Food has long been used to increase sexual desire, but did you know they also play a key role in improving your performance under the sheets? No, you don’t need to resort to exotic foods from faraway land, one look around the kitchen will ensure a successful steamy session. Lachmi Deb Roy lists the foods you should be eating for a better, healthier, sex drive!
Sex is an intimate experience that keeps you connected and brings partners closer to each other both emotionally and physically. Some times, in the humdrum of modern lives, sex often takes a back seat. This Valentine’s Day, swear to not take the situation for granted, rather make a promise as a couple to keep the fire burning. All you need is to introduce a few tweaks to your lifestyle.
Increase your bedroom power by inculcating certain foods in your diet. Aditi Khanduri, Clinical Nutritionist and Yoga Trainer says, “For a good sex drive, it is very important to have a good storage of vitamins and minerals which in turn improves emotional balance.” Nutritionists swear by these superfoods which can act as an aphrodisiac.
Almonds and walnuts
Easy-to-carry is what makes these protein-packed snacks sexual in nature. Just popping a few of these nuts boosts energy levels significantly, and increases stamina, making them a pre-requisite to a healthy romp. Says Nutritionist Dr Aashima Chopra, “Almonds hold a good source of infertility fighting selenium and are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Also, these are a good source of L-arginine, which gets converted into nitric oxide, that keeps the arteries flexible, helps dilate blood vessels and also improves the blood flow which is important for getting oxygen to the sex organs.”
Fish
Fatty fish precisely helps in increasing sex drive. Khanduri says, “Try mackerel, sardines, crab, salmon and tuna, which contributes to high level of omega-3 fatty acid. Fish oil supplement is recommended for people suffering from low libido problem. Shellfish are also known as an aphrodisiac because of its high levels of zinc, a nutrient which helps produce sperm and increases libido.”
Dark Chocolate
Cacao contains many amino acids, including a strong concentration of arginine, which can act similarly to other strong stimulant like Viagra by increasing blood flow to the endogenous regions. Dark chocolate increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, making us happy and then puts us in the “mood”.
Khanduri says, “Additionally, cacao contains caffeine which contributes to improved mood and promote the production of ‘pleasure’ neurotransmitters. Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulating alkaloid.”
Cloves
Clove can lift the taste of any dish almost instantly when used in everyday cooking. But did you know it can act as a great aphrodisiac too? Says
Dr Chopra, “Cloves can be brewed in hot apple cider vinegar, infused in our favourite dish, added to rice pulao for the aroma or added to our daily cup of tea. This warming, slightly sweet spice increases blood flow and body temperature. It has high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, and vitamin K. Clove increases the testosterone levels for both men and women. It also effects the erection strength of men.” So, next time you are making tea or rustling up a dish for your partner don’t forget to add a dash of cloves to it for longer and more satisfying sex.
Sweet potato
“Hard and phallic in shape, these starchy root veggies get their rich orange colour from beta carotene. The sweet centres are rich in vitamin C, which produces anti -aging collagen, energy boosting iron and potassium. It is also packed with high amounts of potassium, which helps prevent high blood pressure, thereby reducing one’s chances of any risks associated with erectile dysfunction,” adds Dr Chopra.
Eggs
Slow down, savour each moment and expand your pleasure by adding eggs to your and your partner’s diet. Poached, scrambled, boiled, fried or curried—no matter how you make it, a couple of eggs will rev you up. “High in protein, which is a good source of stamina, good source of amino acid L-arginine, which has been effective in treating erection dysfunction. Also, rich in vitamins B6 and B5, it helps in hormonal balance and fights stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy libido,” says Dr Chopra.
Watermelon
Some experts have called watermelon the new Viagra. Dr Shatakshi adds, “Although watermelon is 92 per cent water the rest eight per cent is loaded with vital nutrients for sexual health. The calming effect of watermelon relaxes the blood vessels, thus improving blood flow to the sex organs in both males and females. They are rich in phytonutrient and citrulline that is responsible for giving a high sex drive.”
Banana
Have a banana a day to last longer in bed and savour each moment of lovemaking. Dr Saumya Shatakshi, Senior Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant says, “Bananas are a natural source of potassium which is a vital nutrient that enhances muscle contraction, important for good quality sex. Bananas are also rich in bromelain, responsible to produce testosterone. Studies have proved that women with higher sex drive have higher testosterone.”
Berries
Add a lot of goji berries, strawberries and black berries to your diet. Says Khanduri, “In China, goji berries are often called “happy berries,” and considered a powerful lovemaking boost. Clinical trials have shown gojis to be effective in treating metabolic syndrome, which is generally a precursor to erectile dysfunction. Goji berries also increase testosterone in both sexes, which helps to boost libido. They are packed with antioxidants and melatonin, a hormone produced by pineal gland in our brains which helps in regulating and stabilising our body’s sleep cycles which in turn distresses us and helps to perform better on bed.”
Garlic
Did you know that raw garlic can actually stir up your sexual life? Says Dr Shatakshi, “This stinky super food is rich in allicin that promotes blood flow to sexual organs in both men and women. Raw garlic dipped in honey overnight can do wonders to your sexual performance. But one should eat in moderation as the smell can be over bearing for some.”
