15 Delicious Foods That Increase Libido and Boost Your Sex Drive

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a healthy sex drive? After all, an active sex drive is associated with pleasure (of course!), pain relief, bladder control, sleep quality, and more. Of course, a healthy sex life increases intimacy with your partner. Win, win, win. That said, it’s normal to experience fluctuations in your sex drive. In fact, you may be in the middle of a drought. Don’t worry. There are many ways to spice up your sex life. Including meditation. But to improve your sex drive, you should also consider your diet.

After all, passion requires sustained energy. Plus, no one wants to have digestive troubles in the bedroom. Are you limiting foods such as sugar and inflammatory oils? Are you minimizing your alcohol intake? All of these can affect your sexual desire. Let’s take a closer look at foods that increase libido.

Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Sanetra Nele Ronno.

Benefits of a healthy sex life

the study It shows that sex is very beneficial for our health. Sex activates various neurotransmitters, which affect not only the brain but several other organs of the body. In other words, the perks of sex extend far beyond the bedroom. For women, the benefits of a healthy sex life include:

• healthier immune system
• Strong pelvic floor (helps avoid) incontinence)
• lower blood pressure
• Improved heart health, including lower risk of heart attack
• improved self-esteem
• Reduced depression and anxiety
• increased sexual desire
• better sleep
• Reduced overall stress

What causes strong sexual desire?

What controls our libido (also known as sex drive) is actually a very complex web of biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Our hormones also play a big role. All of these things together create sexual desire. Strong sexual desire may be correlated with daily life exercisehigh dopamine levels, moderate self-esteem, normal testosterone, and eating foods that increase sex drive.

vice versa, sexual desire level It can be negatively affected by alcohol, drugs, anxiety, illness, fatigue, menopause, life circumstances, history of sexual abuse, religious traditions, and more.

Yes, it is normal for your sex drive to fluctuate

Just as everyone’s taste buds, desires, and appetites are different, so too are their sexual desires. We are all unique in this world. Our sexual desires reflect our biological individuality. Naturally, it is I understand very well That sexual desire is different for men and women. But it also fluctuates depending on the season of our life. After all, your sex drive is determined by a variety of factors. Consider your age, hormone levels, quality of life, and attraction to your partner (physically and emotionally).

You can’t quantify or name what a “normal” sexual desire looks like. and, low sex drive It does not necessarily qualify as a chronic disease. However, if you think your sex drive is decreasing, talk to your health care provider. After all, you have the power to decide what you think about your sexual desire and how it affects your relationship. Of course, comparison is the thief of joy. What you’re watching on HBO isn’t real. Your sex life, your standards.

A nutritious diet can increase sex drive

Having a healthy sex drive is associated with feeling healthy both physically and mentally, so it’s no surprise that the food you eat plays a role in promoting your sex life. Foods that increase libido can affect a strong sex drive, but most foods the study It has less to do with libido and more to do with sexual performance.

Either way, a nutritious diet will benefit your sex life in many ways, including improved stamina in the bedroom. Additionally, eating a diet rich in vegetables and lean protein, and low in foods containing sugar and saturated fat, can also help prevent diseases that affect sex drive.

15 foods that increase libido

Not to sound like a broken record, but what you put into your body determines how it functions. If you fill your body with unhealthy foods, inflammatory oils, and ingredients that lower blood sugar levels, your sexual health will deteriorate rapidly. Instead, focus on foods that increase your sex drive. These are foods rich in zinc, antioxidants, B vitamins, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

1. Oysters

Although there are no scientific studies proving that oysters stimulate desire, they have been considered a natural aphrodisiac for hundreds of years. They are widely known for increasing sexual desire and desire. The reason is that oysters are rich in zinc. This compound increases blood flow and may help blood flow to the genitals. zincIt is found in a variety of animal and plant foods and may be particularly important in male fertility as it helps regulate testosterone levels. Can’t resist oysters? You can also use clams!

Recipe: CRU’s Classic Cocktail Sauce & Horseradish Crème Fraiche

2. Chicken

Eating high-quality animal proteins such as beef, chicken, and pork improves your sex drive (thanks to certain amino acid compounds). Foods high in protein, such as L-arginine and zinc, improve blood flow. Of course, smooth blood flow is important not only for getting blood to the right places, but also for a strong sexual response.

Recipe: Grilled chicken marinated in yogurt with herbs

3. Salmon

Best known for its essential fatty acids and omega-3s, salmon’s nutrient-rich fats help maintain a healthy heart and prevent plaque buildup in your arteries. As a result, blood flows more smoothly and sexual desire increases. Omega-3 also increase dopamine levels It causes excitement in the brain. If possible, choose wild-caught salmon.

Recipe: Grilled salmon with stone fruit salsa

4. Nuts

Cashews, almonds, and walnuts are rich in zinc, which helps improve blood flow, along with L-arginine. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3, so they’re doubly helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids are production of dopaminehelps improve sexual desire.

