It should come as no surprise that the foods you consume have a part in enhancing your sex life, as having a good sex drive is related to feeling physically and emotionally well.
A healthy diet may enhance your sex life in numerous ways, including by increasing desire, enhancing blood flow, enhancing heart health, and enhancing stamina.
Eating a diet high in vegetables and lean proteins and low in sugar and saturated fat can also help to prevent illnesses like metabolic syndrome and hormonal imbalances that can influence your libido.
These six meals are full of nutrients that might boost your libido and even enhance your general health.
Oysters
You've probably heard of oysters' aphrodisiac qualities. The high zinc content in oysters is the cause of this. This substance promotes blood flow, which might help blood reach the sex organs.
Given that it helps control testosterone levels, zinc may be particularly significant for male fertility.
Zinc insufficiency has a deleterious impact on testosterone levels, according to a 2018 study titled "Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men's Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilisation."
Compared to other dietary sources, oysters have the highest concentration of zinc, with one serving supplying 673% of your daily intake. If mollusks aren't your thing, try lobster or crab instead. Both varieties of shellfish are rich in zinc.
Beef, pork, baked beans, pumpkin seeds, and cereals enriched with zinc are examples of non-seafood sources of zinc.
Specific meats
Eating meats or other meals high in particular amino acids may enhance your sex life.
Several high-protein meals, such as beef, poultry, and pig, include substances like carnitine, L-arginine, and zinc that aids enhancing blood flow. For people of both genders to respond sexually, smooth blood flow is essential.
A 2019 research titled "The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis", in particular, claims that arginine supplements may be used to treat mild to severe erectile dysfunction (ED).
However, keep in mind that consuming too much red meat may be detrimental to your heart. Serve up some animal protein to help keep things going smoothly in the bedroom (in moderation to prevent raising the risk of heart disease).
These nutrients can be obtained through whole grains and dairy products, such as milk and cheese if you eat a vegetarian diet. The best sources of zinc are whole grains and milk.
Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart, are commonly found in salmon.
The pink-fleshed fish, along with sardines, tuna, and halibut, may help to maintain the health of both your body and your sexual life. According to a 2017 study titled "Omega-3 fatty acids in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease," omega-3s assist in reducing the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Your body's blood flow is encouraged as a result.
Keeping the circulatory system healthy lowers the chance of developing certain illnesses that affects sexual performance.
Omega-3 fatty acids are said to lower triglycerides (fats) in the blood and modestly lower the risk of coronary heart disease events and mortality, according to a comprehensive Cochrane review published in 2020.
Iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and protein are all abundant in fish. Zinc is also a component.
Seeds and nuts
Consider having a handful of nuts and seeds as a snack rather than candy.
Zinc is abundant in cashews and almonds, and L-arginine, which helps your blood flow, is also present in a variety of nutritious snacks.
Try these things: walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds.
Due to their high omega-3 content, walnuts are beneficial on two fronts.
Apples
Apples contain a lot of a substance called quercetin. This flavonoid, an antioxidant, may provide a variety of health advantages.
Regarding sexual function, quercetin helps with circulation promotion, ED treatment, and controlling prostatitis symptoms.
Quercetin can successfully reduce blood pressure at levels larger than 500 mg daily, according to a 2016 review written by Maria-Corina Serban et al. Since blood vessel damage reduces blood flow to the genitals, high blood pressure can induce sexual dysfunction. One cause of ED is this.
In fact, a 2016 research with the title "Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction" found that men who consumed more fruit had a 14% lower incidence of ED. Their flavonoid content could be the cause of this.
Particularly if it causes exhaustion, high blood pressure in women can decrease libido and decrease interest in sex. Their body's reaction to sexual activity may change if there is less blood flow to the vagina.
Overall, a diet high in flavonoids can improve your general health and maintain a healthy sex life.
Apples, strawberries, blueberries, dark-coloured grapes, red wine, cherries, and citrus fruits are among the nutritious foods high in flavonoids.
Beets
Beetroots are a nutritious complement to any diet since they are high in vitamins and antioxidants. They include a lot of dietary nitrates as well, which implies they may improve your sexual performance.
Vasodilation, a process caused by dietary nitrates, causes the blood vessels to dilate and enhances blood flow. The muscular contraction is improved by this. In order to improve performance, some sportsmen utilise nitrates.
Even one dosage of beetroot juice, or doses spread out over a few days, according to some research, may help people perform better during short-duration, intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise.
Beetroot juice's dietary nitrates may be able to lower blood pressure, according to research. According to the experts, both those with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure can benefit from this.
Theoretically, the same mechanisms might enhance blood flow and endurance during sex, as well as enhance general heart health. Spinach, arugula/rocket, garden cress, lettuce, celery, and radish are additional foods high in nitrates. Even some specific meals might increase hormone levels and keep your heart rate up, improving your sex life just via nutrition isn't always possible.
If lack of desire, discomfort during sex or impotence prevent you from having an intimate relationship with your spouse, speak to your doctor.