CAN CERTAIN FOODS BOOST YOUR LIBIDO?
Are you worried that your sex drive is taking a dip, and you don't want to go the medical way of finding a solution for your libido? There are a ton of foods in the market that have been linked to improving sex drive. Some people boost their stamina by eating meat, oysters, seed, and nuts.
Healthy sex life is dependent on your emotional and physical well-being. Your physical well-being is boosted by the foods you eat and your health choices. People who prefer junk foods cannot physically compare to people who prefer to eat whole meals and grains. Maintaining a healthy diet is the surest way to boost your libido levels because most healthy diets are rich in lean proteins and fats.
Foods That Can Boost Libido
The human race scorches the earth looking for ways to improve their sexual experience by focusing on the type of foods they eat. Scientists and nutritionists have devised a list of foods that boost stamina for the perfect sex life.
Meats
Meat is flesh obtained from an animal that is consumed as food. Meat comes from domesticated animals such as cows, chickens, sheep, pigs' etcetera. These meats contain essential amino acids that have been proved to boost sex drive. According to Braverman et al. (2013), meats like pork, beef, and chicken contain high amounts of essential amino acids that boost libido and blood flow in the body. A steady blood flow is vital during sex for people of all genders because it is what brings about arousal. Some of the essential amino acids present in meats are;
- Zinc
- L-arginine
- Carnitine
People who have erectile dysfunction can take arginine to manage its effects better, as McKay (2004) advised. It is best to remember that excessive red meat consumption can harm your health, especially your heart, because it will predispose you to coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, among other fatal illnesses. People who are vegetarians can acquire these nutrients from whole grains and dairy products like cheese and milk.
Oysters
Oyster is an umbrella term for salt-water mollusks whose habitat is the brackish or the marine. Oysters have been on the tip of everyone's lips due to their aphrodisiac properties. Wright et al. (2018) noted that Oysters are rich in zinc, which is essential in boosting blood flow in the body; a steady blood flow is essential for sexual drive because blood needs to be pumped to the genitals. Zinc is vital for men because it checks testosterone levels in the body. Low testosterone levels in men will result in a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction issues, etc. you can substitute them with crabs or lobsters because they also have a generous amount of zinc if you are allergic to oysters.
Salmon
Salmon is famous for its generous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. The flesh of a salmon fish is pink in color, and with enough intake, you are assured of a healthy immune and a healthy level of libido. Omega 3 fatty acids boost blood flow by preventing plaque from forming in the arteries, as Goodfellow et al. (2000) stated. A healthy circulatory system will reduce the risk of certain illnesses that hamper sex drive. Fish is a good source of Iron, Vitamin D, proteins, zinc, and B12. Nutritionists advise an intake of two fish servings each week to get the required portions of each vitamin and supplement.
Seeds and Nuts
Instead of chewing candy that damages your teeth, try to switch them with nuts and seeds like almonds and cashews. Nuts are rich in zinc and L-arginine, essentials that boost blood flow in the body and directly impact libido. There are a dozen of nuts and seeds you can try. However, it is of utmost importance to find out if you are allergic to nuts before ingesting any nuts. Some examples of nuts that you can try include;
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
Beetroot
Beetroots are a cult favorite because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They are also rich in famous dietary nitrates because they boost blood flow in the body. Dietary nitrates help in vasodilation, widening blood vessels to improve blood flow. Some studies have shown that the dietary nitrates in beetroot can benefit people suffering from hypertension or blood pressure, as Coles & Clifton (2012) noted. There are other healthy alternatives to choose from if you are not a fan of beetroot;
- Radish
- Spinach
- Celery
- Cress
- Arugula
- Lettuce
Apples
Apples are a bunch of nutritious fruits that offer a wide range of health benefits due to their high concentration of antioxidants and fiber. One of the antioxidants is quercetin which boosts blood circulation in the body, can treat erectile dysfunction, and also ease the symptoms of prostatitis. Quercetin can be used to lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure impacts sexual dysfunction because impaired blood vessels will not transport blood to the genitals during sex. High blood pressure in females can cause low sex drive and fatigue. Therefore, by increasing the intake of apples, you flood your body with flavonoids which greatly boosts your sex drive. However, if you are not a fan of apples, you can substitute apples with the ones below because they too have generous amounts of flavonoids;
- Citrus
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Dark-colored grapes
- Red wine
The Bottom Line
Most people experience a surge in sex drive due to poor eating habits or psychological issues like stress and anxiety. There are several options you can opt to try if you are tired of your dipping libido levels. Improving your libido levels requires discipline; the healthier you aim to be, the better the results. Consider eating nuts and seeds to boost your sexual desires. Eat foods with zinc properties to help with blood pressure resulting in erectile dysfunction. Healthy foods are the way to go to combat premature ejaculation, boost sexual desire, or boost sexual stamina. Healthy foods boost immunity which is paramount for a healthy system.
References
Coles, L. T., & Clifton, P. M. (2012). Effect Of Beetroot Juice On Lowering Blood Pressure In Free-Living, Disease-Free Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrition Journal, 11(1), 1-6.
Goodfellow, J., Bellamy, M. F., Ramsey, M. W., Jones, C. J., & Lewis, M. J. (2000). Dietary Supplementation With Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improves Systemic Large Artery Endothelial Function In Subjects With Hypercholesterolemia. Journal Of The American College Of Cardiology, 35(2), 265-270.
Mackay, D. (2004). Nutrients And Botanicals For Erectile Dysfunction: Examining The Evidence. Alternative Medicine Review, 9(1).
Wright, A. C., Fan, Y., & Baker, G. L. (2018). Nutritional Value And Food Safety Of Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish. Journal Of Shellfish Research, 37(4), 695-708.