Libido Boosting Foods To Enhance Your Sex Life!

Libido Boosting Foods To Enhance Your Sex Life!

Flagging libido is an age-old problem. Across the centuries there’s been interest in acquiring special potions and lotions that would serve to boost men's and women's libidos. The path to the ultimate aphrodisiac has been littered with all sorts of "snake oil" preparations sold by unscrupulous charlatans. From ground-up rhino horn that won't do any more for your libido than chewing your fingernails (and not good for the rhino!), to the crushed Cantharis beetle (the notorious Spanish fly) that simply irritates the urinary tract, people have spent their hard-earned money in this particular pursuit of happiness.

Even ancient and unproven beliefs from Oriental cultures still hold some sway nowadays. These proposed that eating the reproductive organs of certain animals would lift the most sluggish love life. Who can forget Carol Thatcher chewing on a rather tough "piece" of kangaroo in January’s "Help, I'm a celebrity get me out of here!" programme. Many commentators laughed at the “special powers” it might hold for her.

With modern research some foods and herbs have been identified that have an aphrodisiac-type effect. However some of the effects are small but with something like 40% of men and women complaining they lack desire and have lost their libido it's worthwhile trying some out.

Bear in mind that for many of the following you'd have to eat them regularly for them to have an effect. Generally speaking most have an overall energising effect rather than specifically a sexual affect. Some of their properties are aesthetically pleasing and may simply seduce you through the senses of sight and taste. That's not a bad thing in itself!

If you're on any medication, or suffer from ill health, check with your doctor before trying any of the more unusual suggestions that follow. Also follow dosage instructions on packets carefully as something like an overdose of yohimbine causes nausea and vomiting - and that certainly won't lift your libido!

Let's start with some readily available and delicious foods with aphrodisiac qualities

Almonds – Cleopatra reputedly drank a concoction of ground almonds, spices, honey and yoghurt believed to be energising. Containing magnesium, calcium and vitamin B complex almonds supposedly revive desire.

Asparagus – Rich in vitamin E necessary to keep your “bits” in working order. Hand feeding your lover asparagus dripping with melted butter is sensual without a doubt.

Avocado - Packed with essential fatty acids (EFAs), Vitamin-B complex and anti-oxidant that both aid production of sex hormones. The Aztecs called the avocado tree the "tree with testicles" and their smooth, creamy texture is incredibly sensuous.

Bananas – Very healthful and containing energy giving properties like magnesium. Bake them in their skins, as it’s an alkaloid in their skin that has an ‘aphrodisiac’ effect released by baking.

Chocolate – Chocolate is rich in energising chemicals and the darker the better. Containing phenyl ethylamine, this stimulates the brain giving an euphoric effect. There's energy giving caffeine too in chocolate as well as sugar. The ancient Mexican Emperor, Montezuma, drank 50 cups a day of pure chocolate to give him the energy for his 600-strong harem. Certainly chocolate is seductive in itself.

Figs – Packed with vitamins. Once the fig harvest was in the ancient Greeks supposedly indulged in orgies.

Ginger and ginseng powder – The Chinese have used ginger and ginseng as a stimulant for more than 3000 years. Ginger root can be used in many recipes as well as these powders in things like salad dressings.

Oysters and other seafood – Seafood is seductive in both presentation and taste but

oysters contain high levels of zinc that’s beneficial to healthy sperm production and energy levels. Research also shows they contain two chemicals - NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and D-aspartic acid that help release both testosterone and oestrogen.

Pollen extract - The food supplement, Femal, contains a pollen extract that relieves irritability and supposedly boosts libido.

Pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds - Packed with zinc and beneficial for prostate health in men and production of testosterone in men. Also now seen as beneficial for women too.

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and pomegranate - Chock-full of vitamin C, revitalising drive and strengthening your reproductive organs.

Other foods that promote increased energy, better circulation, and/or higher libido include: oily fish, liver, yeast extract, anything from the onion family, sweet potatoes, yams, squashes, spinach, mangoes, papayas, wheat grass, kelp and other seaweed.

Now for something more exotic and available from health food stores:

Avena Sativa (green oats) – Sometimes it mixed into preparations with other aphrodisiacs, it seems to boost their effects. Research seems to support the view that it boosts libido particularly in people with low testosterone. Usually found in extract form it may be added to food and drinks.

Damiana – It’s botanical name being Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca this is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs. Grown in hot countries it’s said to create a mild euphoria. Several alkaloids in it help boost circulation enhancing arousal. Sold in capsule or tincture form.

Epimedium grandiflorum – Known as horny goat weed its use dates back 2000 years in China. Sold in capsule form you take as advised or mix them into cooking.

Gingko Biloba – This increases blood and oxygen flow and is used as a mood enhancer. Often sold in capsules also containing stimulant herbs like ginseng.

Maca - A plant that gives energy and vitality and is grown at high altitude in South America.

Muira Puama – Found in Amazonian tree it’s available in a raw form that you can brew up. Also available in capsule form that can be mixed with other aphrodisiacs.

Padma – Comes in different forms usually crushed with a variety of herbs packed with antioxidants and containing other energising qualities. The herbal extract from Tibet has undergone clinical trials establishing some improvement in blood flow vital to arousal.

Yohimbine – Research on both rodents and humans have shown positive effects in increasing male libido by boosting neurotransmitter levels. It's extracted from the bark of the yohimbe tree. Available as a tincture or it can be brewed into a tea. 

Finally, the most powerful way to lift your love life overall is to stay generally fit and well and keep your mind in-tune with your lover. After all your brain’s your biggest sex organ.

Published in The Express Newspaper