#Question: What are the best foods for sex?

Talk Nerdy To Me’s @StaffWriter:

If you want to boost your sex drive, nutrition is one of the best ways to get there. There is a direct link between what we eat and how we feel, especially when it comes to libido. A healthy diet full of the right nutrients can help spike your desire for sex and improve your overall satisfaction with sex and life in general.

If you want to rev up your libido, try these best foods for sex.

Avocados

One of the most effective foods for boosting sex drive, avocados contain a variety of healthy oils that can help improve blood flow throughout the body. Their high levels of vitamin E and unsaturated fats also boost both male and female sex drive.

Bananas

Bananas provide an instant energy burst thanks to their high carbohydrate content. They also contain magnesium, a substance known to promote relaxation and improve sexual health in males. Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral essential for increasing sensitivity in women, as well as strengthening heart muscles and bones.

Asparagus

Asparagus contains amino acids that have been shown to increase happiness while reducing stress, two factors that have a negative impact on sex drive. It is also rich in folic acid, which can help women better produce the hormones needed to become aroused.

Almonds

Almonds are high in protein and vitamin E, two important nutrients for increasing stamina, improving muscle tone, and boosting overall health. This is especially important for men who often struggle with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

Oysters

Oily fish like oysters contain omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to increase brain activity in areas associated with arousal. They may also improve vaginal lubrication by stimulating blood circulation around the area. 

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate itself is a pretty good aphrodisiac. When it comes to dark chocolate, or cocoa, the darker, the better. Flavanols are key ingredients in chocolate that have all kinds of benefits for our health and libido. These flavanols can help promote blood flow down there leading to higher arousal, stronger orgasms, and more intense feelings during sex overall.

The smell of chocolate has been shown to increase libido faster than almost any other smell. Dark chocolate in particular is high in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to help with blood flow.

Spicy Foods

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a chemical compound that has been shown to increase heart rate and boost alertness. Eating spicy foods releases endorphins which can raise energy levels and make you feel sexier. Other foods that are hot, spicy, and full of flavor include ginger, horseradish, wasabi, and black pepper.  

Pineapple

This delicious fruit contains a chemical called bromelain which has been shown to improve circulation and boost libido by reducing inflammation throughout the body. Pineapple is also a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber – all nutrients that have been linked to sex drive in research studies.

Garlic

Use garlic to season your dishes or eat it raw. Garlic is rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins A, C, E, and B6. These nutrients are great for your heart, immune system, skin, hair follicles, fingernails, liver function, muscles…and libido.

Spice it up! The capsaicin in chili peppers stimulates blood flow to the genitals. You can eat them raw or cooked into your meals or snacks. Red pepper flakes on chicken or seafood are a tasty way to enjoy this libido-boosting food.

Figs

Figs are very high in riboflavin, which can boost your confidence and regulate the mood hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The vitamin B6 found in these little fruits is also associated with increased sexual desire.

Whole Eggs

Eggs contain high amounts of arginine and folic acid, two nutrients we need for a healthy sex drive. You can get these nutrients in an omelet with veggies or scramble them into your eggs.

Whole grains like barley and oats are rich in zinc, another nutrient that helps with sexual function. Have some pancakes made with whole-grain batter before you head off to work; they also make a great pre-bedtime snack since their carbohydrates help release serotonin which is the chemical that makes us feel good.

Lentils, Beans, and Peas

You might not think of these as libido-enhancing foods, but their high amounts of iron mean more blood flow to your intimate areas while potassium keeps you relaxed so you can perform at your best in the bedroom.

Salmon

The omega 3 fatty acids in salmon are known to increase dopamine levels, which increases your overall satisfaction and desire for intimacy.

Eat wild-caught Alaskan or sockeye salmon at least twice a week. If you don't like the taste of fish, you can eat one to three fish oil supplements with DHA per day.

Oranges

Oranges have been shown to benefit libido because they contain high levels of vitamin C as well as bioflavonoids—which stimulate blood flow.

Substitute oranges for other fruits during snack time throughout the day.

Beets

Beets contain boron, which increases blood flow to the pelvic region. Studies show that women who eat beets regularly have a higher sex drive than those who don't. Raw or roasted beets are a great option.

Honey

Consuming small amounts of honey has been shown to elevate libido by increasing blood flow to your genitals. You can even spread it right onto some toast for breakfast…or make a hot toddy with it to keep yourself extra healthy.

Pumpkin Seeds

These little seeds are packed with zinc, which has been found to help boost male libido. Snack on pumpkin seeds or add them to trail mix and salad. You can also blend them into a yogurt or oatmeal smoothie for an extra shot of nutrients and flavor.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system to fight off bacterial infections that can affect your libido. Packed with fiber and antioxidants, strawberries help reduce the risk of heart disease while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Watermelon

Boosting sexual stamina may be as simple as reaching for a slice of watermelon. This juicy fruit is packed with the amino acid citrulline, which helps increase blood flow to all areas of your body. The more blood flow you have, the easier it will be to achieve an erection…and orgasm.