If you’re looking to boost your libido, there are a few things you can do. Eating certain foods and taking certain supplements can help. Here are some of the best libido-boosting foods and supplements to try.
Asparagus
It is rich in vitamin E, which stimulates the production of the hormones necessary for an active sexual life.
Bananas
Contain the enzyme bromelain, which is believed to improve male libido. It is also a good source of potassium and riboflavin (vitamin B2), which increase energy.
Cabbage
Contains substances that improve blood circulation and thus blood supply to the genitals.
Celery
Contains androsterone, the male hormone believed to sexually arouse women.
Wild sweet potato
Contains chemicals that increase the sensitivity of the genitals.
Figs
Increase libido and improve sexual stamina, because they are rich in amino acids – the building blocks of proteins necessary for the brain to produce dopamine.
Plum
A fruit that prevents the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels according to the British Journal of Nutrition. Clear arteries, as scientists point out, are the path that leads us to pleasure, as good blood circulation leads to arousal.
Chickpeas
They contain the so-called “natural Viagra“, the amino acid arginine. With arginine, nitric acid is released, a process followed by the well-known “blue pill”, which accelerates the natural lubrication of the vessels, facilitating the flow of blood to the genitals. The vegetable fat in olive oil, commonly called good fat, helps produce testosterone.
Red wine
Research has shown that women who drank 1-2 glasses of red wine a day had better natural “lubrication” in their bodies than those who did not drink at all.
Lavender
This plant has the ability to stimulate the senses with its aroma alone. Research on women who smelled lavender essential oil during their dinner showed that its scent increased blood flow to their genitals by 11%. One possible explanation is that the brain associates the scent of lavender with relaxing memories.
Oysters
They are rich in zinc, which is necessary for the production of testosterone (the main male sex hormone that plays a decisive role in sexual desire and erection). They also contain dopamine.
Algae
They contain calcium, iodine, and iron, which are believed to stimulate sexual desire.
Foods that “drop” the libido
White bread
Excessive consumption of white bread and other refined carbohydrates can dampen sexual desire, according to research by the British Dietetic Association.
Processed foods
Increase blood sugar levels very quickly, which in turn is associated with a sharp drop in energy, resulting in a negative mood for sex.
In addition, too much sugar, on the one hand, makes you fat and on the other hand, it increases the levels of estrogen in the body with the consequence that the levels of testosterone decrease.
Iron deficiency
Insufficient amounts of iron in the diet can suppress sexual desire. Low iron levels reduce the quality of blood circulation and thus decrease energy.
Alcohol
Too much alcohol can cause temporary erectile dysfunction in men and loss of sensation in sex.
Supplements that the pharmacist may recommend
Arginine
Improves erection
Amino acid
It is found in relatively large quantities of semen.
How it helps: increases the production of nitric oxide (NO) by the endothelium (inner lining) of the arteries. Through this mechanism, the vessels are opened and thus blood circulation is improved in both the large and smaller vessels. It facilitates obtaining and maintaining an erection. It contributes to the control of high blood pressure and the production of growth hormones.
Attention points: arginine reduces the action of drugs that affect the Central Nervous System, while it enhances the action of drugs that increase the patency of blood vessels. In large doses, it is possible to cause stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, etc. It can also enhance the growth of viruses such as cold sores.
Answering the question “should I get it”? Yes, if you eat almost no meat, nuts, and seeds or have a weak immune system. Maybe if you have high blood pressure or infertility problem.
No, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, about to undergo surgery, have a history of schizophrenia, have heart problems or any virus, have low blood pressure, suffer from allergies, asthma, or liver problems, take nitroglycerin or erectile dysfunction drugs.
Epimedium or Horny goat weed: the herbal Viagra
Extract from the horny goat weed plant. Its aphrodisiac action was discovered when the marked change in the sexual behavior of animals that had grazed on its leaves was observed.
How it helps: icariin, the herb’s active ingredient, improves blood flow to the reproductive organs and the ability to get an erection by binding to the SHGB enzyme that blocks the biological action of testosterone. It strengthens weakened organisms, increases the number of sperm in men, and sexual satisfaction in women.
Attention points: it is generally considered safe and is therefore used as an alternative formulation in men with sexual dysfunction. However, long-term use or very high doses can cause breathing problems, convulsions, dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, nosebleeds, and an increase in estrogen in obese men.
Maca: the secret of the Incas
Extract of the Lepidium peruvianum plant. The specific plant is cultivated as a vegetable in the highlands of the Andes. Its leaves are used in salads, while its root is eaten roasted or boiled and dried.
How it helps: it is a very good source of amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and trace elements. It improves the mental mood, stimulates sexual desire, reduces the time to achieve an erection, and possibly increases the frequency of intercourse and the quantity of semen.
Cautions: considered safe and well tolerated at usual doses even for long-term use. The expected results appear with systematic use of at least 20 days.
Tribulus: increases testosterone
An herb is known as “terrestrial clover” or “trefoil”.
How it helps: it is high in substances that increase the endogenous production of testosterone in men, stimulating the hypothalamus to produce more luteinizing hormone. It reduces fatigue, normalizes blood pressure, and contributes to the rise of sexual desire and improvement of sexual desire. Possibly, it also has a positive effect on the production of spermatozoa.
Attention points: no adverse effects have been observed at the usual dosages. It is considered one of the safest herbal tonics because it does not raise blood pressure.
Royal jelly: rich in vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids. Favors the oxygenation of the tissues, improves the production of red blood cells, and strengthens the immune system.
B vitamins: necessary for the metabolism of many nutrients, the nervous system, and the smooth functioning of the genital glands. Niacin (B3), which acts as a vasodilator, is particularly helpful.
Vitamin C: powerful antioxidant, that improves blood circulation, reduces high cortisol levels and enhances seminal fluid production.
Vitamin E: plays an important role in the production of sex hormones, helps in the maturation of sperm in the testicles and protects the reproductive system from free radicals.
Guarana: has a high caffeine content, but a milder and prolonged effect compared to coffee. It rejuvenates, mildly stimulates, and stimulates the body.
Isoflavones: phytoestrogens derived from soy, i.e. substances that “mimic” the action of estrogens naturally produced by the body. Particularly useful for dealing with menopause symptoms, especially vaginal dryness.
Citrulline: amino acid involved, among other things, in the production of nitric oxide (NO). It has a synergistic effect with arginine, strengthens micro-vascular circulation, promotes erection, and reduces endotoxins.
Fatty acids: Omega3, Omega6, Omega7, and Omega9 help in the production of androgens and estrogens, reduce inflammation, keep the circulatory system healthy, increase vaginal lubrication, and improve mood.
Multivitamins: help prevent nutritional deficiencies that can have an adverse effect on health, energy levels, mood, and performance.
Gingko Biloba: acts as an antioxidant and tonic, improves blood circulation, and increases tissue oxygenation, in the long term it can help to treat erectile problems due to fatigue.
ZMA: a combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. It has positive effects only on men. Stimulates androgen production, increases free testosterone, total testosterone, and insulin growth factor (IGF-1), and enhances sexual ability.