Sharon Lehman, R.D. - Mar 22 2023
8 Foods to Boost Your Sex Drive
The foods and nutrients you consume contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being in a multitude of ways. Sexual health is directly linked to overall health, so foods that are good for your heart, brain, and digestion also benefit sex hormones and function.
Whether you’re struggling to get in the mood more often or feel your bedroom performance could be perkier, your diet could help or hurt the situation. Eating more good-for-you foods is a natural way to boost sexual appetite. In this article, we’re breaking down the 8 best foods that increase sex drive, enhance sexual performance, and improve intimacy.
Sharon Lehman, R.D. - Mar 22 2023
8 Foods to Boost Your Sex Drive
The foods and nutrients you consume contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being in a multitude of ways. Sexual health is directly linked to overall health, so foods that are good for your heart, brain, and digestion also benefit sex hormones and function.
Whether you’re struggling to get in the mood more often or feel your bedroom performance could be perkier, your diet could help or hurt the situation. Eating more good-for-you foods is a natural way to boost sexual appetite. In this article, we’re breaking down the 8 best foods that increase sex drive, enhance sexual performance, and improve intimacy.
Sharon Lehman, R.D. - Mar 22 2023
8 Foods to Boost Your Sex Drive
The foods and nutrients you consume contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being in a multitude of ways. Sexual health is directly linked to overall health, so foods that are good for your heart, brain, and digestion also benefit sex hormones and function.
Whether you’re struggling to get in the mood more often or feel your bedroom performance could be perkier, your diet could help or hurt the situation. Eating more good-for-you foods is a natural way to boost sexual appetite. In this article, we’re breaking down the 8 best foods that increase sex drive, enhance sexual performance, and improve intimacy.
Table of Contents:
- What Makes a Superfood?
- Healthy Fats
- Simple Healthy Swaps
- Healthier Skin
- Better Hydration
- More Delicious Ways to Consume Coconut
Foods That Increase Sex Drive
You should know eating a certain food once or twice won’t change your sex life overnight. In fact, researchers haven’t found much evidence to support the theory of aphrodisiac foods, AKA ingredients that instantly turn on sexual desire. However, food can indirectly get your motor running.
Here’s how:
- By providing energy and nutrients linked to enhanced endurance and stamina, which can translate to better performance between the sheets.
- By providing nutrients that support heart health and proper blood flow. Blood has to reach the right places for arousal and orgasms to occur.
- By providing nutrients that boost mood through the production of feel-good brain chemicals that support happiness and combat stress. Not surprisingly, you’re more likely to be interested in sex when your head is in a good place.
- By providing nutrients that support healthy levels of sex hormones.
To help you get that fire going, here are the best foods to boost sex drive:
Oysters
Oysters are packed with the mineral zinc, which your body needs to produce testosterone. Both males and females need testosterone to feel sexual desire and arousal.
Just one 3-ounce serving of raw oysters provides 291% of your daily value for zinc. If the raw bar isn’t for you, other good sources of zinc include beef, crab, fortified breakfast cereals, and pumpkin seeds.
Dark Chocolate
Thanks to a high antioxidant content, dark chocolate is considered good for overall health. Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a compound that stimulates the nervous system to release dopamine and serotonin, the brain chemicals that make you feel happy and influence sexual desire.
Here at Hail Merry, we heart dark chocolate and you can get your daily fix with our Tarts, Coconut Cookie Dough, or Cups.
Figs
Like other plant-based foods, figs are a good source of antioxidants that have a protective effect on the body. Figs also contain the minerals magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Potassium and magnesium support heart health by regulating blood pressure and blood flow.
For maximum benefit, choose unsweetened dried figs, which are a more concentrated source of nutrition than fresh figs. Snack on them plain or try adding them to salads or oat bowls.
Avocados
Avocados contain healthy fat, vitamin B6, and the minerals potassium and magnesium, all of which are important for sexual function. Unsaturated fats support heart health, while vitamin B6 helps the body produce energy and sex hormones.
Avocados are excellent in dips, mashed on toast or crackers, blended into smoothies, and can even be used to make dairy-free chocolate pudding and popsicles.
Foods That Increase Sex Drive
You should know eating a certain food once or twice won’t change your sex life overnight. In fact, researchers haven’t found much evidence to support the theory of aphrodisiac foods, AKA ingredients that instantly turn on sexual desire. However, food can indirectly get your motor running.
