Contrary to the belief that men are consistently horny, it’s common for libido to fluctuate depending on hormone levels, physical health, mental health, lifestyle changes and the status of your relationships. While it’s completely normal to experience bouts of high libido, it’s equally normal to experience bouts of low libido. If those low bouts are more frequent than you think is normal, there are libido increasing foods that can help to boost your sex drive.
If you’re looking for ways to improve libido, try adding these foods into your weekly meal plan.
Maca Root
Thriving in the harsh conditions of the Andes in Peru, you can thank the Incans for discovering the libido-enhancing properties of maca root. A rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients, maca root delivers benefits of increased libido, endurance, and an elevated mood. This study found that men who ingested 1.5-3 grams of maca per day experienced an increase in sexual desire compared to those who received a placebo.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate delivers a bounty of libido-boosting properties by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Although dark chocolate isn’t yet scientifically backed as an official libido enhancing food, the benefits of improved blood flow and relaxed blood vessels totally support sexual arousal.
Nuts
If you’re looking at how to improve libido with food, nuts are a great place to start. Researchers have discovered eating 60 grams of nuts daily can boost sexual desire and improve orgasm quality. Nuts are also loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that are effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Not just any nuts though. If you’re looking to perk up your sex life, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are the best foods for libido.
Pumpkin Seeds
With its incredibly rich zinc content, the humble pumpkin seed is punching way above its weight. To the extent that we believe they should be called pumping seeds, but we’ll leave that marketing mishap for another day. The reason pumpkin seeds are so great at boosting sex drive all comes down to their zinc content. Zinc is a must-have mineral that’s great for boosting testosterone levels, so keep a packet of pumpkin seeds in your bag/car/locker and you’ll be buzzing whenever the moment strikes.
Fatty Fish
Sardines, salmon and tuna are three fatty fish bursting with omega-3 fatty acids. And, what role does omega-3 play in relation to your sex life? It increases dopamine in the brain, improves blood flow, and promotes heart health. That’s a dietary three-way your libido can thank us for later.
Watermelon
The true MVP in any libido boosting scenario, watermelon is a natural source of the amino acid, citrulline. When citrulline is ingested, it converts to arginine which causes a relaxation of blood vessels just like Viagra.
Pomegranates
A long-time symbol of fertility, daily consumption of pomegranate juice has proven to significantly increase testosterone levels in men. That aside, the high level of antioxidants in pomegranates help to enhance blood flow and improve libido. Is it time you switched out your morning OJ for a pomegranate juice?
And, what about oysters? Do oysters boost sex drive?
Oysters fall into the aphrodisiac category, in that they’re a food known for causing feelings of sexual arousal. Oysters haven’t scientifically been proven to increase libido; however, they do have a high zinc content. Zinc plays a vital role in male fertility as it helps to regulate testosterone and increase blood flow. At the end of the day, if shooting dozens of oysters gets you in the mood for sex, who are we to stop you?