An often overlooked area of sex drive is nutrition. The toxic nature of most processed foods do not allow men or women to flourish hormonally when it comes to sexual function and most don't even realize the problem with their low libido is what they're putting in their mouths (or what they're not). Here are twenty delicious foods you can work into your diet that will increase your libido, and help you work out of your clothes.
1. Watermelon
Coined 'the new Viagra', watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels thereby increasing your sex drive. There have been multiple attempts to introduce L-citrulline in natural health supplements, however, cells absorb the active ingredient from unpasteurized watermelon juice better than supplements or even plain water spiked with the compound, suggesting the watermelons are the optimal delivery medium.
2. Celery
Celery may not be the food of choice that you dream of when thinking sex, but it is a great source food for sexual stimulation. Celery contains the hormone androsterone, a naturally occurring steroid found in human sweat and urine which is released through perspiration. It’s odorless, but it signals “maleness” and virility as a pheromone. It basically signals the brain centers in women to increase their sexual appetite when triggered. Celery is best eaten raw and should never be cooked.
3. Bananas
Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, that increases libido and reverse impotence in men. Also, they are potent sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, which increase the body's overall energy levels. Bromelain has also been reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
4. Aparagus
Asparagus is high in the B vitamin folate that helps increase your production of histamine. The correct levels of histamine are important for increasing the sex drive in men and women.
5. Figs
Figs are excellent sources of amino acids that increase libido. They can also improve sexual stamina. Amino acids play a vital role in normal sexual function and will help increase the level of nitric oxide in the body. The fig is said to increase sexual stamina as well as having a sexual appearance, flavour and smell to heighten all our senses to improve our mood and let our libido rise from their slumber. Packed with potassium, manganese, and antioxidants, this fruit also helps support proper pH levels in the body,
6. Chillies
If you like it hot and spicy, this one will bring a smile on your face! Chillies contain capsaicin, a chemical which also increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-enhancing endorphins that naturally pump up your libido. Chili peppers are also a heart-healthy food with potential to protect against the No. 1 cause of death in the developed world.
7. Avocado
Loaded with potassium, avocados boost libido for both sexes. And they're rich in folate which provides energy and stamina - both of which are important once your libido is restored. The Aztecs referred to the avocado tree ahuacatl as a "testicle tree." They contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman's thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women.
8. Almonds
Almonds are a great source of essential fatty acids. They contain omega-3 and fatty acids to help produce testosterone in men and provide the raw material for a man's healthy production of hormones. They also contain vitamins E and B2, magnesium and calcium. Additionally, the smell of almonds arouses passion in females and is known to be an aphrodisiac. You can add to the sexual ambience by lighting some almond-scented candles to build up her mood. Eat almonds raw, never roasted, sweetened or salted.
9. Eggs
Eggs are rich in vitamins B6 and B5. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy libido. Eggs are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Eating raw eggs just prior to sex is said to heighten libido and maximize energy levels. But all bird and fish eggs contain B6 and B5. Know where your eggs come from.
10. Garlic
While you don't want to be stinking of garlic during a passionate lip lock, garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs. This trick doesn’t work overnight however as you need to consume it for about a month to reap its rewards.
11. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine -- an alkaloid -- which is very similar to caffeine. It also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that produces the feeling of "being in love." Modern day foodies know raw cacao in its pure unadulteratedform is a superfood. It has more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that found, women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t. So, when your woman talks about how good chocolate makes her feel, there is some science behind it. In addition, dark chocolate has a massive amount of anti-oxidants, which are great for the body in general, as they help maintain the immune system.
12. Maca
Maca is a root vegetable from Peru is considered to be the uber superfood to increase sex drive in men and women. It also helps increase sperm count. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, all of which work to increase energy levels. In men, it can help with erectile dysfunction, and for women it is said to increase sex drive and fertility. Try adding a teaspoon of maca powder to smoothies.
13. Dates
Very popular in the Northern parts of Nigeria, dates are packed with amino acids for sexual stamina as well as a good dose of fruity sugars which make them sweet and an amazing pickup.
14. Ginger
"In the 21st century, those of us who know about botanical-ceuticals know that ginger helps circulation temperature adjustment, mucoid detoxification and also a libido enhancer. Whether raw, in supplement form, or added to your favorite recipe or drink, ginger also lends itself to defense against winter's hard cold and flu season. Because trying to get frisky with a runny nose never ends well.
15. Saffron
Though on the pricey side, this spice is a treat for your stomach and sex life. Researchers at the University of Guelph have found that saffron can improve sexual performance. Soak the threads in hot liquid for 15 minutesthen add to quinoa, or barley for an tasty healthy dish.16. Cloves
This sex superfood is versatile when it comes to cooking: it can be brewed in hot apple cider, infused in your favorite exotic dish, or added to a chai tea latte. Just make sure to share it with your guy, too. In India, cloves have been used to treat male sexual dysfunction for centuries and research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine agrees, discovering that clove extracts produced an increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats. Add a little cumin and cinnamon and you've got a tasty, multifaceted aphrodisiac.
17. Walnuts
Walnuts improve the quality of sperm. It is known to improve the shape, movement and vitality of the sperm. Include walnuts in your diet to improve fertility. Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, known to boost the brain’s “pleasure chemical,” dopamine, and arginine, the amino acid that increases the production of nitric oxide which assists with erections - it opens up the blood vessels to increase blood flow.
18. Black Raspberries
Both the berries and the seeds will transform your mind-set for getting in the mood, so pop in a handful a day to keep bedroom boredom at bay. "This phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance," say Drs. Anna Maria and Brian Clement, authors of 7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality and directors of Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. Consume 10 black raspberries or atablespoon of seeds a few hours before getting busy.
19. Cardamom
Cardamom is a natural alternative to Viagra, as it is believed to help counter male impotence. It contains cineole, a compound that increases blood flow to the sexual organs.
20. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is important for testosterone production in men and helps boost libido. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which act as a precursor for prostaglandins, which play a key role in sexual health. They are also great for prostate health! The oil in pumpkin seeds alleviates difficult urination that happens with an enlarged prostate.
Karen Foster is a holistic nutritionist, avid blogger, with five kids and an active lifestyle that keeps her in pursuit of the healthiest path towards a life of balance.
This first appeared in Prevent Disease