More libido through desire enhancing foods

Do you think good food and sensuality go hand in hand? There’s a reason why they say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If things aren’t quite as exciting or passionate in the bedroom anymore and your libido is a bit low, now is the time to add a few new foods to your diet. Today, we’re sharing some ideas on how you can use simple foods to Love life (once again) spice things up.

What are aphrodisiacs that boost libido?

Foods that boost sexual desire are also called aphrodisiacs. The word comes from Greek and refers to the pleasure of love. As the term suggests, it is named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and eternal youth. Aphrodisiacs are substances believed to increase libido and thus have a stimulating effect on sexual desire. Many of these active ingredients were discovered by ancient peoples such as the Aztecs and Maya and are deeply intertwined with the history of love.

How do aphrodisiacs boost your libido?

Natural aphrodisiacs have a stimulating and invigorating effect; they’re also delicious and downright sensual. Some aphrodisiacs stimulate blood flow, mucous membranes, and circulation, while others provide that certain something due to their sensual “look” or the way they’re consumed—for example, by sucking or slurping. So scent, sight, and taste can also have a libido-boosting effect. Still other foods trigger the release of happiness hormones in our bodies, thereby having an invigorating effect.  However, some foods contain substances that have been proven to be effective. For example, vitamin C, when taken in high doses, boosts libido. Ginkgo extracts help with relaxation in certain cases and may therefore also lead to a longer-lasting erection.

Worldwide, over 500 different substances are said to have aphrodisiac properties. Today, we’re sharing our top 5 everyday aphrodisiac foods and explaining how they work. We’ll also point out an extra aphrodisiac you probably wouldn’t expect to find here.

Important: Libido isn’t just about diet

Food can support your well-being—but it’s not a direct “switch” for increasing your sex drive. If your libido is low right now, there could be many reasons: hormonal changes, stress, fatigue, emotional strain, relationship issues, pain during sex, certain medications, or even physical illnesses.

So here’s the thing: Pay attention to your body, but don’t put pressure on yourself. If a sudden loss of desire occurs, lasts for a long time, is weighing on you, or is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, changes in your menstrual cycle, exhaustion, or low mood, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

These foods are especially good for boosting your libido

Pomegranate

The pomegranate tree was the favorite tree of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. Its fruit is still considered a symbol of fertility today, partly because of its plump and juicy appearance. Aphrodite, herself a symbol of fertility and eternal youth, is therefore usually depicted holding a pomegranate. Pomegranate seeds contain many phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds structurally similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. The stimulating effect of pomegranate seeds on both men and women is even being studied by scientists today.

Good to know: The phytoestrogens found in pomegranate seeds can also help alleviate night sweats, hot flashes, and other hormonal reactions during Menopause mitigate.

Chili

Does spicy food really make you feel more alert? Yes! Chili peppers sharpen your senses and cause your body to release opioids and endorphins. As your blood pumps faster through your veins, you feel more alert and much less lethargic. Chili peppers also contain capsaicin, a compound that boosts blood circulation and stimulates the mucous membranes. Even the sensitive genital area receives better blood flow. Additionally, the pores of the skin open up—making it more sensitive and responsive to touch.

Fig

In the Middle East, ancient Egypt, and the Greek and Roman empires, the fig tree was already revered as a symbol of fertility. Just a few figs are said to have a libido-boosting effect. But this small, fleshy fruit is also a real eye-catcher. In addition, figs are packed with amino acids and help our bodies release pheromones more easily. Pheromones are signaling and scent substances that have an attractive and arousing effect on a (sexual) partner. Figs also contain plenty of fructose, iron, phosphorus, and calcium. This gives you plenty of energy for a long night of love.

Dark chocolate

Chocolate has always been a symbol of love and romance. Even the Aztecs called chocolate the “food of the gods” and believed in the aphrodisiac effects of cocoa beans. Chocolate is said to make people happy because it contains tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the body. Dark chocolate also contains many bitter compounds and large amounts of the neurotransmitter phenylethylamine. Both make you alert, lively, and energetic! It’s all in the mix: the sensation of chocolate melting gently on the tongue, the positive associations with chocolate, and the healthy components of raw cocoa can contribute to the release of happiness hormones and have a stimulating effect. But please always enjoy it in moderation!

Oysters

Isn’t the very act of eating oysters—with their appearance and the sound of slurping—stimulating in itself? Admittedly, oysters may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, they hold a lot of potential: Oysters are high in protein and low in fat, and they create a very interesting sensation in the mouth. This libido-boosting food is rich in zinc, which is an important nutrient for testosterone production. Mussels, however, are generally considered an aphrodisiac due to their high mineral and protein content. In men, mussels improve sperm quality and thus also boost libido.

