17 Jul 11 Aphrodisiacs that Feed Your Sex Drive – Foods to Consume for Libido
Today we are talking about aphrodisiacs, or the foods that help sexual arousal and overall sexual health. The word aphrodisiac comes from the old Greek Goddess ,Aphrodity, who was the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. So it makes sense that they would name sexual foods after her 🙂
- Spinach :Â Number one on the list:
Spinach, which is very high in zinc, and it is a very important mineral for testosterone production in both men and women.A deficiency in zinc can cause a lot of of health issues like Erectile Dysfunction and loss of libido( if you don’t know what ED means, it’s basically when a man not being able to keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse).Spinach also contains an ingredient known as indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol is responsible for stopping the production of estrogen in men. Men who produce very little estrogen tend to have leaner muscles and higher testosterone production which means killer libido and sex drive.
- Oysters: Number two on our list:
Oysters are extremely high in zinc, which is known as the sex booster mineral to begin with, especially amongst men. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food on the planet per ounce, but they’re also exceptionally high in Omega 3 Fatty acids, and can help to regulate the inflammatory effects of many of today’s foods to begin with.Omega 3 fats also help with healthy cholesterol mobilization which can help boost testosterone levels, which are truly good for both men and women, we both have them. The old myth about eating oysters only in months that end in “R” is false, you’re perfectly safe, you just get better flavor in the fall and winter months.
- Chilli Peppers Number Three on our list:
For my friends who don’t like spicy stuff you may not like this… Chilli Peppers has a component called Capsaicin Have you ever noticed a natural high when eating chilies and the burning sensation you get after, that’s from the Capsaicin.Capsaicin promotes the release of chemicals that can raise your heart rate and trigger the release of endorphins that give you a natural high, which pumps that libido  (some people say “spicy food, spicy bedroom,” probably why most of the Spicy food consuming countries have such high fertility and what not).
- Watermelon Number Four on our list:
Even though watermelon is more than 90% water, the remaining 10% contains a super potent phytonutrient called “citrulline.” This converts to an amino acid called arginine which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. Those of you that take any pre-workout supplements or anything like that, arginine is what is often in them to help you get more blood flow during your workout. Ultimately, increased blood flow can result in easier arousal for both men and women. And for men that may suffer from erectile dysfunction, this can help significantly as well.  Not to mention, watermelon wouldn’t be too bad of a pre-workout snack!
- Figs Number Five on our list:
This is an amazing one, this fruit’s been around for centuries and totally should be in the superfood category. In fact, it was Cleopatra’s favorite fruit. Ancient greeks valued it more than gold at some points because of it’s benefits. Besides lowering cholesterol, it is good for diabetics since it contains a lot of potassium which helps regulate sugar in the blood, and it is terrific in the prevention of coronary heart disease (high in Omega 3 & 6. But, for our topic today, the ancient world was recommending figs to correct many sexual dysfunctions, like sterility, Erectile dysfunction, Stamina…etc What is done in the mediterranean area is to soak 2-3 figs in organic milk and eat them in the morning. and sometimes even drink the milk or the water that it was soaked in.
- Saffron Number Six on our list:
Saffron, the spendy little spice, is actually quite the aphrodisiac, and one of the few that has stood the test to serious scientific scrutiny. Many scientists feel that aphrodisiacs are merely a placebo effect, but saffron is one that clearly works from a physical standpoint! Saffron contains 3 specific anti oxidants that help with sex drive, crocin, crocetin, and safranol. Studies actually showed significant blood flow to the reproductive areas shortly after consuming saffron. You can add saffron to your tea and make a nice little aphrodisiac drink to set the mood right! What’s funny is that Cleopatra was ALSO known for using saffron! I guess she was quite sexually active!
- Dates Number Seven on our list :
Lets go on a date! Another ancient fruit that has been around for thousands of years. Besides its deliciousness,  dates are a great source of vitamins and minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, vitamin A, K niacin…etc) they also help with constipation, bone health, allergies,  Reducing LDL cholesterol levels which leads to healthy heart. Studies have shown that dates are beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Also dates contain high level of estradiol and flavonoid, these components increase the sperm count and motility. They also can promote an increase of testicular size and weight.
- Pesto Number Eight on our list:
It looks like the old disney cartoon of Lady and the Tramp had it right when it came down to romantic spaghetti! Pesto is shown to be great for sexual health for a couple reasons. For one, they contain the appropriate polyunsaturated fats to help with cholesterol production, but they also generally contain pine nuts. And next to oysters, pine nuts are one have one of the highest concentrations of zinc of any food! And like we covered before, zinc is definitely a powerful aphrodisiac. But don’t overdo it on pesto, because it is usually very high in salt and in calories, and pine nuts are so potent, you really only need about a tablespoon or two. Try to make it with spaghetti squash instead.
- Avocados Number Nine on our list:
Called the testical tree by the Aztics, it contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and vitamin E, which increases hormone production, it is also a great source of monounsaturated fats which are amazing for a healthy heart. They also contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women. LDL cholesterol isn’t just known for clogging arteries – it can lead to erectile dysfunction and a lack of flow in the downstairs department, too. Penn State University researchers found men with high intakes of monounsaturated fat – avocado  – had lower LDL cholesterol and more testosterone.
- Eggs Number Nine on our list:
I love how eggs are making a solid comeback lately! They used to be deemed so unhealthy, but now people are really starting to realize that they aren’t bad for you; they’re good for you! The reason eggs are so good for your sexual health is because of the high levels of that vitamin B-6 once again, but they are also specifically good for male testosterone levels. So if you or someone you know may be suffering from a loss of libido, having a couple of whole eggs every morning can help the natural sterols form to establish new testosterone conversion! Make sure when you get your eggs that you’re getting cage free and organic, not just cage free, because it doesn’t mean too much!
- Maca Number Eleven on our list:
Maca is known by many as Peru’s natural Viagra! This natural root has been known throughout Peru’s history as a sex enhancing root passed down by the Inca. According to research, the maca plant is used by the Peruvian culture to increase strength, stamina, energy, fertility and libido. I started adding it to my morning smoothies and have Maca lattes….(Tom’s wife, Amber got Adil Hooked on them!)
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