Eating the right foods can help you stay sexy. Black raspberries, for instance, are packed with phytochemicals that enhance libido and sexual endurance, and figs can boost the secretion of pheromones.
Two to three cups of coffee could also boost performance by lowering stress levels and improving blood flow, notes one study published in the journal of Sexual Medicine.
Chocolate
Chocolate has long been believed to have libido-boosting properties, dating back to Aztec and Mayan days when it was both a treat and a form of currency. Cacao beans contain trace amounts of phenylethylamine (also known as the “love drug”) and tryptophan, which are thought to stimulate hormones that cause blood vessels to dilate and raise heart rate.
Then there are the antioxidants, which reduce levels of cortisol and increase nitric oxide, both of which can improve blood flow. And it seems that not all chocolate is created equal: A recent study found that women who ate a square of dark chocolate every day for 14 days had more active libidos than those who didn’t indulge.
But despite the hype, chocolate doesn’t seem to be any more of a libido-booster than other well-known aphrodisiacs like oysters and wine, says Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. That’s because the arousal these foods produce has more to do with their aroma and taste than their actual chemical ingredients.
Cranberries
Men and women can benefit from cranberries in many ways, including aphrodisiac benefits. They are a good source of vitamin C, which aids blood flow. They also contain a significant amount of zinc. For men, zinc helps maintain healthy sperm levels and for women, it can help reduce PMS symptoms and increase energy.
Another food that can boost aphrodisiac effects is cloves. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that cloves stimulated sexual activity in male rats. This could be due to the high concentration of phytochemicals and nitric oxide, which helps open blood vessels.
Aphrodisiac foods can improve sensation and stamina, but they can’t replace a healthy diet. Avoid eating foods that are loaded with sugar or fat and instead focus on getting plenty of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from a variety of different sources. These aphrodisiac foods are all loaded with vitamins and minerals that can make your body healthier, but they won’t necessarily increase your libido. Still, they are a great way to stay in shape for sex.
Coffee
Having a cup of hot coffee in the morning is not only healthy for your body but could also help boost your libido. The caffeine present in coffee can increase libido by blocking the effects of adenosine, which causes you to feel sleepy. It also increases adrenaline and neurotransmitters responsible for elevated mood, which can improve your sex life.
In addition to boosting your energy, coffee also increases blood flow and reduces belly fat. A study found that men who drink two to three cups of coffee per day have a lower risk of erectile dysfunction than those who do not consume coffee.
Avoid consuming high amounts of sugar in your coffee, though, as it can lead to diabetes and poor heart health. You can also add saffron threads to your coffee for a libido-boosting effect. These saffron threads are rich in potassium, which can relax your arteries and boost your blood flow. However, you should only use this technique if your doctor recommends it. Otherwise, too much saffron may cause bloating and stomach pain.
Watermelon
The humble watermelon on display at your local fruit market may not just help you shed weight, improve blood flow and lower your blood pressure – it could also boost your libido. That’s because the citrulline amino acid in watermelon enhances blood flow and treats erectile dysfunction, according to a study by Italian experts. The body converts citrulline into arginine, which boosts nitric oxide that relaxes blood vessels. Nitric oxide increases sex drive and helps in achieving erections.
The best part about watermelon is that it is a healthy alternative to drugs like Viagra. It has low calories and contains a wealth of essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and C, lycopene and zinc.
Interestingly, researchers found that oral citrulline supplementation improved erection hardness and increased intercourse frequency in men with mild erectile problems. You can get a higher concentration of this “natural” Viagra from drinking watermelon juice. However, those with pollen allergies should avoid this sweet treat. Maca root is another powerful libido booster and has been used for centuries in the Peruvian Andes region. Its phytonutrients stimulate the production of testosterone and increase sperm count. It’s available as a powder that can be added to foods like smoothies, soups, salads and yogurt.
Salad
While modern day medical science says little about lettuce increasing or decreasing libido, it does offer some aphrodisiac nutrients. Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are high in calcium, which aids blood flow and helps you achieve stellar orgasms. They also contain folate and vitamin B6 which balances hormone levels and boosts libido in both men and women.
Another vegetable with aphrodisiac qualities is asparagus. It contains a chemical called phenylethylamine that causes the body to produce endorphins. These are the chemicals released during an orgasm, which help create a pleasurable sensation for both you and your partner.
Ginger is another food that may help increase libido. It has been shown to aid in blood flow and improve artery health. It is also used as a natural breath freshener and can help eliminate odors that can be a turn-off in the bedroom.
Pomegranates
A glass of pomegranate juice can increase testosterone levels and act as a natural aphrodisiac in both men and women. It also improves erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. This fruit is high in antioxidants, which help to reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to erection problems.
Pomegranate seeds contain a compound called punicic acid, which helps to promote healthy circulation and improves libido. They are also rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and can help to fight cancer, reduce high blood pressure and boost the immune system.
Try pomegranate seeds in a salad, on yogurt with nuts or add them to a green smoothie. They are easy to find in your local grocery store and make a healthy snack. You can also purchase pomegranate juice to drink on its own or mix it with other fruits or vegetables. It is a great way to get more nutrients into your diet. Eating well could help you maintain a healthy lifestyle into your golden years and have a more exciting sex life.
Bananas
A tropical favorite, bananas are loaded with potassium which helps keep muscles relaxed so that you can stay in the mood. They also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which is known to increase serotonin levels, making you feel calm and happy, especially in bed.
Cucumbers are another superfood rich in nitrates, which boost blood flow, especially to the genitals. Plus, they’re packed with vitamin C and manganese that support sexual health and energy.
Saffron, an edible flower that adds color to food, is also a natural aphrodisiac and can be used as a supplement. You can soak the threads in hot liquid to make a tea or mix it with yogurt or pudding.
A great source of vitamin B6, avocado is full of heart-healthy fats and is high in folic acid, both of which help boost libido in women and men. It also contains citrulline, an amino acid that your body turns into arginine, which helps relax blood vessels and improves circulation to the sex organs. You can eat it as a snack or add it to salads.
Bell Peppers
Although this is a fun theory to discuss, bell peppers are not able to be aphrodisiacs. According to Snopes, this is because peppers are actually fruits, and they only have a sex based on their flowers. The flowers contain both male and female parts, allowing them to self-fertilize, making them hermaphrodites.
This fruit-vegetable is loaded with Vitamin C, which boosts libido and promotes sexual health. It also contains potassium, which improves blood flow to the sex organs. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help with mood and the aging process.
A tropical food, pineapple is known to be a natural aphrodisiac. Its high levels of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium can boost energy and stimulate arousal. Pineapples are also rich in bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production and increases sperm count.
