You have probably heard how certain foods can be used to increase sexual desire, but there is some natural science behind the theory, and some foods have been shown to enhance sexual performance, too!
Of course, men and women are different, but our bodies share enough similarities to allow us to eat together to improve the bedroom performance and desire in both sexes.
Check out these 11 common foods that work wonders for him and her in the bedroom:
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, making you feel happier and less stressed. These could help boost your ‘mood,’ and the more cocoa, the better – which is why we recommend dark chocolate (although any is better than none!).
Oysters
The whole idea of oysters being ‘the food of love’ is a bit of a cliché, but there is some real science behind this one too!
Oysters are packed with zinc, which improves muscle growth and physical performance and elevates testosterone levels.
While you may associate testosterone with men, it is shown to have a real impact on the female sex drive too. Plus, testosterone deficiency is a risk factor for infertility.
Chili Peppers
Hot peppers have been shown to increase your metabolism and stimulate endorphins, making you sweat, plump up your lips, and increase your heart rate.
All of this can get your blood pumping to the right places and heat things in the bedroom – but be warned – make sure you wash your hands before you start touching sensitive body parts!
Spinach
Spinach is a bit like nature’s Viagra as it helps increase blood flow to the extremities, which can increase arousal and make sex more pleasurable. This is down to the levels of magnesium it contains, which lower inflammation in your blood vessels.
No wonder Popeye was so popular with Olive Oyl…
Green Tea
Green tea contains many catechins compounds that attack belly fat (making you look and feel sexier) and increases the liver’s capacity to turn fat into energy.
However, looking hot is not all these little catechins help with, as they also improve blood flow by killing off the free radicals that can damage and inflame blood vessels. They also help your blood vessels to release nitric oxide, which increases their size and improves blood flow to the parts that matter!
Ginger
Yet another food that can improve your blood flow to boost your sexual performance, ginger has also been shown to improve your arterial health.
Sure, it has a pretty strong taste which you probably either love or hate. Still, a study in the International Journal of Cardiology shows that you only need a teaspoon of ginger a few times a week to get the heart-helping rewards.
Pumpkin Seeds
Like eating chocolate, pumpkin seeds can help improve your mood and make you feel more open to the idea of some fun between the sheets. This is because they are one of the best sources of an amino acid called tryptophan, which increases serotonin production in your brain.
Pumpkin seeds can also offer an extra boost for anyone on anti-depressants, as they increase the serotonin levels that the anti-depressants help circulate through your brain.
As you know, feeling ‘in the mood’ is a big part of having a great sex life!
Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium which can reduce the effects of other foods high in sodium. This is important as salty foods (those high in sodium) can actually decrease the blood flow to the genitals, making it harder to climax.
That’s not all, as salty foods can also make you feel bloated – and who feels sexy when they’re bloated? Nobody!
Fatty Fish
You may have heard how oily cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help your heart, but did you know these acids also raise dopamine levels in the brain?
As with many of these foods, dopamine will help your blood flow and help you feel more relaxed and connected to your partner – which has to be suitable for your sex life!
Potatoes
Much like bananas, potatoes are a great source of potassium, which helps your circulation by reducing the bloating effects of salt in your diet.
Not only will this boost your physical pleasure, but studies have shown that potassium may also enhance your mood since low potassium levels have been linked to depression.
Whether white or sweet, potatoes can provide you with an excellent potassium pick-me-up!
Pesto
Pesto is something of a sexual wonder food for both sexes. You will want to include spinach (see above), pine nuts, and (surprise, surprise) garlic for the best results!
While spinach does the job of improving blood flow to the areas that matter, pine nuts (much like oysters) contain high zinc levels to improve testosterone and boost the sex drive of both men and women.
The garlic, meanwhile, not only increases your stamina but also stops the formation of fatty deposits called nano plaques in your arterial walls – which helps blood flow and is a particular bonus for the
