Ready to spice up date night? These seven foods will put you and your special someone in the mood long before the check arrives.
Pull up two seats at the raw bar and watch the magic happen. These little gems from the sea boost libido with a unique and potent combination of minerals and proteins, namely zinc, vitamin B12, and two unusual amino acids — D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate. Not into oysters? Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and roast beef are also high in zinc, although perhaps not as sensual to eat.
The high concentration of vitamin C in strawberries is known to raise men's sperm count, though the more important benefit for sex drive is their ability to increase circulation in both men and women. The added fructose to give you a burst of energy doesn't hurt either!
What's good for your heart is also good for your libido. Now isn't that convenient? Fatty fishes have been known to boost sex drive. Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel keep your heart healthy and pumping with ease. Not to mention it also gives you glowing, irresistible skin.
In general, alcohol decreases libido except when that alcohol is red wine. Like strawberries, red wine helps to increase blood flow which in turn contributes to a boost in sex drive. In addition to consuming it, the color of red wine helps, too. Research finds that men and women are both more attracted to others who wear (and drink!) the color red.
As if you needed another reason to love chocolate! Dark chocolate in particular contributes to an increased sex drive because it contains the very unsexy-sounding compound called phenylethylamine. It's commonly referred to as the "love chemical" because it is known to stimulate romantic emotions in the brain. So go ahead and have dessert.
Just call it nature's Viagra. Researchers at Texas A&M University found that the triple threat of lycopene, citrulline, and beta-carotene in watermelon rev up your libido by relaxing blood vessels, which increases blood flow. To close out your romantic picnic this summer, pack some cold slices of watermelon for dessert and watch things heat up.
Like watermelon, sweet potatoes contain a healthy dose of beta-carotene. Our bodies transform beta-carotene into vitamin A, both key supplements for boosting libido.
Has your sex drive responded to any of these foods — or others?
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