosts nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow. That’s the same underlying mechanism used by drugs that treat erectile dysfunction.
2. AVOCADO
Perhaps for obvious reasons, the word avocado derives from the Aztec word for testicle. But, eponyms aside, there are good reasons to believe avocados support healthy sexual function.
Avocados are packed with a variety of energy-boosting nutrients. Monounsaturated fats, B-complex vitamins, and folic acid are all essential components of keeping up your energy.
Like most libido boosting foods, eating avocado isn’t likely to make you instantly libidinous, but it can positively contribute to a better sexual experience.
3. PUMPKIN SEEDS
When it comes to sexual desire and libido in men, an oft-mentioned nutrient is zinc. Zinc has a lot of beneficial properties tied to prostate health, and pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of dietary zinc. Zinc is also a component of many energy supplements, such as Horny Goat Max, which helps to boost sexual function.
Moreover, zinc supplements are used to effectively increase sperm count and motility. Now, an increased sperm count doesn’t necessarily lead to increased libido, but every little bit helps.
4. PINE NUTS
Technically seeds, pine nuts are another zinc powerhouse and have several other benefits for sex drive as well.
Pine nuts are also rich in magnesium, which is used in the production of both male and female sex hormones. And, pine nuts have B vitamins and proteins, which contribute to better energy levels.
5. OYSTERS
Long-thought to be a potent aphrodisiac, oysters have been tied to some impressive effects on the libido front.
They certainly contain healthy amounts of zinc, but they also have a variety of essential amino acids and serotonin. Serotonin has a number of functions in the body, but it’s most associated with mood and happiness.
6. PINEAPPLE
Pineapples are another food that has historical roots in treating impotence. How effective they are in that area is unclear, but they’re certainly a good source of potassium and bromelain.
Potassium is an essential mineral and plays a crucial role in muscle contraction. Bromelain is an enzyme, and it performs a lot of functions, among which is helping to support testosterone production. Pineapples also contain manganese, vitamin C, and thiamine, all of which are important to overall health.
7. DARK CHOCOLATE
Chocolate, cacao specifically, can help boost serotonin and dopamine levels. Increased serotonin and dopamine help regulate mood and wellbeing.
However, there’s a big caveat when it comes to chocolate. Sugar can wreak havoc on your hormones and metabolism, so you should stick to dark chocolate if you’re trying to improve your libido.
8. TOMATOES
Lycopene is a prominent ingredient in tomatoes and contributes strongly to cardiovascular health. Lycopene plays a role in relaxing and dilating blood vessels, like arginine.
It should be noted that processed tomatoes contain less lycopene and other nutrients than fresh ones. So, if your goal is a better sex drive, choose fresh tomatoes.
9. RED WINE
In a similar way to chocolate, alcohol is a touchy subject when it comes to libido. Too much will certainly kill your sex drive, but there’s good evidence that a moderate intake of red wine contributes to female sexual health.
A study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found that regular moderate red wine consumption improved the scores for women on the Female Sexual Function Index compared to women who consumed no alcohol.
10. GRASS-FED BEEF
One of the most important aspects of healthy sexual desire is high energy levels. Steak is among the best foods to provide a reliable energy boost.
For starters, it’s packed with protein, which is a critical component of physical function. It’s also high in zinc and iron, which supports red blood cell function. And, all that protein will stimulate the release of dopamine, which can help improve your mood.
EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR LIBIDO
There you have a list of 10 libido boosting foods that will help you in the quest to increase your libido. But, you have to remember food is only one piece of the puzzle.
To reliably boost your libido, you’ll need to implement a series of lifestyle changes and use evidence-based supplementation.
