Food To Get You In The Mood: How Nutrition Affects Your Sexual Health
When it comes to boosting your sex life through nutrition, the internet offers no shortage of ideas, from classic choices like chocolate-dipped strawberries and oysters to the latest buzzwords like “sex dust.” But separating myth from science-backed fact can be tricky. As Dr. Lyndsey Harper, founder and CEO of Rosy, explains, “There’s a lot of supposition, but the reality is we don’t have any great data when it comes to how nutrition directly affects desire.”
Keep It Simple
Rather than relying on exotic ingredients or elaborate supplements, maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle can make a significant difference for most people. Eating fresh, easily digestible foods (think whole foods over heavily processed options), opting for smaller meals, and incorporating physical activity such as a brisk walk can be more effective than any one food. Dr. Harper emphasizes that “being a healthy human, eating good-for-you foods, and staying active definitely benefits your sex life.” In fact, studies show that women who exercise three times a week for twenty minutes before sex report better sexual function overall.
Conversely, an unhealthy lifestyle can have a negative impact. Poor diet and overeating can translate into low energy and diminished interest in sex. Dr. Harper notes, “If you feel sluggish from a poor diet or you’re bloated from a heavy meal, that discomfort affects your sex drive.”
Avoid the Big Dinner Date
Interestingly, a grand, romantic meal might not be the best prelude to intimacy. “A seven-course meal and dessert usually just makes you want to sleep,” jokes Dr. Harper. She suggests considering intimacy before dinner rather than after.
For those looking to incorporate libido-friendly foods, Dr. Harper recommends focusing on specific ingredients that may have subtle benefits.
Ingredients for Libido-Friendly Meals
· Oysters
Known for their zinc content, oysters have earned their reputation as an aphrodisiac. Zinc is linked to increased testosterone and improved fertility, with higher levels associated with a stronger sex drive. Other zinc-rich foods include shellfish, pine nuts, legumes, beans, eggs, and whole grains.
· Spinach
Rich in magnesium, spinach supports blood flow by reducing inflammation in blood vessels, which can heighten arousal and improve pleasure. Try incorporating spinach salads or smoothies for a healthy addition to your diet.
· Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate boosts serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, reducing stress and potentially enhancing mood. Some studies show that cocoa can also promote blood flow by relaxing blood vessels—any excuse for chocolate, right?
· Chili Peppers
Hot peppers like habanero and cayenne can stimulate endorphins and increase heart rate, which enhances blood flow and possibly even libido. Just remember to handle with care and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
· Watermelon
While not exactly “nature’s Viagra,” watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene and amino acids such as citrulline, which are known to relax blood vessels. Swap your orange juice for watermelon juice to take advantage of its benefits.
While none of these foods alone are a quick fix, adding them to a balanced diet, along with regular exercise, can offer a gentle boost to your sex life. Plus, just the act of preparing these libido-friendly meals might help set the right mood!
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