Boost your libido by eating right

Did you know that there are foods that can naturally increase your libido, boost your reproductive health and spark your sexual appetite?

Watermelon

This refreshing summer fruit is rich in L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow to the sexual organs. It’s like Nature’s Viagra - without the side effects. L-citrulline optimises blood flow in the body by first converting to L-arginine and then to nitric oxide, which is involved in dilation of the blood vessels. Low levels of nitric oxide are associated with mental and physical fatigue and sexual dys¬function.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate’s many benefits are well documented, including its ability to mimic the sensation of be¬ing in love. Few people will argue with the fact that chocolate makes one feel really good. This is not just because of the taste and texture, it’s also thanks to a chemical in choco¬late, called phenylethylamine (also called the “love chemical”), be¬lieved to produce the feeling of be¬ing in love. Research has also found that women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more ac¬tive sex life than those who didn’t.

Asparagus

Asparagus has been considered a successful aphrodisiac since an¬cient times. And, it seems, for good reason. This vegetable is rich in po¬tassium and folic acid, a B vitamin that helps increase the production of histamine, which is important for a healthy sex drive in both men and women.

Oysters

Oysters boost dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone that increases libi¬do in both men and women. These shellfish are especially important for men, though, as they are very rich in zinc which is essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm.

Blueberries

Blueberries are high in antioxi¬dants and have the capacity to relax the blood vessels, thereby allowing improved circulation. This, in turn, means better blood flow to the sex organ and stronger erections. Blue¬berries also rule when it comes to the boosting the dopamine levels, as they give the body a greater ability to release this feel-good hormone.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great libido booster for both men and women as they’re said to increase sexual appetite and desire. Like oysters, pumpkin seeds are very rich in zinc, which is important for testos¬terone. Even though women have much less testosterone than men, it still plays a key part in their libido. Pumpkin seeds also contain high levels of omega-3 which acts as a precursor of prostaglandins – hor¬mone-like substances important for sexual health.

Garlic

Though the thought of garlic might not immediately conjure up romance, it is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac as it contains allicin, a compound thought to improve blood circulation and improve sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the sexual organs.

Avocado

Avocados help to increase both male and female libido as they are a great source of folic acid, which assists the body in metabolising proteins and providing energy. Avos are also rich in vitamin B6, which improves male hormone produc¬tion, and potassium, which increas¬es female libido by helping to regu¬late the woman’s thyroid gland.

Peanuts

Peanuts are great libido boosters, especially for men, as they are a rich natural source of L-arginine. This amino acid helps improve sexual function in men by relaxing blood vessels. Preliminary studies have also found that L-arginine may help with erectile dysfunction because of this effect on the blood vessels.

click to enlarge