Black Raspberries
Both the berries and the seeds will transform your mind-set for getting in the mood, so pop in a handful a day to keep bedroom boredom at bay. “This phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance,” say Drs. Anna Maria and Brian Clement, authors of 7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality and directors of Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. Consume 10 black raspberries or a tablespoon of seeds a few hours before getting busy.
Broccoli
Raw, sautéed, or cooked, toss this vegetable in with your salad or alongside your steak for a bedroom boost. “I suggest it here because of the high vitamin C content,” says Keri Glassman, registered dietitian and author of The New You (and Improved) Diet. “Vitamin C aids in blood circulation to organs and has also been associated with an improved female libido.” If you’re going to pick a veggie at dinner anyway, may as well kill two birds with one sprout and make it this one.
Cloves
This sex superfood is versatile when it comes to cooking: it can be brewed in hot apple cider, infused in your favorite exotic dish, or added to a chai tea latte. Just make sure to share it with your guy, too. “In India, cloves have been used to treat male sexual dysfunction for centuries,” says Glassman. Research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine agrees, discovering that clove extracts produced an increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats. “Cloves are also used to rid bad breath, which can’t hurt your kissing skills either,” says Glassman, who also suggests using powdered cloves in Mexican food. Add a little cumin and cinnamon and you’ve got a tasty, multifaceted aphrodisiac.
Figs
Want to be completely irresistible the next time your guy sees you? There’s a simple food solution that will have you two acting like teenagers again: Figs. “They’re considered excellent stimulants of fertility and enhance the secretion of pheromones,” say Drs. Clement. Feast on up to five figs before getting it on and find out for yourself.
Watermelon
Chocolate has the reputation of being the age-old aphrodisiac for the sweet lover, but researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada found that this is most likely just a mirage. Though ingredients like phenylethylamine in chocolate may boost serotonin and endorphin levels, there is no link between chocolate and improve sexual performance or arousal. So if you’re really looking for a sweet libido-booster, stick to a slice of watermelon. Although it’s 92 percent water, that remaining 8 percent of fruit is jam-packed with vital nutrients for sexual health. Researchers at the Texas A&M Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center reported finding in 2008 that watermelon has ingredients that delivered Viagra-like effects to the human body’s blood vessels and could even aid in increasing libido. “Watermelon contains a phytonutrient called citrulline, which the body converts to arginine, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide levels in the body, which relax blood vessels in the same way a medicine like Viagra does,” say Drs. Clement.
Ginseng
Researchers at the University of Hawaii found that women who took a ginseng supplement significantly upped their libido in a month, and 68 percent also said their overall sex life improved dramatically. “Add ginseng into your diet or try one of the many ginseng teas available,” Glassman says. “Just don’t jump at the sight of ginseng, though. Many energy drinks that claim to have ginseng in them also contain chemicals and tons of sugar, and there’s nothing sexy about that.”
Lettuce
A small salad with oil and vinegar as dressing will help your waistline and rev your sex drive. “Iceberg lettuce contains an opiate that helps to activate sex hormones,” say Drs. Clement. Nosh on a bowl at dinner and you’ll be ready to go by the time you turn in for the night.
Ginger
“King Henry VII and the ancient Asians were astute when using ginger for medicinal purposes,” say Drs. Clement. “In the 21st century, those of us who know about botanical-ceuticals know that ginger helps circulation temperature adjustment, mucoid detoxification (mucus-like residue that can coat your GI tract) and also a libido enhancer.” Whether raw, in supplement form, or added to your favorite recipe or drink, ginger also lends itself to defense against winter’s hard cold and flu season. Because trying to get frisky with a runny nose never ends well.
Libido Killer: Oysters
Oysters have been dubbed as the king of libido boosters, but don’t buy into all the hype. “Oysters are a well-known source of zinc, which plays a central role in the creation of hormones and clitoris sensitivity, but they are also a toxic food,” Drs. Clement say. “Oysters and other shellfish can absorb the toxins and parasites in the ocean, which can often outweigh the benefits of zinc.” Skip the seafood and chow down on spinach for a similar low-calorie, high-zinc option.
Libido Killer: Processed Baked Goods
Yet another reason to avoid sugar-loaded treats: They will zap your sex drive. “Baked goods contain saturated trans fats that wreak havoc on human cells, including the immune system,” say Drs. Clement. “They surround the cells, coagulating them so that vital food glucose can’t be absorbed and remains in the blood, raising blood sugar and lowering libido. The fats also clog ventricles, reducing oxygen to sexual organs, and prevent the spleen from producing enough white blood cells, so eggs and sperm have difficulty multiplying.” Yikes!
Libido Killer: Dairy
Ice cream and cream cheese addicts may want to switch to a lactose-free alternative once in a while. The Clements say that the lactic acid in dairy and oxygen-destroying elements can squash a libido at any level, so try to limit the creamy stuff to three times per week. But don’t forget dairy’s best benefit: Calcium. It’s linked to cell and sexual health. When cells are healthy, they increase sensitivity for better circulation to genitalia, thus giving you more pleasure. Stock up on calcium-rich soymilk, leafy greens, sprouted beans, cabbage, broccoli, and wheatgrass juice.
Originally published by FitnessMagazine.com
Foods That Are Destroying Your Libido
A bout of lowered sex drive happens to us all…every now and again. However, if “I’m not in the mood, honey” is your constant response night after night, week after week, believe me when I say you should be concerned with more than the frustrations of your partner or spouse.
Look first to your diet for the major culprit behind your decreased sex drive. What you’re putting in your mouth throughout the day can virtually drain your libido. Why?
