Written By : David J. Grossklaus (Last Updated on March 31, 2024)
For centuries, human beings have been looking for ways to spice up their sex life.
Physical exercises, thinking about sex, massage, sleep, erotic films, sexy underwear, dirty messages throughout the day, creating intimate moments and diet are some of the ways said to spark your libido.
On top of all that, what you eat is essential in getting you into the mood.
Even so, not everything will rekindle the spark.
Experts have narrowed down specific foods that boost libido.
Have a look.
Best Foods That Increase Libido
Oysters
Oysters are popular aphrodisiacs in traditional medicine.
They have been used to help men with erectile dysfunction and enhance sex drive.
This is due to their high zinc content.
Various studies show that zinc increases the production of testosterone.
They also contain two essential amino acids; N-methyl-D-aspartate and D-aspartic acid that triggers sex hormones.
Healthy testosterone levels boost libido.
Garlic
Increased blood flow is a significant factor in increasing sex drive.
Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound that accelerates blood circulation, hence increasing blood flow to the reproductive parts.
Moreover, it increases nerve sensation, which gets you in the mood faster.
Watermelon
Watermelon has Viagra effects.
According to a study by Texas A & M University 1, watermelon contains ingredients that have Viagra-like effects on the blood vessels thus boosting libido.
Watermelon contains citrulline that changes to arginine in the body, an amino acid that enhances nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, just like Viagra.
Therefore, watermelon increases blood flow, which directly enhances sex arousal and sensation.
Note:
Citrulline is highly concentrated in the rind of the watermelon.
Hence, as you eat the flesh, eat the peel too.
Dark chocolate
Chocolate is often seen as a romantic dessert between lovers.
However, it could spice up your bedroom.
It contains phenylethylamine, a compound that prompts the release of endorphins-serotonin and dopamine- happy hormones that lower stress.
Reduced stress means better sex urge.
Also, cocoa relaxes blood vessels, promoting blood flow, which increases sex arousal in the genitalia.
Nuts
Nuts are particularly rich in properties that liven up your bedroom mood.
They contain zinc that boosts testosterone production, vitamin B1 that triggers signals between the brain and reproductive organs and vitamin E, which increases sperm count, testosterone production and sexual desire.
All the same, every nut contains its unique properties.
Have a look.
Pine nuts
Pine nuts are popular traditional aphrodisiacs.
Pine nuts are rich sources of zinc, a mineral that triggers the production of testosterone, which is important for sexual desire.
It is also rich in arginine, which changes to nitric oxide in the body; nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and boosts blood flow supporting stronger erections.
According to Galen, a Greek physician, an individual should eat at least 100 pine nuts every night before bed to increase desire.
Almond nuts
Almonds support better blood flow, which spikes up your mood.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain L-Arginine, which is a precursor to nitric oxide that enhances blood flow.
Also, it contains omega-3 fatty acids that trigger the release of dopamine- a happy hormone.
Eating walnuts often could get you into the mood and support stronger erections.
Sweet basil
The scent of basil has traditionally being said to drive men crazy- it was assumed that women dusted breasts with dried basil to entice men.
But, what’s the real gist behind this famous Italian herb?
Basil increases blood circulation and gives you a sense of well being, which spikes up your libido.
It also contains antioxidants that prevent free radical damage.
Add some fresh basil to your salad, pasta, or pizza to get your sex drive on the roof.
Spinach
Spinach has been seen to spark libido.
It contains magnesium, a mineral that boosts more blood flow in the body by reducing inflammation in blood vessels.
Increased blood flow stimulates arousal and nerve sensitivity.
It is also rich in folic acid, which eases stress and plays a significant role in erectile response and nitric oxide production.
A 2014 study 2 shows a strong association between folate deficiency and premature deficiency.
Chili peppers
When you think of intimacy, think of hot red peppers.
They are ancient natural aphrodisiac foods but proven by science as well.
They trigger endorphins – happy brain chemicals, hence lowering stress and triggering arousal.
Besides, chili peppers are rich in capsaicin, which increases blood circulation and heart rate impacting your libido.
A recent study by the University of Grenoble showed men who consumed foods with chili peppers had higher testosterone levels in their saliva compared to the control group.
Testosterone makes men more wild and adventurous in bed.
Blueberries
Blueberries are great antioxidant-aphrodisiacs.
For a long time, they have been used for medicinal purposes such as purifying the blood, lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
So, how do they boost libido?
Blueberries focus on dopamine and blood flow, primary aspects that boost libido.
Blueberries boost dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of pleasure.
They also prevent free radical damage, producing an anti-aging effect, which is beneficial to your sex drive.
Besides, blueberries contain a sugar known as D-mannose, which sustains the walls of the blood vessels of reproductive organs ensuring healthy blood flow for sensation and stronger erections.
Blueberries contain B vitamins that improve kidney function, which in turn enhances sex life.
Note:
Go for organic and pesticide-free berries.
Some pesticides mimic estrogen when consumed, which could lower testosterone.
Bananas
Bananas are excellent for a man’s sex drive.
They contain tryptophan, an amino acid that triggers the release of the serotonin-feel good hormone.
Thus, they lower stress that could reduce sex drive.
Also, they are loaded with bromelain, an enzyme that facilitates the production of testosterone, a hormone necessary in getting into the mood.
Moreover, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins that boost energy and reduce stress; hence, facilitating healthy libido.
To sum it all, bananas stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that increases men’s desire towards their partners.
Pomegranate
Every man needs pomegranate; it is known as Viagra food.
Science shows that pomegranate juice when taken regularly, increases T-levels, reduces stress and boosts blood circulation in both men and women.
Low testosterone is a significant cause of reduced sex drive; thus, spiking T-levels will surely bring back the mojo.
They are enriched in antioxidants that promote healthy blood vessels for increased blood flow in the entire body.
Studies 3 also show that they improve erectile dysfunction.
Do You Have A Lagging Sex Drive?
Watch your diet; some foods could be the reason behind your dipped libido 4.
Avoid these foods.
Salt
Excessive sodium intake may cause blood pressure, which is a real libido killer.
Soy
Studies show that the more soy a man takes, the lower testosterone levels he has.
Low testosterone translates to low libido.
Coffee
If coffee makes you jittery, it could lower libido.
Anxiety reduces your sexual desire.
Processed foods
Processed foods contain trans-fats that lower sex drive.
They create insulin resistance, reduce testosterone production, and clog blood vessels, all which zap your sexual desire.
Cheese
Most dairy products are enriched with synthetic hormones, which may throw your hormones off balance.
This will also affect libido.
Bottled water
Water is not a problem; however, plastic bottles contain BPA (Bisphenol A) 5, a chemical compound that can affect sexual function in men.
Research shows that BPA-exposed men have reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Blood flow, high testosterone levels, and energy-stimulating transmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are vital aspects in hiking your libido.
Go for foods with aphrodisiac effects including oysters, garlic, watermelon, dark chocolate, nuts, basil, spinach, chili peppers, blueberries, bananas, and pomegranates.
However, take caution; the internet will provide you with all sorts of foods that boost libido; however, go for foods supported by science.
Read next: Exercises That Boost Your Libido
