The red roses are out on display and the giant teddies ready to fill many a Valentine’s Day delivery. The season of all things love is in full swing. So is there any truth to the commonly held belief that certain foods can help to boost your sex drive? Indeed it is well documented that oysters, figs and even bananas are the lusty tastes and visual aids we should seek out if the goal is to feel a little randier but is there any scientific truth to these claims? And if you are looking to spice your sexual activity, what are the key foods can you add to your diet so you are all ready to embrace true love this Valentine’s Day? Susie Burrell, leading Australian dietician gives us some pointers for this Valentine’s Day.
Oysters
Oysters are one of the richest natural sources of zinc, a key nutrient involved in the production of testosterone. Low levels of zinc some doctors associate with erectile dysfunction. Boosting zinc increases sperm count. As a key sex hormone, testosterone plays a key role in regulating libido for both men and women. The production of testosterone regulates both the brain and the pituitary gland. They significantly impact stress levels. As testosterone production also declines as we age ensuring an adequate dietary intake of zinc is important is to optimize testosterone production and as such sex drive for both men and women.
Maca Powder
Maca is a root vegetable found in Peru. It comes from the same group of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Find maca in both root and powdered form. Add maca to smoothies and baking to boost overall nutritional intake. One of the proposed benefits of maca is that it helps to boost sexual desire. A few published studies show that supplementing with maca did increase reports of sexual desire independent of testosterone levels. There is also some evidence to show that supplementing with maca powder may improve the quality of semen.
Egg Yolk
While egg whites are known for their high protein levels, let’s not forget the key nutrients found in egg yolk. Egg yolk is a rich source of Vitamin’s D, E which are fat-soluble vitamins. They play key roles in hormone production. Egg yolk is also a rich source of Vitamins B5 and B6 which play key roles in energy production.
Salmon
It is the special omega 3 fats found in particularly high quantities in deep-sea oily fish including salmon that is associated with boosting sexual performance and drive the long term. Firstly, omega 3 fats act to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. This means that ensuring your diet has enough omega 3 fats each week, or at least 2-3 serves will help to ensure your blood can bump as freely and powerfully as possible when the need arrives. In addition, it is these good fats that are also involved in hormone production, including the sex hormones which play powerful roles in regulating our sex drive. I recommend a fresh Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon, such as Tassal, which will give you a full flavor to help give you that extra boost!
Peanuts
Peanuts or peanut butter is a must if your goal is optimizing blood flow to the regions of the body. Specifically, arginine helps in the production of nitric oxide which helps achieve and maintain erectile function. As such boosting intake via foods including peanuts, turkey, seeds and whole grains is a natural alternative to more aggressive medications such as Viagra which also works by increasing the level and activity of nitric oxide in a medicinal form.
Red Meat
When it comes to feeling in the mood, let’s not forget the importance of maintaining optimal energy levels in general. 1 in 4 Australian women have clinically low iron levels. Too tired? Boost your lover’s iron intake with a small serve of lean red meat. Eat the richest natural sources of iron, 3-4 times each week to help optimize energy and libido. And cooking her dinner (and cleaning up afterward) will probably help too.
While you’re here, check out the top ten cities to flirt in this Valentine’s Day.
