Let’s be honest, with work stress, family, the pandemic and juggling your social life, you’re going to need more than a four-minute Vusi Nova song to get the job done; you’re going to need the proper fuel in the form of foods to help increase your sex drive. Here is a list of foods to help you increase sexual desire
Avocados
A source of vitamin E for healthy skin and nails, avocados also provide potassium, vitamin B6 and monounsaturated fats for a healthy heart and circulation, which is critical for an active sex life. Studies show men with heart disease are twice as likely to have erectile dysfunction as both conditions can result from artery damage. Try some mashed avocado on your toast in the morning, or add slices to your sandwich or salad.
Oysters
Oysters are brimming with zinc, a mineral that elevates testosterone while simultaneously boosting growth factor hormone —both of which enhance muscle growth and physical performance (in and out of the bedroom). Research has also shown deficiencies in zinc to be a risk factor for infertility caused by low testosterone levels.
Dark Chocolate
One of the most popular foods for its indulgent flavor, chocolate can help boost your mood by increasing both dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, also known as your “feel good” neurotransmitters. Chocolate increases both serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, making us happy and lowering our stress level—both libido boosters if you know what we mean. In addition, chocolate offers varying amounts of flavanols (a naturally occurring antioxidant in cocoa) that helps relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Since the amount (and therefore benefits) of cocoa flavanols vary greatly in chocolate depending on the brand and how it’s processed, it’s best to get your cocoa flavanols from unsweetened cocoa powder or a fortified powder from a major manufacturer that guarantees at least 200 mg in a serving.
Omega-3 fish
You may have heard that fatty fish like tuna, sardines and salmon are swimming with omega-3 fatty acids, which are not only good for your heart but also raise levels of dopamine in the brain that improve circulation and blood flow. Fish is also high in protein and a good source of vitamin B-6, which aids in healthy blood production. For example, just one ¼ cup serving of wild-caught Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna provides nearly 25 percent of your daily need for protein and 10 percent of your daily need for vitamin B-6, along with omega-3 fatty acids. Who knew a tuna fish sandwich could put you in the mood?
Chillies
Believe it or not, the hotter they are, the better. They increase your matabolism and stimulate endorphins, making you sweat, plumping your lips, and speeding up your heart rate. That gets the blood flowing to all the essential areas. The net result? Better sex drive and a more memorable finale. (If you’re planning on handling habañeros, however, make sure that you wash your hands before getting near sensitive body parts.)
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins, which have been shown to blast away belly fat and speed the liver’s capacity for turning fat into energy. Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins, which in addition to helping reduce belly fat has been shown to help promote blood flow for a better sex life. Catechins promote blood flow in two ways. First, they kill off free radicals that damage and inflame blood vessels, increasing their ability to transport blood. Second, they cause blood vessel cells to release nitric oxide, which increases the size of the blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow. In addition to a hot mug of green tea, try adding it in your morning oatmeal, blend up a green tea smoothie or add some green tea powder to your yogurt or baked goods.
Pumpkin Seeds
One of the best plant sources of zinc, pumpkin seeds (or papitas) also contain protein, fiber, potassium and iron. Important for immune function, wound healing and eye health, zinc also plays a role in a man’s sex drive as having a zinc deficiency can lead to low testosterone. While it’s not exactly understood why a lack of zinc impacts testosterone, the mineral may affect the cells in the testes that produce testosterone. One study found that men who received 30 milligrams of zinc per day showed increased levels of free testosterone in their bodies. Enjoy pumpkin seeds for a snack, or add them to your salad or cooked grains for a little crunch.
Potatoes
Whether they’re the white or the sweet variety, potatoes are a great source of potassium. This nutrient counteracts salt’s bloating effects and boosts circulation, which can help you look better in bed and also boost your bedroom pleasure. It can also improve your mood: Studies have linked low potassium levels with depression.
Coffee
It turns out all those Starbucks dates may be worthwhile—coffee may just be the best libido booster around. It contains a stimulant that has been shown to put females in the mood, a study in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior found. Grab a cappuccino and brace yourself for a long, lucky night.
Bananas
Bananas are one of the top sources of potassium, which helps counteract the effects of foods high in sodium. Salty foods can not only diminish blood flood to the genitals, which can make it more difficult to reach orgasm, but they can also make you bloated.