FOOD FOR DESIRE
A well-balanced diet is essential for a strong sex drive
If you’re not in the mood for bedroom action, an aphrodisiac might be a good idea. Aphrodisiacs are said to work in a multitude of ways, by stimulating one or more of the five senses: taste, sight, touch, smell and sound. This makes perfect sense — as the enduring appeal of mood-boosters such as wine, strawberries, candlelight, fragrance, music, chocolate, silk and even the scent of basil attests.
So, what quick fixes really can fire up desire on demand? And are there long-term lifestyle changes and diets that can boost libido over a lifetime? We enlisted leading nutritionists and dieticians to find out.
Nutritionist Kim Pearson says aphrodisiacs increase sex drive in different ways. “Some increase blood flow to sex organs, others encourage our bodies to produce higher levels of hormones associated with sex drive.”
Is watermelon an aphrodisiac?
London nutritionist Lily Soutter says there is ultimately little empirical evidence linking edible aphrodisiacs to libido, and more scientific research is needed before making conclusions.
But your favourite foods could still play a role. “It’s important to choose foods which genuinely make you feel good,” she says. “Whether that’s strawberries dipped in chocolate or a glass of red wine, foods that put a smile on our face tend be the sexiest.”
Nutritional therapist Clarissa Lenherr explains: “Certain foods and the act of eating can suggest sex or trigger sexual desire. The libido is governed primarily by the feel-good hormone dopamine, as well as other neurotransmitters and sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. A low-nutrient diet can affect these.”
Almonds contain high levels of magnesium — a key mineral for female hormone balance
A well-balanced diet should ensure you are getting the correct nutrients and macronutrients to fuel your libido. For example, fats affect nerve transmission and omega-3 fatty acids encourage the production of more sex hormones.”
For Libby Limon, nutritional therapist and yoga instructor, diet has a huge impact on libido: “Eating a healthy diet full of nutrient-dense food such as fruit and veg and lean healthy proteins like fish will help.” Limon also recommends avoiding sugar, refined carbs and unhealthy fat.
Here’s more on what nutritionists really think:
Oysters
“Oysters are a well-known aphrodisiac, and rightly so,” says Pearson. “Oysters contain zinc, vital in the production of testosterone. There is a link between erectile dysfunction and zinc deficiency.”
Watermelon
Pearson says this fruit contains the phytonutrient citrulline, which leads to an increase in the nitric oxide in your body. This causes blood vessels to relax and speeds up circulation.
Chocolate
“Phenylethylamine, found in chocolate, promotes feelings of wellbeing and excitement,” says Pearson. “It also contains methylxanthines, which stimulate the transmission and conduction of nerve impulses.”
Almonds
“Almonds (without skin) are great for women because they have high levels of magnesium, a key mineral for female hormone balance,” says Limon.
Figs
Figs are rich in magnesium, needed for the production of sex hormones androgen and estrogen that contribute to your libido, says Lenherr.
Wine
One or two glasses of red wine increase sexual desire in women.
Panax ginseng
This traditional Korean herbal remedy used to treat different health issues, including erectile dysfunction.
Chilli
Hot chillies increase circulation, boost blood flow and energy levels and stimulate nerve endings, says Pearson.
Ginger
“Over the centuries, people have taken ginger to help gain the affections of a loved one,” says Pearson. “Even the Kama Sutra promotes this practice.”
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is linked to fertility and sex drive.
Maca root
“Sworn by the Peruvians to be the most powerful aphrodisiac, maca root is believed to boost sexual strength and libido,” reveals Pearson.
The conclusion? A well-balanced diet is hugely important for libido.
“Foods like oysters, that have historically been described as ‘aphrodisiacs’, contain certain vitamins and minerals that have been suggested to increase blood flow in the body, which may help promote sexual desire.” —
IT’S MORE IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE FOODS WHICH GENUINELY MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD