People are always looking for natural ways to improve sexual performance, and one of the best methods is through diet.
The foods we eat are vital in boosting sexual health and performance. Here are ten nutrient-rich foods to boost sex drive, increase libido, and support overall wellness.
1. Avocado
Avocado is a well-known aphrodisiac (food or drug that improves sexual desire and performance) that helps raise your energy levels and boosts your libido.
Avocado contains minerals, monounsaturated fats, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 boosts your sex drive by regulating the production of estrogen, testosterone, serotonin, and dopamine.
Avocados are also an excellent source of vitamin E, dubbed the sex vitamin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that dilates blood vessels, benefits erectile dysfunction and thus improves your sex drive.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a staple ingredient in every kitchen that has long been used for its powerful benefits, including improved sex life.
It is known to improve blood flow, which can help improve your sexual function.
Evidence suggests that aged garlic extract enhances nitric oxide production, dilating the blood vessels and thus helping erectile dysfunction.
Garlic helps boost sperm production and testosterone levels, ultimately enhancing male fertility and sexual performance.
3. Oysters
Oysters are natural aphrodisiacs rich in zinc, vitamin E, B12, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and a newer antioxidant called 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (DHMBA).
Studies have shown that zinc increases testosterone production, thus helping treat infertility in males.
Zinc also maintains dopamine levels, a chemical that contributes to male desire for sexual activity, erection and ejection.
A study says that omega-3 fatty acids increase nitric oxide production and, therefore, aid in treating erectile dysfunction.
Like oysters, crabs and lobsters are also high in zinc, which can help boost your sex drive.
4. Red meat
Red meat, such as beef, lamb, mutton and pork, is an excellent protein source rich in essential amino acids.
Some amino acids, such as L-arginine and L-tyrosine, play a significant role in boosting your sex drive.
Arginine helps produce nitric oxide, which can dilate blood vessels. In addition, arginine supplements help improve erectile dysfunction.
L-tyrosine also helps boost libido by increasing dopamine levels in the body.
5. Fatty fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fats prevent plaque formation in the arteries, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and leading to better heart health.
Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron source. Vitamin B12 and iron help manufacture red blood cells, enlarge blood vessels and enhance erection.
Research also shows that vitamin D supplements improve sexual functioning and mood in women experiencing vitamin D deficiency.
6. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, making them one of the top foods for naturally boosting sex drive. Walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds provide excellent sources of zinc, L-arginine, and omega-3 fatty acids.
These compounds enhance blood circulation, support erections, and help improve overall sexual performance.
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7. Red Wine
What about a glass of red wine before bed? Red wine has several benefits, one of which is turning you on.
It is considered the only type of alcohol that can improve your sexual performance.
Red wine helps increase testosterone levels in the body, eventually boosting sexual desire.
Evidence suggests that a regular moderate intake of red wine is associated with higher female sexual function.
8. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate has been reported to exert several effects on human sexual health.
It is a potent aphrodisiac rich in antioxidants and caffeine. These ingredients increase blood circulation and boost sex drive.
Dark chocolates are also an excellent source of serotonin and act as a stimulant to reinvigorate your sexual health.
Eating chocolates has either a biological or psychological positive impact on women’s sexual health.
9. Ginseng
The king of all herbs, ginseng is well-known for its benefits in improving your sexual health.
Like other healthy foods, ginseng also helps increase nitric oxide concentration, ultimately widening the blood vessels and increasing the blood flow.
This makes ginseng an excellent supplement to treat erectile dysfunction. Evidence also supports that ginseng is a healthy food that enhances sexual behaviour in males.
10. Maca
Maca is a well-known aphrodisiac that has been used to enhance sex drive and fertility for centuries.
It is believed that maca increases sperm concentration and thus enhances male fertility. Maca also helps improve libido and sexual performance in men.
Maca can also help reduce the blood pressure levels and symptoms of depression in postmenopausal women.
The Bottom Line
One of the effective ways to boost your sex drive and spice up your sex life is eating healthy foods.
Some effective aphrodisiacs are avocado, garlic, oysters, red meat, fatty fish, nuts, red wine, dark chocolate, ginseng, and maca.
To boost your sexual performance, it is essential to consume a healthy diet with these foods and do regular physical exercise.