Best and Worst Foods For Your Sex Drive: Are You Hungry Yet?

• Lucas Pressburger
• Friday, October 23, 2009

Libido and food intake are undeniably connected, and we all know that unhealthy food choices can result in many things including obesity. But how many of us know which foods are good for us and which hamper our “lusts for life?” A new book called: “Eat This, Not That!” written by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding covers this territory in depths both hot and cold.

Fatty acids may well be at the root of what can only be called a national sex crisis. Besides the fact that as a person’s weight soars biochemical changes cause a diminished blood flow and plummeting libido, extra weight also causes damaged sperm and ovulation problems.

How can foods help? I am so glad you asked. As expressed by the authors of the above-mentioned book, simple dietary changes can revitalize a damaged sex life. The following list of foods are yes-yes and no-nos that will both help and hamper your sex life. Stock up or throw out some today, depending on your point of view.

• Bananas

Chiquita Banana and Carmen Miranda both knew the truth about the ubiquitous banana. Rich in potassium and B vitamins, regular consumption of this fruit helps boost the production of important sex hormones.

• Oysters

Credited for an increase in the male libido, the secret to this sensual food lies in its high levels of iodine and zinc, which help boost respiration, body temperature and testosterone. A team of American and Italian researchers recently discovered that mussels, clams and oysters trigger two types of amino acids that create a rush of sex hormones.

There’s only one teeny-weeny little problem. In order for this spark to work, a man has to consume at least 50 oysters in one sitting, which is enough to send a normal eater into a non-sexual, “oyster coma.”

• Pumpkin seeds

The same spark in hormones triggered by oysters can be found in pumpkin seeds, as they are also rich in zinc and protein, not to mention protection against prostate cancer.

• Chocolate covered strawberries

The phenyl-ethylamine in chocolate discharges the same hormones released during sex, and strawberries contain vitamin C, which helps the libido. This means Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be reserved for one cold night in the middle of February; it can be any hot little evening your heart desires.

In addition, Italian researchers have discovered that women who eat chocolate on a regular basis are known to have a higher sex drive than those who don’t. (Worse teeth, but a better sex drive. One can’t win, can one?). It is important to note, however, that if you want to derive the maximum benefit from the chocolate, select only that kind which contains at least 60% cacao.

• Chilies vs. Saffron

Despite their hot and zesty slide down your palette, chilies will do nothing for any other rides you might have in mind. Saffron on the other hand, contains picrocrocin, a chemical that makes the body more sensitive to the touch. This exotic spice is also known to work as an antidepressant and a pain-blocker.

• Pomegranate

Pomegranate is known to contain a myriad of antioxidants, which can help increase blood flow to all parts of the body, including the genitals.

• Asparagus

Believe it or not, asparagus is an ancient aphrodisiac. It is believed to be effective because it is loaded with vitamin E, which is known to stimulate the production of sex hormones.

• Sirloin steak

The most delicious way to induce more amounts of dopamine and nor-epinephrine, two chemicals that heighten sensitivity, is to eat a 6-ounce sirloin steak. A portion of this size is a great source of protein, not to mention zinc, which as mentioned earlier boosts libido.

• Tomatoes

Although tomatoes contain some wonderful health benefits, the lycopene and phytofluene content can decrease testosterone levels.

• Vanilla ice cream

The sweet, soothing scent of vanilla is known to be a mood-enhancer and the calcium and phosphorus found in the ice cream build muscles and energy, making vanilla ice cream a formidable aphrodisiac.

• Coconuts

Caribbean and Thai cuisines feature regular ingestion of coconuts, which are a rich source of fatty compounds that increase testosterone activity. Be careful with coconuts, however, as one single glass will cause blood vessels to relax, but more than that will have the opposite effect and impede arousal.

In conclusion, be aware that the foods you eat have after-effects, many of which you might never have expected.

Take care of your libido and it will take care of you.

• Stumble
• Google Buzz

• Stumble
• Google Buzz