Foods That Can Actually Increase Your Libido – Introduction
Sexual drive (or libido) is crucial to wellbeing and happiness. This can have many reasons, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and relationship problems, but diet and nutrition play a very vital role. This is perhaps because they sometimes serve as aphrodisiacs, stimulating sexual desire and erotic displays. Let’s explore some of these foods and how they contribute to increasing your libido.
Foods That Can Actually Increase Your Libido
1. Oysters:
Oysters are an aphrodisiac for a variety of reasons. Oysters are a mollusc that contains a very high concentration of zinc, a highly critical mineral that plays a part in testosterone production and healthy sperm (Campbell, 2018). Natural aphrodisiac zinc is also involved in the manufacture of sexual hormones, its absence leading to a lack of sexual attraction and even infertility. Taking more zinc would enable individuals to become more sexually capable and productive.
Added to that, oysters contain a rich supply of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with sexual attraction and pleasure. Dopamine belongs to the reward circuit of the brain, and is released after sensual events such as sex. Oyster eating then intensifies sexual desire and pleasure through increased dopamine release.
2. Dark Chocolate:
The pleasant taste of dark chocolate comes with a number of active chemicals that have the power to raise libidos. Dark chocolate is rich in phenylethylamine – a naturally occurring compound that can mimic endorphins and dopamine. These natural body chemicals – endorphins, the painkillers – and dopamine regulate associations with pleasure and sexual arousal. Therefore, dark chocolate increases mood and alleviates anxiety, which leads to greater sexual desire or desire.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that boosts blood flow and stretches blood vessels. A boost in blood flow is extremely desirable in cases of arousal and sexual attraction because it ensures increased sensuality in the genitals. This is how ingesting dark chocolate enhances circulation and arousal, which makes sexual encounters more enjoyable.
3. Avocados:
It’s the avocado, another of those superfoods that can do a great deal to awaken the libido. Avocados contain healthy fats, and the fats in avocados are the ones that make hormones. Testosterone is the hormone that fuels sex drive in both men and women. In this way, you can use avocado for enhancing sexual performance by increasing testosterone levels.
Additionally, avocados are extremely high in vitamin E – one of the best antioxidants – which increases blood circulation and improves endurance. Vitamin E also promotes the quality and mobility of sperms, making avocado good for male sexuality. According to Gvozdjáková et al. (2005), the creamy feel and sexy taste of avocados can ‘on’ some individuals, turning them into more sexually driven.
4. Watermelon
Not only is watermelon a refreshing and moisturizing fruit, but it has an amino acid known as citrulline. It’s an amino acid that narrows the blood vessels, increasing circulation just like Viagra does. These behaviors could culminate in increased sexual activity and desire. Watermelon also contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that increases sperm quality and testosterone levels.
5. Maca
The root vegetable maca has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that regulate hormones and stimulate libido. Maca is also considered adaptogenic, which means it’s capable of countering stress and maintaining a healthy energy level, which could be beneficial for libido.
6. Fatty Fish
Oily fish, including salmon, tuna, and mackerel, provide excellent Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support hormone production and even help regulate the female cycle. Omega-3s also increase blood flow and dopamine, leading to heightened sexual desire.
7. Pomegranate
As well as being delicious and wholesome, pomegranates also increase the libido. They contain antioxidants that boost blood circulation and can prevent oxidative stress, which damages sperm and decreases fertility. Additionally, pomegranates are rich in compounds that will raise testosterone, which in turn will increase your sexual attraction and performance.
8. Chili Peppers
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, is capable of increasing circulation, triggering nerve endings and ending up in the form of endorphins – all of which lead to higher heart rates and heightened arousal. The heat of chili peppers, too, releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and pain.
9. Garlic
Possibly the least romantic of foods, garlic has allicin, a chemical that is thought to stimulate blood circulation and promote the production of testosterone and other sex hormones. It is recommended that you eat garlic raw or crushed immediately before chewing to get the most allicin in it.
10. Ginseng
Studies have shown that ginseng (and especially red ginseng) can enhance sexual excitement and fulfillment in both men and women. Ginseng balances the hormones, enhances blood circulation, and soothes the mind, all of which are vital to an active sexual life.
11. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It contains steroidal saponins that can increase sex hormone production and stimulate sexual attraction and desire in men and women.
Beyond these foods, a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can also improve libido. These foods contain essential nutrients and antioxidants that are vital for health and hormone control. Conversely, diets loaded with junk food, sugar and unnatural fats influence hormone levels and lower libido.
Conclusion: Foods That Can Actually Increase Your Libido
In sum, our diet has a profound impact on our desire. Omelets, dark chocolate, avocado, watermelon, maca, fatfish and pomegranate are all foods whose aphrodisiac properties raise sexual appetite and performance. Proper diet, exercise and reducing stress are some of the most common ways to enhance libido and gain sexual health. Thus, prior to organizing a romantic dinner, use libido-enhancing foods to make it more pleasurable and satisfying.