Here’s how:
- By providing energy and nutrients linked to enhanced endurance and stamina, which can translate to better performance between the sheets.
- By providing nutrients that support heart health and proper blood flow. Blood has to reach the right places for arousal and orgasms to occur.
- By providing nutrients that boost mood through the production of feel-good brain chemicals that support happiness and combat stress. Not surprisingly, you’re more likely to be interested in sex when your head is in a good place.
- By providing nutrients that support healthy levels of sex hormones.
To help you get that fire going, here are the best foods to boost sex drive:
Oysters
Oysters are packed with the mineral zinc, which your body needs to produce testosterone. Both males and females need testosterone to feel sexual desire and arousal.
Just one 3-ounce serving of raw oysters provides 291% of your daily value for zinc. If the raw bar isn’t for you, other good sources of zinc include beef, crab, fortified breakfast cereals, and pumpkin seeds.
Dark Chocolate
Thanks to a high antioxidant content, dark chocolate is considered good for overall health. Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a compound that stimulates the nervous system to release dopamine and serotonin, the brain chemicals that make you feel happy and influence sexual desire.
Here at Hail Merry, we heart dark chocolate and you can get your daily fix with our Tarts, Coconut Cookie Dough, or Cups.
Figs
Like other plant-based foods, figs are a good source of antioxidants that have a protective effect on the body. Figs also contain the minerals magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Potassium and magnesium support heart health by regulating blood pressure and blood flow.
For maximum benefit, choose unsweetened dried figs, which are a more concentrated source of nutrition than fresh figs. Snack on them plain or try adding them to salads or oat bowls.
Avocados
Avocados contain healthy fat, vitamin B6, and the minerals potassium and magnesium, all of which are important for sexual function. Unsaturated fats support heart health, while vitamin B6 helps the body produce energy and sex hormones.
Avocados are excellent in dips, mashed on toast or crackers, blended into smoothies, and can even be used to make dairy-free chocolate pudding and popsicles.
What Makes a Superfood?
It’s certainly become a buzzword over the years, and it seems like more and more foods are being dubbed a “superfood.” But what makes one worthy of such a title?
By definition, it’s “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.” A superfood should be, well, super — it should extend far beyond providing one single health benefit; a true superfood works overtime in providing good-for-you properties that positively impact your body’s functioning.
So, is coconut worthy of being deemed a superfood? Does coconut check those boxes? With a resounding yes! Let’s dive into the wellness benefits this powerhouse fruit has to offer.
If you’re looking for healthy fats…
We know that having fat in your diet is a good thing; in fact, it’s critical — the key is to ensure that you’re taking in healthy fats.
Having the right kind of fat in your diet can help your body:
- Better absorb nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
- Have more sustained energy to power through your day
- Have a lower risk of heart disease
- Help regulate your blood sugar levels
- Reduce inflammation
A high-fat fruit, coconut, can provide your body with the healthy kind of fat it needs to function optimally. One type of healthy fat that coconut possesses is MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), which is found in coconut oil. Some of the beneficial properties of MCTs include increased energy, improved physical performance (athletes are a fan for this reason!), a boost in heart health, and it’s been said that it may even be beneficial for gut health, too, thanks to its ability to fight bacteria and yeast growth.
The beauty of coconut is that it can be consumed in so many forms! If you’re looking to add healthy fats into your diet, you can incorporate coconut into your diet in a myriad of ways:
- Start cooking with coconut oil
- Eat coconut meat (add it to smoothies or fruit bowls, or eat it fresh as a snack!)
- Add coconut flakes as a topping to your meals
- Add coconut cream or coconut milk into your recipes as a dairy milk alternative
If you’re looking for simple healthy swaps…
Have dietary restrictions or food allergies, or just looking for some simple swaps for a recipe? Turn to coconut! Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or sugar-sensitive, coconut can be used as a simple swap in just about any recipe.
Need a wheat flour alternative?
Try coconut flour! It’s not a 1-for-1 swap, but a simple googling of ratios can help you determine the right amount of coconut flour to use in a standard recipe.
Need a table sugar alternative?
