FROM oysters, to chocolate, strawberries and figs, we’ve all heard of aphrodisiac foods that supposedly get you in the mood.
But according to a GP, these aren’t the treats to try if you’re looking to give your sex life a boost.
Getty – ContributorDr Michael Mosley said your typical aphrodisiacs won’t do much to help if you’re in a sexual slump[/caption]
Dr Michael Mosley’s suggestions don’t quite fit the common conception of aphrodisiacs.
In a recent blog, the GP and TV presenter said: “Throughout history, certain foods and drinks have had a reputation for improving sexual arousal or experience.”
But while foods such as oysters, asparagus or chocolate are commonly believed to be aphrodisiacs, “their effects on sexual experience are often not backed by science or credible studies,” Dr Mosley said.
The diet guru set out a list of six foods he claimed would instead do the trick, many of which are essential components of the Mediterranean diet.
This might not sound as sexy as chocolate and strawberries.
But Dr Mosley argued that the nutritious Mediterranean diet – comprised of olive oil, veggies, pulses and grains – may well feed your love life as well as your body.
The diet has been “well researched”, he said, and “has been shown to improve sexual function in both men and women”.
The GP referred to research showing that women who consistently ate a Mediterranean-style diet experienced higher levels of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction.
Another study, he said, found that men who ate more fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and olive oil over a two year period reported an improvement in erectile function.
The popular diet has also been shown to to improve, and counteract, the effect of stress on the body – a plus when stress can be a major libido dampener.
From boosting blood flow to ‘all the important areas’ of your body, to lessening muscular fatigue and mirroring feel-good hormones, here’s Dr Mosley’s six foods to get you in the mood.
1. Chickpeas and seeds
The can of chickpeas lying forgotten in the back of your food cupboard is probably not the first thing you’d reach for pre-romp.
But Dr Mosley said the phytoestrogens found in foods like flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and chickpeas, act in a similar way to oestrogen, which is an important female sex hormone.
These foods can be especially handy for women going through the menopause, he claimed, a time when their oestrogen levels and sexual appetite tend to dip.
2. Fatty fish
There’s nothing like fish to get you feeling frisky, am I right?
The idea of eating salmon might not get you going, but the diet guru said the oily fish – as well as anchovies, tuna and mussels – could help boost testosterone, a crucial hormone for sex drive and performance in men.
This is due to them being rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can also prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
According to Dr Mosley, “this promotes blood flow to those all important areas of the body during sex”.
3. Pistachio nuts
As pistachio nuts are rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats, they help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, which can lead to side effects such as sexual dissatisfaction, according to Dr Mosley.
The GP claimed they can also help reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction, referring to a study showing that men crunching on 100 grams of pistachios daily for three weeks had firmer erections.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard are gushing with magnesium, which can boost testosterone levels, the GP said.
5. Beetroot
Turns out, beetroot might be just the thing for those of you inclined towards energetic romps.
According to Dr Mosley, this jewel-toned root veg is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while its high nitrate content could do wonders for your sex life.
“Nitrates expand blood vessels and improve blood flow,” he explained, with some research showing that even small doses of beet juice “may improve performance at intermittent, high-intensity efforts” and lessen “muscular fatigue”.
6. Kimchi
Funky, fermented foods such as kimchi might not scream ‘sex’.
But they could be the key to toning down that performance anxiety.
They’re packed with probiotics, vitamins and minerals, shown to help to reduce stress and anxiety due to their impact on your gut microbiome, Dr Mosley said.
“Less stress and anxiety equals a more fulfilled sex life,” the GP added.