You love your partner, your career, your kids, your life. Why can’t you muster more enthusiasm for each day? Where has your spark gone?
Maybe the problem isn’t with your mind or emotions but your diet. Mild nutritional deficiencies might not cause issues with daily functioning but still leave you feeling slightly “off.” Try adding these eight healthy foods to your diet to boost your libido and energy.
1. Apples
Eve might have been on to something when the apple tempted her in the garden of Eden. This fruit may have aphrodisiac qualities for women in particular.
The magic lies in the compound phloridzin. This substance is biosimilar to the female sex hormone estradiol, which plays a significant role in sexual arousal. For the gentlemen, well, it might be traditional to bring the ladies flowers on date night. However, you might also put dessert to your advantage with some pie a la mode.
2. Seafood
You might have heard the old wives’ tale that eating oysters will stir your passions. These oceanic delights indeed resemble the female sex organ — but is there science behind the claim? One researcher discovered that the magic number to eat seems to be 32 to induce the desired aphrodisiac effects. You can test the theory by ordering them as an appetizer or meal the next time you and your sweetie go out for date night.
Pairing your oysters with additional seafood dishes could give you the stamina you need to last all night — whether out dancing or doing something more intimate. Seafood is a natural source of B-complex vitamins, which promote healthy energy production, metabolism and concentration. They even provide beauty benefits so you get a rosy glow for your beau.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Some scientists believe oysters work as an aphrodisiac and energy enhancer because of their high concentration of zinc. This mineral is vital for testosterone production, a sex hormone important in both men and women. The higher your level of this hormone, the greater your sex drive.
You can still reap the benefits of this nutrient from foods if you’re among the vegan crowd. Nuts and seeds are cruelty-free sources of zinc, and they’re a snap to add to your diet. A handful of pepitas and almonds make for a far more nutritious and energizing alternative to croutons.
4. Beets
The ancient Romans considered beets an aphrodisiac and drank the juice to make amorous feelings grow. There are even frescoes containing this root vegetable adorning the walls of a brothel in Pompeii.
Beets contain several compounds that promote a sense of well-being, increasing both energy and libido. Tryptophan helps induce a relaxed state, and betaine can reduce your heart disease risk while improving your body composition. These vegetables also contain boron, a trace mineral associated with sexual function.
5. Avocados
Don’t put the guacamole away just because summer’s over. The avocados used to make it have a host of health benefits, including high levels of vitamin E. This nutrient promotes the production of sex hormones that support attraction and desire.
Vitamin E also helps you keep your hair lustrous and skin supple. Looking more attractive alone may boost your libido and energy levels.
6. Ginkgo Biloba
If you want to increase your libido and sharpen your cognitive abilities, why not replace one of your daily cups of coffee with herbal tea? One ingredient that should make your infuser is ginkgo biloba.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have long used this tree for treating depression and sexual dysfunction. Some believe it can slow or prevent age-related cognitive decline. It also helps to relax your blood vessels and improve flow, including to the genitalia. One small 1998 study showed that this substance reduced loss of desire associated with antidepressant use.
7. Yohimbe
Yohimbe, a bark from an African tree, could help increase your libido, particularly if you’re a man who struggles with erectile dysfunction. Adding some of this to your teapot could help increase blood flow to vital areas.
This stuff can do more than lend a hand between the sheets. It could also enhance endurance in athletes and aid in fat loss.
8. Chocolate
One of the sweetest ways to boost your libido and energy comes thanks to the cacao bean. This magical dessert contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with a sense of well-being and happiness. Increasing levels of this substance produces mild euphoria.
Another aspect of chocolate that improves your overall mood is that it simply feels good to eat. The sensuous silk of a square melting on your tongue is enough to take the edge off the roughest day. It makes you smile — which instantly makes you more attractive.
Try These Foods to Get in the Mood
If you’re feeling a bit stale, why not mix up your diet? Try one of these eight healthy foods to boost your libido and energy.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