Recipe: Easy grain-free granola

5. Seeds

Here at Camille Stiles, we love seeds. In addition to balancing hormones, the seeds contain vitamins and minerals that can help improve sexual function. Examples: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, etc. In fact, chia seeds are known to increase sexual desire in men. These have been shown to naturally boost testosterone thanks to essential fatty acids that act as building blocks for the hormone.

On the other hand, flax is known to increase sexual desire in women. Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens, which act very similarly to female hormones associated with a healthy sex life. Flax is beneficial for women with low estrogen levels, such as those with conditions such as: menopause.

Recipe: Get your energy back with a smoothie

6. Apple

Apples are rich in a compound called quercetin, an antioxidant known to increase blood circulation and promote good health. erectile dysfunctionmanage low libido. in fact, this research reported a 14% reduction in erectile dysfunction in men who consumed more fruit. This may be due to the flavonoid content. In women, high blood pressure can reduce libido and interest in sex, especially if it causes fatigue. Additionally, reduced blood flow to the vagina can affect how your body responds to sex. Overall, a diet rich in flavonoids can promote overall health and keep your sex life healthy.

Recipe: apple walnut salad

7. Beats

Next on the list of foods that increase libido are beets. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to any meal. It’s also rich in dietary nitrates, which may help boost your sex life. Essentially, dietary nitrates dilate blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation, which improves blood flow. This has a beneficial effect on muscle contraction. For this reason, some athletes Use nitrates to improve performance (in and out of the bedroom).

Recipe: Grapefruit, avocado and golden beet salad with crunchy chickpeas and feta cheese

8. Raspberry

Like apples, raspberries are rich in flavonoids. It is rich in this phytochemical, Blood sugar friendly!) Food can increase both libido and sexual stamina. Raspberries are rich in zinc, which is essential for sex. women with appropriate abilities zinc levels Strong sexual desire. For men, zinc controls testosterone levels and also helps with sperm production.

Recipe: raspberry cocoa energy ball

9. Avocado

Avocados have numerous benefits, including vitamin E and healthy fats, which are important for hormonal health. Additionally, avocados contain magnesium and minerals. boronresearch shows it may benefit testosterone levels. Boron is a trace mineral that affects the metabolism of testosterone in the body and may prevent its breakdown. Additionally, vitamin E is associated with improved fertility.

Recipe: Avocado toast with kale pesto and crunchy vegetables

10. Eggs

Egg yolks are rich in healthy fats, protein, and selenium. seleniumSpecifically, it may help increase testosterone production by activating specific pathways and the expression of certain genes. Eggs are also rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin B5. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress. These two elements are essential for a healthy sex drive.

Eggs are also a symbol of fertility and reproduction. In fact, if you eat raw chicken eggs, before sex It is said to increase sexual desire and maximize energy levels. After all, eggs are highly nutritious. Choose organic (or ideally pasture-raised) eggs if possible.

Recipe: Leek and goat cheese quiche

11. Chocolate

chocolate It is rich in ingredients that enhance romance. These compounds include anandamide (a feel-good chemical), phenylethylamine (a love chemical that causes endorphin release), and theobromine (a central nervous system stimulant). In other words, eating chocolate can stimulate the release of certain chemicals, which can increase your sex drive. We’re willing to use any excuse to break a few more squares, even if the effects are more psychological than biological.

Recipe: gluten free chocolate cake

12. Maca

Have you heard of it? Maca• Known as a superfood, maca is a Peruvian root that has been used since ancient times to increase strength, stamina, energy, fertility, and sexual desire (in men and women). Although more research is needed, maca root It may reduce sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs, including having beneficial effects on sexual desire. Add a dash to your smoothie or coffee and see how you feel.

Recipe: adaptogenic hot chocolate

13. Basil

This Italian herb is known to improve blood circulation, control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and is also an excellent source of brain-boosting nutrients magnesium and flavonoids. As mentioned earlier, ingredients that are good for your heart (and blood flow!) can also improve your sex drive. Basil also has a warming effect on the body and may increase alertness.

Recipe: Creamy vegan pasta with tomatoes and basil

Olive oil is not only known as a heart-healthy food, but it is also used as an aphrodisiac. Yes, olive oil can help increase female orgasm. It works its magic by inducing the hormone testosterone, which triggers sexual desire, increasing orgasm. the study It proves it. in any case, mediterranean style meal It can significantly improve your sexual performance.

Recipe: Spinach and ricotta pizza with garlic olive oil

15. Carrot

Last but not least on the list of foods that increase libido: carrots. This vegetable is known to help balance your libido as it is rich in beta-carotene. This compound supports the entire endocrine system, thereby supporting libido, boosting metabolism, and strengthening the kidneys. In addition, carrots help balance hormones. estrogen. Carrots contain unique indigestible fibers that help detoxify excess estrogen from the body.

Recipe: Honey roasted carrots with spicy citrus, sage and pepitas