KEEN to give your libido a boost and heighten your chances of an orgasm?
Well you might want to give your diet a little rejig.
There are libido-boosting foods that should be on your shopping list, according to nutritionist Shona Wilkinson
“If you’re looking for a healthier libido and better sex drive for you or your partner, your diet can truly help,” reveals Shona Wilkinson, lead nutritionist at supplement brand, DR.VEGAN.
“Not only by improving blood flow and enhancing sensation in your genitalia, but by reducing your stress levels, enhancing your immunity, and taking care of your general wellbeing.”
She adds: “You’re much less likely to feel up for sex if you’re run-down, stressed, and generally exhausted, so take care of your body and it’ll come in useful when you need it most!”
Try adding these foods to your plate and you could feel your sex drive soar.
1. Turkey
Don’t just save this lean meat for your Christmas dinner. Instead, include it into your regular diet to help maintain a thriving sex drive.
Turkey essentially contains the amino acid, arginine.
“Arginine is proven to increase the levels of nitric oxide in your blood, which relaxes and expands your blood vessels, increasing the flow of oxygenated blood to your genitals and thus increasing both sensation and levels of arousal,” says Shona.
Other meats that contain arginine include pork and chicken.
2. Oysters
The classic libido-boosting food, oysters are packed with the mineral zinc.
“Zinc is an essential nutrient for the balance of testosterone in the body, which is an essential hormone when it comes to maintaining your sex drive, especially in men,” says Shona.
“This increased level of testosterone will lead to enhanced sexual arousal, while Zinc is also proven to help improve blood flow to the genital area, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.”
Not a fan of this slippery seafood? Opt for beef or pork instead as these both contain zinc.
3. Garlic
Whether it’s on bread, blended into sauces or thrown into delicious recipes, garlic is actually a bit of a sex drive saviour.
“While most people see ‘garlic breath’ as a turn-off, garlic is actually proven to benefit your sex life. It contains a compound called ‘allicin’, which increases blood flow around the body,” explains Shona.
She adds: “Given that blood flow to the genitalia is a key component of sex, anything that helps with this blood flow could improve your sex life.
“Garlic is also one of the best foods to support your immune system, so it’s a win-win during the winter months.”
4. Pumpkin seeds
Not only do these tiny green seeds contain high levels of arginine, but they also contain healthy fats needed for overall good health.
“Arginine is essential for the dilation of blood vessels and the proper function of erectile tissue in men and women.
“Erectile tissue is found in the male penis, the female vagina and clitoris, and the nipples of both men and women,” explains Shona.
Sesame and sunflower seeds also contain high levels of arginine. Try sprinkling these seeds on salads or porridge, or grab a handful as a quick, crunchy snack.
Shona adds that nuts and seeds also contain great levels of zinc, ‘which we know helps balance testosterone’.
Pine nuts and cashews are good zinc-filled nut options. Try sprinkling pine nuts onto pasta dishes. Cashews make a great snack or they work well in curries.
5. Ashwagandha
It might be a mouthful but this adaptogenic herb (aka, it helps our body manage stress) could help us relax.
“Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha can help to regulate and lower cortisol levels, which can help you relax and enjoy intimacy a little more. The cortisol-lowering effects of Ashwagandha may also help to lower blood pressure, meaning it can help increase blood flow to the penis and clitoris,” explains Shona.
“One of the best ways to incorporate Ashwagandha into your diet is through a regular supplement,” recommends Shona.
Try DR.VEGAN’s Ashwagandha KSM-66 supplement which can help support your mental wellbeing and relieve anxiety and stress.
6. Ginkgo Biloba tea
It might not be top of your shopping list, however Ginkgo Biloba tea, which can be found on Amazon and in health food shops, as well as in supplement form, is another substance that improves blood flow by increasing the level of nitric oxide levels within the blood itself.
Shona explains: “If you haven’t realised by now, healthy blood flow is an incredibly important factor when it comes to your sex drive, so take care of your blood and it’ll take care of you when you need it most.”
FOODS TO DITCH
These sex drive saboteurs need to be swerved…
1. Minty gum
Who knew?
“It might make your breath smell great, but too much mint can lower testosterone levels in both men and women, affecting your libido,” reveals Shona.
“Research has suggested that spearmint and peppermint in particular seem to have the biggest effect on your testosterone levels, so it might be worth avoiding minty gum every once in a while!”
2. More than one glass of wine
Although a glass of red wine might help you feel a little more relaxed, Shona says that two glasses may hamper your sexual performance.
“The strong levels of alcohol found in wine can decrease your ability to get or maintain an erection by interfering with the messengers in the brain that tell the penis to fill with blood – too much alcohol also affects your ability to orgasm.”
3. Weekend takeaway
Overly processed foods like fast foods and takeaways might need to be avoided if you’re planning on giving your libido a lift.
“These foods are totally devoid of nutrients and are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can increase cholesterol levels in the body and inhibit blood flow to the genitals.”
Shona adds that takeaways and other processed foods are also one of the most common causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), “which might put a quick stop to any sexual activity if an unexpected flare-up occurs”.
Instead of a takeaway, why not try making your own healthier (and probably cheaper!) version at home?
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