Looking for a healthy boost in the bedroom? You and your partner can both benefit from the effects of an increased libido. To make that happen, try thinking about what’s on the menu for date night, or maybe prepare a libido-enhancing snack as you and your significant other are settling in for the evening. If you choose the right foods, you’ll be well on your way to a long night of passion. Both men and women can see results from eating these yummy foods, so if you’re looking to spice things up, start stocking your cupboards. Here are some foods you likely already love that can also help boost sexual performance and desire.
1. Chocolate
Who doesn’t want another good reason to eat chocolate? A 2004 study found women who regularly ate chocolate wanted and enjoyed sex more than women who ate little to no chocolate. This could be because chocolate lowers stress levels by increasing serotonin and dopamine. Some say the reason is cocoa increases blood flow and relaxes the blood vessels. Chocolate also contains theobromine, an alkaloid similar to caffeine, and phenylethylamine, a chemical believed to create a feeling of “being in love.” Try sharing a bar of chocolate or some hot cocoa with your partner to keep both of you in the mood.
2. Avocado
The Aztec word for avocado is “ahuacate,” which means “testicle.” It was named for its shape as well as its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, vitamin B6, and folic acid, all of which help increase energy. The vitamin B6 in avocados can increase male hormone production and the potassium content helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland, making the avocado a great libido-booster for both men and women. Whip up some creamy guacamole or simply share a few slices of salted avocado for a sexy pre-bedroom treat.
3. Watermelon
For a sweet and juicy libido booster, grab a fresh slice of lycopene-rich watermelon. In 2008, researchers at the Texas A&M Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center found that watermelon’s ingredients have a Viagra-like effect on the body’s blood vessels and could even aid in increasing libido. Watermelon contains a phytonutrient called citrulline, which is converted into arginine, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide levels in the body, relaxing the blood vessels in the same way an erectile dysfunction medication does. Drench your watermelon slices in lime juice before digging in, or consider preparing a savory watermelon recipe for dinner.
4. Almonds
Just the scent of almonds is thought to be an aphrodisiac for women, according to some folklore. Almonds are rich in zinc, an essential for testosterone production and a healthy sex drive for either gender. The essential fatty acids in almonds are vital for a man’s hormone production. The nuts also contain L-arginine, a substance that is found in some medicated creams and gels that are applied to the genitals to increase arousal. It’s not clear how many almonds you would need to consume to get the same effect, but it can’t hurt to keep the nutritious nuts as part of your regular diet.
5. Black Raspberries
Sweet black raspberries or their seeds alone can help both men and women stay in the mood for an extended period of time. “This phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance,” the authors of 7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality told Fitness Magazine. They recommend eating 10 berries or a tablespoon of their seeds a couple of hours before getting intimate. If you’re lucky enough to have some wild black raspberries growing in your backyard, go for an evening walk outside with your special someone, and do a little berry picking while you’re at it.
Source: Cheatsheet.com