Because diet directly impacts your hormone levels, particularly your testosterone, the hormone that puts the mojo in your moves, the funky in your monkey, and the tang in your…well, you get the picture. The food you eat directly influences sexual desire and helps puts you in the mood for love (cue the Barry White).
1. Alcohol
Sure, some people drink a glass of wine or share a bottle to get in the mood. However, too much alcohol will actually quash your sexual prowess. So while a little booze may decrease your psychological inhibitions while increasing your need for love—in the end alcohol is a depressant that can negatively impact your body’s ability to perform sexually. That’s why, if you drink too much; you will reduce your testosterone production and your libido.
2. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, are great if you’re trying to cut out sugar and lose weight. But before you reach for that diet soda keep in mind that the fake sweet stuff also inhibits the neuro-production of dopamine and serotonin (your feel good hormone), leading to much less sexy feelings of depression, irritability, and lowered libido. Instead, reach for natural sweeteners, like honey.
3.Coffee
Oh you coffee addicts might think your morning, lunch, and late afternoon pick-me-up puts more peep in your step. However, too much coffee keeps your adrenal glands working and can lead to an overproduction of stress hormones. Over the long term, energy and sex drive will suffer—a good reason to keep it at 2 cups a day and to stop slurping caffeine in the evenings.
4.Cheese
Do you eat a lot of cheese? Have you noticed you are a bit irritable? The truth is that most store-bought, cow’s milk cheeses are processed using a mix of antibiotics and growth hormones, which can mess up the body’s natural production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—the primary hormones associated with sex drive. If you’re a cheese addict; try a non-cow’s milk cheese instead.
5.Canola Oil
Vegetable oils, like canola oil, are high in unsaturated fats. And while some fat is healthy for us, too much leaves the body open to free radicals and oxidative stress, limiting both sex drive and conception in women. Mix up your cooking oils with a combination of peanut, olive oil, and even coconut oil to prevent reproductive damage.
6.Potato Chips
Likewise, the consumption of too many trans-fats, the so-called worst fats, like those used to prepare bagged potato chips and processed snacks will cause oxidative damage to the body, causing disruptions to healthy hormone regulation—leading to weight gain, fatigue, and plummeting libido.
7.Canned Foods
Sodium is your libidos worst nightmare—for one it restricts blood flow to certain essential parts of the body needed for arousal (look down); while secondly, excess sodium can damage the mineralocorticoid hormones (i.e., aldosterone), which regulate sex hormones and sex drive.
8.Red Meat
If you enjoy a nice, lean cut of steak every few weeks, your lusty loins are probably safe. However, if you consume red meat regularly, you’re consuming excess growth hormones, fat, and antibiotics, which will upset the natural production of semen, sweat, and testosterone—particularly in men. Instead, guys should chow down on leaner cuts of beef round, beef loin, or filet mignon.
5 foods that lower your libido
1. Liquorice
This sugary plant is often used to make candies as well as some herbal teas and other beverages. The liquorice plant contains phytoestrogens and has been shown to affect the endocrine system. Consumption of liquorice has been linked to lower levels of testosterone, a hormone present in both men and women that strengthens sexual desire.
2. Soy
Soy beans are very rich in a number of nutrients including protein and vitamins A and B. They can be found in various forms: soy milk, tofu, tempeh, natto, miso, shoyu and tamari, as well as in many processed foods. Eaten in excessive quantity, soy can also lower testosterone levels.
3. Mint
Mint is one of the most well-known medicinal plants. It benefits the digestive system and has antiseptic, tonic and stimulating properties. But it can also have repercussions for the libido. Brush your teeth rather than eating a breath mint!
4. Quinine
Quinine, used as a flavouring agent in tonic water and some other beverages, is naturally derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and has been used for centuries for its anti-malarial properties. Unfortunately, it has also been linked to sexual function, so think twice before overdoing the gin and tonics.
5. Corn Flakes
If you’re planning breakfast in bed, avoid corn flakes. Developed by Seventh-Day Adventists including Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the breakfast cereal was intended as part of a bland diet that would lower people’s sex drives.
courtesy of besthealthmag.ca
You should also consider fueling up with so-called “super foods” to keep your energy up and stress level down.
7 Superfoods to Boost Energy Levels
1. Salmon
Why it’s so special: This fish contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, linked to decreased rates of heart disease.
How it helps energize you: Salmon is a good source of protein, which can help improve your alertness and performance.
2. Almonds: Help Curb Cravings
How it helps energize you: Almonds prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin, which means fewer highs and lows while you’re working.
3. Green Tea: Healthy Coffee Alternative
How it helps energize you:
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and catechins, compounds that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. A smart choice for a midafternoon pick-me-up.
4. Avocado: Improve Your Concentration
How it helps energize you: The dual fiber and fat in this summertime favorite help keep insulin levels steady, making concentration easier. Beneficial for their good fat, avocadoes contain plenty of potassium.
5. Veggies: Avoid a Blood Sugar Crash
How it helps energize you: The fiber in these crunchy vegetables helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin, preventing energy levels from rising rapidly only to crash down.
6. Dark Chocolate: Lower Stress
How it helps energize you: Eating dark chocolate may lower cortisol, a stress hormone associated with increased appetite and weight gain. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help keep blood vessels healthy and reduce inflammation. In addition, the fat in dark chocolate won’t adversely affect your cholesterol levels.(70 percent or more)
7. Berries: Keep You Focused
How it helps energize you: Packed with fiber, berries can keep you focused by controlling your blood sugar levels and helping you avoid a dip in energy. Dark berries, including blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, are packed with antioxidants.
