Sex and sexuality are important parts of a healthy life.
That’s why it can be quite jarring if you experience a sudden drop in what was once a healthy libido.
For many, the first course of action is changing their diet. However, there is a lot of misleading information about how effective certain foods are in that area.
But, there is also some good evidence about foods that actually make a difference. Find out below some of the best fruits you can eat to rekindle a waning libido.
1. BUT FIRST, SOME BASICS
It’s important to note when making recommendations about human libido that it’s a complex set of functions. Desire is complicated, and there are no simple or reliable ways to make yourself want something.
Instead, what you should aim for is creating an environment where a healthy libido can thrive.
2. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Essentially, the path to a healthy mind is a healthy body. By implementing some lifestyle changes (including your diet) you can make a difference in libido levels, but it’s not a magic wand. It’s a process you have to trust.
There is no evidence that any single food can make you more libidinous instantly. But, there are some compounds with proven benefits in combating some of the causes of low libido, such as erectile dysfunction.
Ultimately, while there are no guarantees, there’s very little harm in experimenting with the fruits on this list. After all, a varied diet supports overall health and supplies many nutrients, which might make a difference.
3. WATERMELON
We’re starting with the leader of the pack.
Watermelon is among the most effective libido boosters, in terms of its nutrient makeup.
For starters, watermelon is packed with citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that your kidneys synthesize into arginine, which ultimately increases levels of nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, which means it promotes better blood flow. Good blood flow is a crucial part of achieving and sustaining erections, and it also generally improves and intensifies sensation.
The essential amino acid, L-arginine, is often used in supplements that promote and support healthy libido.
Smaller amounts of other phytonutrients in watermelon, such as lycopene and beta-carotene, also play a role in relaxing blood vessels.
Additionally, watermelon contributes significant amounts of zinc. Zinc is a highly-touted mineral in male sexual performance.
One small stipulation, though, is that you’ll need to eat a lot of watermelons to see any effects. Studies pointing to the effectiveness of watermelon all saw the participants consuming almost unreasonable amounts of watermelon juice.
4. AVOCADO
Yes, avocados are a fruit. Fitting all the criteria for berries, this fatty fruit is a nutrient powerhouse.
To be fair, avocados probably won’t boost your libido in a direct way. But, they support a lot of the related functions in libido.
Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin B6. B-complex vitamins, and B6 in particular, play a key role in maintaining high energy levels. Lethargy and fatigue are some of the most common reasons people report as causes of low libido in surveys.
Moreover, avocados have high amounts of monounsaturated fats. Your body metabolizes monounsaturated fats quicker than saturated ones, again leading to higher energy levels.
Lastly, avocados have omega-3 fatty acids. Besides their heart-protective effects, omega-3s have been recognized as a mood booster by several studies.
5. PINEAPPLE
Pineapple addresses yet another cause of low libido, hormonal imbalance.
Low levels of testosterone in men can cause a lot of problems. Fatigue and depression are two common symptoms, but so is low libido and sometimes infertility.
Pineapple comes to the rescue with high doses of magnesium and zinc.
The interplay between magnesium and testosterone is well-researched. A study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology concluded that magnesium concentrations play a key role in the biological activity of testosterone.
Furthermore, pineapple has several enzymes that help break down protein. Proteins are crucial carriers of testosterone and other sex hormones, so anything that helps keep protein levels optimal contributes to sexual health.
6. MANGO
Among the fruits listed here, mango is the only one considered to be an aphrodisiac.
That means people believe it positively contributes to libido as such, that is to say, desire. While that claim is debatable, mangos are certainly a tasty treat with some important health benefits.
Vitamin E, highly present in mangoes, is another important factor in testosterone production. Healthy levels of vitamin E help your body produce enough testosterone and improve your cardiovascular health.
A study published in the journal Archives of Andrology also found that vitamin E contributes to sperm count and sperm motility in men.
7. A DELICIOUS BOOST TO YOUR LIBIDO
There you have a list of some of the most effective fruits to boost libido. To restate, there are no guarantees.
Libido is a complex physiological response, and there are many moving parts to feeling libidinous. These fruits can help you on your journey, but to truly boost your libido, you’ll need to make a concerted effort in all parts of your life.
But, don’t let that discourage you. With some perseverance, and the right diet and supplementation, you have every reason to believe you’ll succeed.
