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Hungry for more sex but having trouble with your libido? Did you know you could power your sex drive by eating the right foods? Of course, any healthy food will be good for your body’s functioning, including sex. More interestingly, research on the Mediterranean Diet revealed that people with metabolic syndrome experienced fewer erectile dysfunction problems by following this diet.

Want to know more? Here are some of the best foods to improve overall health, blood circulation and libido.

1.    A Passion for Nuts

Love your nuts? That’s good news for you as all kinds of nuts are great for your health. For instance, cashew nuts and walnuts are rich in zinc and L-arginine, which boosts blood circulation. Plus, walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and are known to improve sperm quality. Experts say that including walnuts in your daily intake can enhance fertility by improving the movement, vitality and shape of sperms, and they are rich in vitamin E which helps with endometrial health. Almonds and pine nuts are also rich in arginine and amino acids, which help achieve and maintain an erection.

Fun fact: The walnut tree is associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and pleasure!

2.    Berries

The seeds of strawberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries are rich in zinc, which boosts sex drive in both men and women. Zinc helps regulate testosterone levels in men, while making it easier for women’s bodies to prepare for sex. Black raspberries are phytochemical-rich, making them a great choice to boost both sexual endurance and libido.

3.    Fresh Fruits

An apple a day keeps ED at bay! That’s because apples contain a good quantity of quercetin, an antioxidant and flavonoid that is known to promote blood circulation, improve erectile dysfunction (ED) and manage symptoms of prostatitis. Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps release the amino acid arginine, proving to be good for vascular health and improving libido and erections.

Citrus fruits are also a good addition to your diet, since they are rich in Vitamin C, which is proven to improve sperm quality and count.

Some of the other libido-boosting fruits are bananas, figs and avocados. Avocados contain Vitamin B6 and folic acid, which are vital for a healthy sex drive. Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormones, while folic acid boosts energy.

Fun fact: In Nahuatl, an ancient language spoken by the Aztecs, the term for avocados was the same as that for testicles.

4.    Wine & Chocolates

Didn’t you just know there is a scientific reason behind bringing wine and chocolates to an important date? Red wine contains antioxidants, which are good for heart health and blood circulation. But remember, while a glass of wine can work wonders to loosen up those inhibitions, too much alcohol can impair sexual performance.

Dark chocolate, on the other hand, is great. It releases endorphins (also called the “feel good” hormones) and serotonin, both of which are known to improve mood. It might not directly enhance your sex drive, but it can certainly get you in the mood for action.

5.    High-Protein Foods

Chicken, lamb, beef and pork are rich in carnitine, L-arginine and zinc, which improve blood circulation. In fact, recent research has confirmed that the use of arginine supplements can help treat mild to moderate ED. But too much red meat is bad for the heart, so include lean meats more often. Fish should also be part of this list of proteins, given that fatty fish, such as sardines and salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and Vitamin D.

We would also include eggs, here. They are also rich in L-arginine, which means they may help achieve healthy erections.

6.    Fresh Vegetables

One veggie that needs special mention here is the humble cucumber. It is rich in Vitamin C and manganese, which are known to enhance sexual health, increase energy levels and improve the sex drive. Vitamin C especially helps erectile function by improving blood flow. Of course, there are more ways than just eating a cucumber to help get you in the mood!

And since you already have cucumber, add arugula (rocket) and make a big salad. Arugula is rich in nitric oxide, which boosts blood flow and improves sex drive.

You’ll never guess the next vegetable we have on our list. It’s aubergine or eggplant. Regardless of its innuendo-rich emoji, aubergines are loaded with Vitamin B6, potassium and manganese, all of which are considered important for sexual health. Vitamin B6, as mentioned earlier, regulates testosterone levels, which influences sexual performance.

Another surprising vegetable to add to your shopping list for sexual health is garlic. Just make sure you don’t eat a lot of it just before your date – unless it’s online 😉.

7.    Aphrodisiac Foods

We can’t argue about aphrodisiacs. They are known to boost stamina, libido and sensations. And the best-known aphrodisiac food is oysters. But do you know why they have held this special position all through history? It’s because they are loaded with zinc, which is essential for vital body functions, including cell metabolism, regulating testosterone levels and enhancing stamina.

Some of the other foods known for their high zinc content are:

  • Crabs
  • Lobsters
  • Spicy chilli peppers
  • Fortified breakfast cereal
  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberries
  • Figs

Special mention needs to be made here of saffron, a natural aphrodisiac said to boost energy, stamina, libido and sexual performance.

But is it all true?

Remember that there is no specific clinical data linking certain foods directly to libido. A healthy diet that includes all the essential nutrients improves overall health, mood and energy levels, which, in turn, enhances sex drive. Of course, studies have proven that foods rich in Vitamin B and zinc help regulate testosterone levels, which can then help with libido and sexual performance.

Also, remember that there are some factors that could adversely impact sex drive, especially in men. Some of these factors are obesity, a poor diet, lack of exercise, overconsumption of alcohol and caffeine, and prolonged stress levels. Relationship issues can also lead to dissatisfying sexual experiences.

In short, a satisfying sex life needs a holistic approach. Try new things, work on your relationships and overall health, and do something everyday to relieve stress.

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