Having a healthy sex drive is linked to feeling physically and emotionally healthy, so it is no surprise that the foods you eat play a role in boosting your sex life.
A nutritious diet can benefit your sex life in many ways:
- boosting your libido
- improving blood flow and heart health
- improving your stamina
These six foods are packed with nutrients that can perk up your libido and may improve your overall health, too.
1. Oysters
You have probably heard about the aphrodisiac properties of oysters.The reason for this is that oysters are high in zinc. This compound increases blood flow, which may aid blood flow to the sex organs.
Zinc may be especially important in male fertility, as it helps regulate testosterone levels.
Oysters contain more zinc than any other food source, with one serving providing 673%Trusted Source of your daily value.
Non-seafood sources of zinc include:
- Beef
- Pork
- Baked beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cereals fortified with zinc
2. Certain meats
Eating meats, or other foods that contain specific amino acids, could help improve your sex life.
Various high-protein foods — including beef, chicken, and pork — contain compounds that help to improve blood flow, such as:
- carnitine
- L-arginine
- zinc
Smooth blood flow is crucial to sexual response in people of all genders. Keep in mind, though, that eating too much red meat can be bad for your heart.If you are following a vegetarian diet, you can get these nutrients from whole grains and dairy products, including milk and cheese.
3. Salmon
Salmon is well known for having heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
The pink-fleshed fish, as well as sardines, tuna and halibut, could play a role in keeping your body, and your sex life, healthy.
Omega-3s help prevent the buildup of plaque in your arteries, according to a 2017 reviewTrusted Source. This promotes healthy blood flow throughout your body.
Keeping the circulatory system working smoothly reduces the risk of certain diseases that impair sexual function.
4. Nuts and seeds
Instead of candy, try snacking on a handful of nuts and seeds.Cashews and almonds are chock-full of zinc, while a host of healthy snacks contain L-arginine to get your blood flowing.
Try the following:
- walnuts
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- pecans
- hazelnuts
- peanuts
- Walnuts are doubly helpful, as they are also rich in omega-3s.
5. Apples
Apples are rich in a compound called quercetin. This antioxidant, a type of flavonoid, may offer a number of health benefits.
As far as sex goes, quercetin plays a role in:
- promoting circulation
- treating ED
- managing the symptoms of prostatitis
Healthful foods rich in flavonoids include:
- apples
- strawberries
- blueberries
- dark-colored grapes
- red wine
- cherries
- citrus fruits
6. Beets
Beetroots are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making a healthful addition to any diet. They are also high in dietary nitrates, which means they could help boost your sex life.
Dietary nitrates expand the blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation, which improves blood flow. This has beneficial effects on muscle contraction. Because of this, some athletes use nitrates to boost performance.
Some studiesTrusted Source even suggest that just one dose of beetroot juice, or doses over a few days, could improve peoples performance at intermittent, high-intensity exercise, with short rest periods.
Other foods high in nitrates include:
- Spinach
- Arugula, also known as rocket
- Cress, also known as garden cress
- Lettuce
- Celery
- Radish
