22 Foods Sex Experts Say to Eat
My husband and I always joke when we go out for our much-needed date nights that we should order aphrodisiacs to ensure that we'll keep the fun going when we get home. It's not that we need the help, but who wouldn't be open to upping the ante?
The thing is, there is some correlation between your diet and your sex drive. Certain foods have the power to boost everything from your stamina to your libido to even your ability to conceive (if that's your goal) during intimate encounters. So, we went straight to the sex experts to get the best advice on increasing your sexual appetite by choosing foods that can do just that! And while you're at it, also steer clear of these 23 Foods That Ruin Date Night!
Black Raspberries
To get in the right mindset to get in the right mood before hitting the sheets, Dr. Keesha Ewers, founder and chief medical officer of The Academy For Integrative Medicine with a Ph.D. in Sexology, says to load up on black raspberries. "They'll boost your libido and increase sexual stamina." Bonus: Black raspberries are ranked #1 on our exclusive list of the 15 Most Antioxidant-Packed Fruits & Veggies—Ranked!
Ginseng Tea
To make sure your man can keep things going, pour him a cup of Ginseng tea earlier in the evening. "It contains a compound that increases sexual satisfaction and can help prevent or lessen erectile dysfunction," says Dr. Ewers.
Saffron
"A Canadian review of 150 international studies found that saffron, the world's most expensive spice, has been shown to enhance sexual performance and satisfaction," says Dr. Jessica O'Reilly, Astroglide's Sex and Relationship Expert. "Add some to your rice, couscous, pasta, salad, or chicken tonight!"
Strawberries
Strawberries have major benefits if you're looking to conceive. "They're rich in vitamin C, which raises sperm counts in men," says Dr. Ewers. And they're great for circulation which is important for sexual sensation in both genders. "Dip your strawberries in dark chocolate and sweeten it with coconut sugar to get the added benefit of methylxanthines, which have been shown to boost libido," suggests Dr. Ewers.
Pine Nuts
If you want to ensure that things feel good, indulge in pine nuts and other foods rich in L-arginine. "It aids in blood flow, helping with vaginal lubrication and sensation…thus satisfaction," says Dr. Ewers.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are hot in more ways than one and a great way to spice up your sex life, according to sex therapist Dr. Ava Cadell of Loveology University. "They get the face flushing, heart pumping, pores sweating and blood flowing towards the genitals." Eating peppers is also one of the 55 Best Ways to Boost Your Metabolism!
Avocados
Avocados are another superfood that can boost sexual experiences for men and women. "They are considered a great source of 'good fat,'" says Dr. Ewers. "It aids in heart health for men's erectile function and aids in blood flow for women's sexual pleasure."
Almonds
"Almonds are a great source of zinc to boost men's hormones and libido and selenium which is essential for thyroid health and a libido killer in women if it's hyperfunctioning plus vitamin E which is great for heart health and circulation—therefore men's erectile function," says Dr. Ewers. Speaking of hormones, discover the 15 Superfoods That Balance Your Hormones and stock up today.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes pack a double whammy of sexual health benefits for men. "They're rich in beta-carotene and potassium which can help with men's erectile dysfunction and aid fertility issues," explains Dr. Ewers.
Sesame Seeds
Sprinkling some sesame seeds are another way to ensure your man is all systems go when you're trying to conceive. "Sesame seeds have zinc which aids in testosterone and sperm production in men," says Dr. Ewers.
Watermelon
"Lycopene, citrulline, and beta-carotene are all found in watermelon," says Dr. Ewers. "They help relax blood vessels, which is what is needed to full genital sensation."
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Figs
Dr. O'Reilly says that figs have long been associated with boosted fertility. And as an added bonus? "They contain magnesium and an amino acid which have been linked to sex hormone production and improved circulation."
Oysters
Oysters have long been considered the most common of all the aphrodisiacs. It has zinc, which plays a key role in the creation of hormones and clitoris sensitivity. And Dr. O'Reilly says not to discount the sensual manner in which you can consume them with your lover too as a libido booster.
Bananas
There are at least 21 Amazing Things That Happen to Your Body When You Eat a Banana and a better sex life is just one of them. Bananas may scream sex just by the sexy way they're shaped—but that's not the only way they can evoke sexual desire. "They contains bufotenine, a chemical that acts on the brain to increase happiness, self-confidence, and sex drive," says Dr. Cadell.
Carrots
Another food that has a sensuous shape and also are a worthy snack before you hit the sheets. "They have strong fibrous ingredients that supercharge the body and lead to a feeling of strong sexual desire, says Dr. Cadell.
Olives
Dirty martinis anyone? How about a nice Greek salad? Getting your fix of olives can aid sexual prowess in men and women. "Green ones make men more virile," says Dr. Cadell. "While black ones are believed to increase sex drive for women."
Apples
Apples have been associated with forbidden desire from Adam and Eve to Snow White. Known as the fruit of temptation, they also are major libido boosters. "They're filled with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that stimulate sexual desire," says Dr. Cadell.
Artichokes
If you're looking for a food to share with your lover, Dr. Cadell suggests artichokes because "this sex vitamin is high in vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and phosphorus—and they're fun to eat together!"
Celery
According to Dr. Cadell, men shouldn't hesitate to crunch on some celery when they're single and ready to mingle. "It contains androsterone, a powerful male hormone released through sweat glands to attract women!"
Cinnamon
Sprinkling this sweet and spicy flavor on your oatmeal or your espresso is a great way for a guy to, er, perk up. "Cinnamon has been used to aid in the treatment of impotence and proven to be sexually stimulating for men," explains Dr. Cadell. The pumpkin pie overnight oats from our list of 50 Overnight Oats Recipes has a good dose of cinnamon, too!
Asparagus
This veggie has all the components of a healthy snack and libido booster. "It's rich with potassium, phosphorous, calcium, and vitamin E," says Dr. Cadell. "All vital for increased hormone production!"
Shrimp
The best way to keep your sex drive going is with energy. So, how do you get it enough to keep the stamina going through a romp in the sheets? Dr. Cadell says to eat shrimp. "They're high in iodine, which is needed by the thyroid gland that regulates energy—including sexual energy!" And for more ways to stay energized, nosh on these 23 Best Foods for Energy!