Don’t forget: water

You heard right! Water is our most essential elixir of life and can boost your libido. Make sure to drink enough of it, because your body can only get going once it’s been properly hydrated with this vital fluid. And don’t underestimate this: getting wet works much better if you’ve had enough to drink beforehand.

… and many more

There are many more foods that can boost your libido, including strawberries, ginger, avocado, vanilla, asparagus, rosemary, artichokes, and much more. Just figure out what tastes best to you, but also gets you in the mood and revs you up. Our tip: Cook a meal together using sensual, libido-boosting ingredients and then passionately test their effects right away!

Frequently Asked Questions About Libido, Nutrition, and Sexual Desire

Can food really boost your libido?

Certain foods can support your well-being, energy levels, and blood circulation. This can also indirectly have a positive effect on your sex drive. However, there is no credible evidence to support a direct effect along the lines of “Eat this and you’ll immediately feel more desire.” Libido is complex and isn’t influenced solely by diet.

Why have I suddenly lost interest?

A low sex drive can have many causes. Stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, psychological strain, relationship issues, pain during sex, or certain medications often play a role. Menstrual cycle phases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, or physical illnesses can also affect libido.

What role does the menstrual cycle play in libido?

Many women notice that their sex drive changes throughout their cycle. Around their fertile days, some feel more sexually open or have a stronger desire, while others experience a lower sex drive during the second half of their cycle or while menstruating. This varies greatly from person to person and isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong.

Can hormones affect libido?

Yes, hormonal changes can affect sexual desire. These include, for example, changes related to ovulation, PMS, pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, or menopause. Hormonal birth control can also play a role for some women. If you notice a significant change, it may be helpful to pay closer attention to your cycle and your body’s signals.

What foods can help boost libido?

Foods rich in micronutrients, healthy fats, protein, and plant-based protective compounds can generally support the body. These include, for example, nuts, seeds, berries, dark chocolate, avocados, legumes, whole-grain products, green leafy vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. However, they are no substitute for a medical evaluation if your low libido is causing you distress.

What really helps when you’re not in the mood?

It often helps to look beyond just diet. Sleep, stress reduction, exercise, emotional closeness, open communication, less pressure to perform, and a better understanding of one’s own cycle can all be important factors. If pain, exhaustion, mood swings, or hormonal symptoms are also present, the cause should be medically evaluated.

When should I see a doctor about a low sex drive?

It’s a good idea to see a doctor if your low sex drive occurs suddenly, persists for a long time, causes you significant distress, or is accompanied by other symptoms. These include, for example, pain during sex, changes in your menstrual cycle, severe fatigue, depressive moods, vaginal dryness, or the suspicion that medications are affecting your libido.

Is it normal to feel less interested at times?

Yes. Your libido isn’t the same every day. It can change due to stress, sleep, your relationship, your menstrual cycle, your stage of life, your health, and hormones. The important thing isn’t to conform to a fixed “normal,” but to pay attention to whether you feel comfortable with the change or if it’s causing you distress.

Sources and Further Information

• Wake up, libido
• Fraulila.de – natural aphrodisiacs
• spektrum.de – Aphrodisiac
• NHS: Loss of libido
  An overview of possible causes of low libido, including stress, relationship issues, psychological strain, hormonal changes, pain, and medications.
• Mayo Clinic: Low sex drive in women – Symptoms & causes
  A medical overview of physical, hormonal, psychological, and relationship-related factors that can affect libido.
• Kotta et al.: Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs
  A scientific review of aphrodisiacs and the limited evidence regarding many traditional libido-enhancing foods and plant compounds.
• Meston et al.: A placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba for sexual function
  Study on the effects of Ginkgo biloba on sexual arousal and sexual function; relevant for a cautious assessment of claims regarding Ginkgo.
• NCCIH: Ginkgo: Usefulness and Safety
  An overview of the benefits, evidence base, and safety of ginkgo supplements.
• van Stein et al.: Ovulatory shifts in sexual desire
  Study on possible changes in sexual desire throughout the female menstrual cycle.
• Moeini et al.: Pomegranate and women’s health – systematic review and meta-analysis
  An overview of pomegranates and their potential effects on various aspects of women’s health, including menopausal symptoms.
• Fallah et al.: Zinc is an essential element for male fertility
  An overview of the role of zinc in male fertility, sperm quality, and reproductive health.