Many of us celebrate Valentine’s Day by planning a special trip or treating our significant other with gifts – but sometimes the simplicity of a romantic meal and night in means the most.
You might not put too much thought into how what you’re eating can impact your sex drive – but our diets can significantly influence how we feel – whether that’s energetic, lethargic, or, improving our libido.
When we eat a satisfying meal, it releases pleasure hormones in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and the ‘love’ hormone also known as oxytocin. Of course, adding physical touch into the mix is an extra boost.
YorkTest nutritionist, Sal Hanvey, introduces you to the super sexy foods that are good for your libido… and what could cause your sex drive to drop.
Spark movement
Making the time for exercise isn’t just important to meet your daily steps target, but moving regularly increases your circulation which leads to a better sexual response.
Your blood vessels dilate when exercising, which improves circulation. Adding foods that are high in vitamins C and E such as pomegranate juice, tomatoes and fatty fish like mackerel will help to get your body into optimal condition.
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in nitrates which help to dilate blood vessels and are well known to improve blood pressure and blood flow. Adding these to your morning eggs will set you and your partner off to a good start.
Fill up on whole grains, seafood and avocados
Are you wondering if there is an ultimate food group that has all the libido foods in one? Well, you’re in luck because there are multiple.
Consuming foods from the whole grains family such as brown rice, oats, buckwheat and more can help to boost your nutrient levels. They are fibre rich and packed with vitamin B, iron and zinc which helps to maintain a steady blood sugar instead of sharp spikes which can lead to high blood pressure.
Implementing unsaturated fats into the diet is essential, too. Nuts, avocados, olive oil and a range of seafood that are high in omega 3 are known to lower cholesterol, maintain brain health and support the organs of the reproductive system.
Swap the takeaway for a home-cooked seafood paella with brown rice drizzled in olive oil, or perhaps make a side salsa with avocado and tomatoes – both will help kick your libido into gear.
Boost your testosterone levels
For men, foods that are high in zinc not only increase testosterone levels but can also enhance your sex drive.
Zinc is an important part of the male reproductive and endocrine system, which is the messenger that regulates hormones. As this is considered a hormone balancer, the mineral plays an important role in testosterone production, the function of the prostate and gland health – all super important for your sexual health.
It’s easy to incorporate foods that are high in zinc like oysters, a well-known aphrodisiac, crabs and lobsters. For those following a plant-based diet, flavonoid-rich foods benefit the body by adding foods like apples, grapes, berries and even a glass of red wine have anti-inflammatory effects protecting your cells from oxidative stress that can lead to disease.
A daily dose of vitamin C
Women may find adding more vitamin C foods into the diet can increase better moods and reduce stress as it helps the adrenal system. Being constantly stressed can impact the adrenal glands resulting in tiredness, feeling drained and not leaving room for a higher sex drive.
Consider strawberries covered in chocolate for vitamin C with a romantic twist. For those side dishes, grab some broccoli and brussels sprouts which have antioxidants that will leave your skin glowing and improve your immune system.
What can decrease your libido?
When you think of Valentine’s Day, chocolates, cakes and alcoholic beverages come to mind but these treats will have the opposite effect on your libido.
Fried foods, fizzy drinks and sugary baked goods contain saturated trans fats that can alter human cells and coagulate the cells. If this happens vital food glucose can’t be absorbed resulting in a rise in blood sugar, limiting the oxygen to sexual organs and depleting your sex drive.
Even though we all enjoy a cocktail here and there, if alcohol is consumed in excess it can negatively impact the hormones and result in erectile dysfunction in men and reduce the chances of women meeting the Big O.
A lot of foods that can decrease your libido are very common triggers for food intolerances. If you want to feel your best before your romantic day, taking a food intolerance test might give you the upper hand.
