If your sex drive is a bit lackluster lately; no worries,, sometimes it can be extremely difficult to get in the mood. Luckily, there are some proven methods that are effective when it comes to boosting your libido Here are 10 common foods that will ignite your flame, no matter how old you are! And a bonus, they also happen to contain many other properties to optimize your overall health.
1. Olives
The Ancient Greeks ate olives to help aid in their power of seduction. Men experienced a particular boost in sex drive when eating green olives while black olives seemed to do the trick for women.
2. Watermelon
A slice of watermelon has long been a Fourth of July staple. But according to recent studies, the delicious fruit may be better suited for Valentine’s Day. Doctors and scientists say that watermelon contains ingredients, including citruline that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels, which can boost the libido. If you’re looking to get in the mood, cut up a bowl of fresh watermelon (or make a watermelon smoothie) and you’ll be ready to go in no time.
3. Chocolate
Consider having some chocolate covered strawberries for dessert instead of that angel food cake to boost your sex drive. Chocolate has more antioxidants than red wine and contains a stimulating chemical known as phenylethlamine. This essential chemical stimulates a sense of excitement and well being. Additionally, chocolate contains methylxanthines that increase your body’s sensitivity, ensuring that your skin registers even the slightest touch. Two sure fire ingredients to get things heated up in the bedroom.
4. Avocados
The Aztec’s knew about this libido boosting fruit ages ago, calling it “ahuacatl” or testicle. The Spanish priests forbade them to their parishioners, as they were deemed too sexy. Now, avocados are incredibly popular in Europe where many people have experienced their sexual powers. Why? They are loaded with libido enhancing potassium and rich in folic acid that provides energy and stamina – both of which are important once your libido is restored.
5. Chilies
It probably comes as no surprise that these hot chili peppers can make your sex life hotter as well. Capsaicin is the ingredient in a chili pepper that makes it hot. Capsaicin promotes the release of chemicals that have been proven to increase your heart rate and trigger the release of endorphins, which give you a natural high.
6. Nuts
Add a handful of nuts to your morning breakfast, a salad or a dessert will go a long way in boosting your libido. Nuts – particularly walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts – are a great source of L-argine. L-argine gets converted into nitric oxide, which has long since been known as a sex booster.
7. Oysters
In 2005, American and Italian scientists found there was a connection between oysters and a person’s sex drive, presenting their findings to the American Chemical Society. They discovered that oysters — along with mussels and clams– aid the release of sexual hormones. The increase of sexual hormones, they concluded, aids in upping a person’s sex drive.
Oysters are also rich in zinc, an important mineral responsible for aiding a certain male counterpart. Increased zinc intake regulates many sexual parts of a man, including their prostate, their prostatic fluid, and the abundance of sperm.
8. Honey
There’s a reason men and women in medieval times used honey instead of champagne to toast at weddings – because it’s proven to boost sexual desire. The honey base is full of boron – a mineral proven to increase testosterone while metabolizing estrogen. Add a spoonful of honey to your afternoon tea and get ready for a night of fun.
9. Arugula
Arugula, a staple in any salad and now a popular ingredient in pasta dishes, may satisfy your stomach, but it’ also sure to fan the flames of your amorous appetite.
Employed as a natural libido booster by Greek philosophers since the 1st century AD, this leafy green vegetable has been tied to boosting sex drive because of its high level of antioxidants and minerals (like calcium, folic acid and magnesium). These minerals and antioxidants inhibit the introduction of potentially libido-reducing contaminants into your system — making them essential for the health of your reproductive organs.
10. Eggs
Although not the most sensual of foods, all bird and fish eggs are high in vitamins B6 and B5. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy sex drive. Eggs are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth