user Life is busy. Between balancing our relationships, careers, kids, appointments, household…etc., while we check most of the boxes on our to-do list as we go to bed, it’s not unusual to feel tired and exhausted. As a result, our sex drive gets affected. And even though we want to feel excited, it becomes hard to get into the mood. Thankfully, food can help. There are certain foods that can help with our libido and we have listed the best of them in this blog. Keep scrolling.
Dark Chocolate:
Chocolate has long been considered a symbol of sexual desire. And the length of the time we are talking about is centuries. It’s said that Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 cups of hot chocolate before heading to his harem. But you don’t need as much; an ounce of 70% or higher dark chocolate should do it. Chocolate works by releasing feel-good hormones (dopamine and serotonin), making us happy and building our desire for our partner.
A research study also concluded positive relation between chocolate and women’s FSFI (female sexual functional index) scores. The benefits are only for dark chocolate and not a restaurant or processed baked goods. They are full of ingredients like trans-fats and dairy which are libido killers. So, stick to just an ounce (around 5-6 blocks) of dark chocolate for a memorable finale.
Watermelon:
While everyone wants to snack on the delish, juicy watermelon, here’s another reason to do so at the end of the night. A 2008 study done by Texas A&M researchers concluded watermelon rivals Viagra in its ability to increase libido. All thanks to its unique combination of phytonutrients, lycopene, citrulline, and nitric oxide that work together to increase the blood flow to certain, ahem, parts of your body.
That’s not all. Lycopene present in watermelon also ameliorates erectile dysfunction and is a great mood enhancer, according to a 2012 study. The fruit has more lycopene than tomatoes. Surprise! So, if you want to go long enough so your partner can reach the big-O, grab a plate of watermelon first.
Saffron:
Saffron has been touted as a libido booster since the days of Cleopatra. And the same has been proven by Science. According to an article published in the Natural Medicine Journal, after 4 weeks of regular consumption of saffron, women in the controlled group experienced positive enhancements on their sexuality, mainly in arousal, lubrication, and pain domains. A 2019 study backed these claims on both men and women.
A 2008 animal study showed an increase in sexual urges in males as a result of saffron, and its active bio compound, crocin. Another landmark study on males found saffron’s active role in improving erectile dysfunction in otherwise healthy individuals. In a few cases, results were apparent in just 10 days. Though on the pricey side, saffron’s positive effects are backed by many studies to ignore its importance in your sexual life. To try, leave 3-4 strands in hot water, then add it to your smoothies or soups.
Green Tea:
The secret to a hot love-making session begins with a hot cup of green tea. Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins that are known to increase blood flow in your body, including the nether regions. The effect happens fast. You can experience a boost in your libido within half an hour of consuming green tea. Apart from catechins, green tea also delivers a hefty dose of flavonoids. As reported by Harvard Medical School, flavonoids kill free radicals in blood vessels and increase their ability to transport blood.
But that’s not all. One study also demonstrates green tea’s role in increasing sperm concentration and a general improvement in overall reproductive health. Other benefits of green tea include cutting down belly fat and upping the liver’s ability to convert fat into energy. Chugging a big cup of green tea is like a health-booster, mood-booster, fat-cutter – all in one.
Red Wine:
If you’re looking for a way to relax after a busy day while simultaneously boosting your libido, there’s nothing that works better than a glass of red wine. According to a research study published in Nutrition Journal, red wine elevates levels of testosterone circulating in the body by preventing its excretion and thus, improving sexual desire. Researchers emphasized moderation though, as too much red wine, or alcohol, only interferes with a healthy sexual response.
Another study concluded a glass or two of red wine heightened sexual desire in ladies than those who maintained a teetotaller status. The moderate intake of beverages also increased lubrication and led to better sex life in women. Again, the key is moderation, otherwise, you are just negating and possibly, reversing the good effects.
Strawberries:
All Valentine-day marketing ads are filled with chocolate-covered strawberries for a reason. These humble-looking, juicy fruits are rich in Vitamin C and zinc. Higher levels of Vitamin C can increase libido in both men and women. This healthy vitamin also plays a key role in decreasing both breast and prostate cancer.
Zinc, on the other hand, is a nutrient most associated with sex. There are two reasons for the same. First, it increases blood flow to the sex organs. Second, it regulates testosterone production, a decrease of this hormone is often associated with low sex drive in men. So go ahead and make these heart-shaped berries a part of your night-time routine to experience a seductive boost.
