LetGÇÖs talk about sex 1260x542
31 Jul 2013

Let's talk about sex

2 mins to read
Could your sex drive do with a boost? Find out which foods should be on your 'must eat' list and which ones you should be steering clear of.


Can food get you in the mood?
Foods can develop a reputation as an aphrodisiac through their shape, smell and taste. Some are just old wives tales, and others have a little more science to back up their public profile (such as oysters, which are high in zinc).

What it comes down to though, is this: foods rich in the vitamins and minerals needed to maximise the efficiency of your reproductive system are where it's at.

By eating the right type of foods, and avoiding unhealthy choices, you can help the body function at its best. It's this secondary effect where food holds its most potent powers in boosting your libido.

Which foods lift libido?
One major factor controlling libido is the hormone testosterone, which is present in both sexes, although to a lesser extent in women and older men. It helps to explain why men and women can often have differing levels of sexual desire. Testosterone production depends on zinc and vitamins B and E as its building block, and foods that are high in these nutrients can help to boost your sex drive. Some examples include :

  • Oysters, pine nuts, brown rice, oats, caviar, pumpkin seeds – High in zinc
  • Asparagus – High in zinc, vitamins B6 and E
  • Bananas – High in vitamin B2, B6 and B9
  • Lean meat, brewers yeast – High in vitamin B6
  • Avocado – Vitamins B6, B9 and E
  • Green leafy vegetables – Vitamin B9 (folate)

Can I have another piece of chocolate cake?
No discussion on food and libido would be complete without the mention of chocolate. A recent study found that women who ate chocolate on a daily basis reported higher sexual function scores than those who did not. This could be partially explained by the fact that the daily chocolate eaters were younger (and have naturally higher libidos), however there are some known mood enhancing qualities associated with chocolate. Chocolate is thought to help the brain produce serotonin, a feel good hormone that lowers your inhibitions.

For the best nutritional effect, however, stick to dark chocolate that's 70 per cent cocoa or above. Also eat it in moderation – the extra weight a diet heavy in chocolate will bring, is not the best thing for your health, confidence or sex life.  

What foods lower your sex drive?
Processing food in order to package or preserve it will ultimately sacrifice some of the libido-boosting nutrients they contain. Processed foods also have refined ingredients added such as salt, sugar and chemically altered fats to make them crunchier or last longer. To maximise your nutritional health, avoid processed foods such as:

  • Soft drink
  • Margarine
  • White bread
  • Alcohol
  • Fast food (hamburgers, potato chips, fried chicken, pizza)
  • Biscuits 

What other factors influence your libido?
Like other aspects of health, your sex drive will be subject to variations in mood, stress, sleep quality, diet and physical activity. Smoking can also impair sexual function. In addition, your level of involvement in the moment that you consume a food can impact upon your sex drive. For example, nearly all foods can act as an aphrodisiac if they're eaten with the right lighting, in the right atmosphere, with the right partner.

 

One Day Meal Plan (to boost your libido)

Breakfast

Natural museli with skim milk, pumpkin seeds and chopped banana

 

Lunch

Grilled Turkish bread with salmon, avocado and grilled asparagus

 

Dinner

(entree) Small plate of natural oysters with a lemon wedge

Stir fired lean beef with green leafy vegetables and toasted pine nuts on brown rice

 

Snacks

Small handful of pine nuts

Small banana

References available upon request  



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