Try coconut sugar! If you’re sensitive to sugar or just trying to be mindful of your consumption for health reasons, coconut sugar might be just the swap you’re looking for. Flavor-wise, it’s a nearly unnoticeable difference. Compared to the glycemic index of table sugar (65), coconut sugar comes in significantly lower (54).
Need an oil substitute?
Try coconut oil! With a smoke point of 350 degrees (olive oil has a smoke point of about 410 degrees, for comparison), coconut oil is a suitable alternative for many dishes, from stir-fry recipes to basic sauteing and pan frying. It’s worth noting that coconut oil does have a bit more flavor than typical cooking oil, so make sure it’s a flavor you enjoy before making the swap! Coconut oil can also be used while baking to replace butter, canola, or vegetable oil. (Note: Be sure to check the ratio for the substitution!) As a bonus, swapping for coconut oil will also deliver some good-for-you benefits, like antioxidants, to protect your body from free radicals and aid in lowering the risk of developing serious conditions like heart disease.
Need a low-sodium alternative?
Try coconut aminos! If you’re a big fan of stir fry or just a fan of soy sauce in general, you know that this delicious sauce comes with a hefty dose of sodium per serving. If you’re trying to manage your sodium intake, swap your soy sauce for coconut aminos! In comparison to soy sauce (280mg of sodium/teaspoon), coconut aminos have significantly less sodium (90 mg/teaspoon). Bonus: Coconut aminos are gluten-free, whereas many soy sauces are not. Flavor-wise, the two are very similar, but it’s worth giving it a taste test first to ensure you’ll enjoy it in whatever you’re eating!
If you’re looking for healthier skin…
You might be surprised to learn that coconut has a plethora of uses outside of the kitchen — it can actually become a staple in your skincare routine, too!
Struggle with acne?
As we mentioned earlier, coconut oil, in particular, has antimicrobial properties that can be helpful to those who struggle with skin ailments like acne.
Have a cut?
Coconut oil is often turned to for healing wounds, too, as it can help keep the skin clean thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Another great reason to reach for coconut oil when you’ve got an open wound? According to Conscious Coconut, “Research states that coconut oil promotes collagen production and repairs skin cells, which means that it makes for a great wound healing agent.”
Have dry skin?
Whether you’re dealing with the impacts of winter weather or have chronic dry skin, coconut oil can be a gentle, natural option to turn to for relief. Putting the oil on your skin can help to lock moisture in, thus helping your skin to stay hydrated! Because coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, it can be helpful for those who struggle with eczema and psoriasis.
Need to take off your make-up?
Standard make-up removers and cleansing toners can be harsh on the skin. Coconut oil acts as an impressively effective make-up remover that’s as gentle as it is hydrating to your skin, so it’s pulling double duty! With all of its other healing properties in mind — anti-inflammatory, hydrating, antimicrobial — you’ll be doing your skin quite a few favors by reaching for coconut oil at the end of the day to remove your make-up!
If you’re looking for better hydration…
Being adequately hydrated is essential for your body’s functioning and overall well-being. The trouble is that so many people struggle to meet their recommended daily water intake. Often, the reason is that they don’t like the taste of water. Enter: coconut water.
Bored of plain water?
With an elevated taste, coconut water makes for easy (and more enjoyable, for many!) drinking, helping you to meet your hydration needs. The next time you’re feeling parched, consider reaching for coconut water (which comes in a variety of tasty flavors) to deliver your body the hydration it needs and the nutrients it will benefit from.
Need to replenish after a workout?
If you exercise regularly, coconut water is an excellent substitute for your go-to sports drink — it provides electrolytes, potassium, and nutrients to replenish your body without the massive amounts of sugar in most sports drinks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, coconut water may also be an excellent option for those who suffer from kidney stones (chat with your doctor to make sure!).
Dealing with stomach upset?
If you’re feeling a little too full after a meal or trying to manage digestive upset or bloat, coconut water may help with that, too! The water from this delicious fruit contains fiber and magnesium — two essential nutrients for healthy digestion!
Bananas
Like avocados, bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. In addition to hormone production and heart health, potassium and magnesium support muscle contraction and relaxation which may translate to better physical performance during sex.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats that support circulation and boost production of hormones and brain chemicals. They also contain magnesium and zinc.
Good choices include almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Make your own trail mix, add them to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or salads, and use nut and seed butters in baked goods.
Watermelon
A juicy slice of watermelon might just improve blood flow to your netherregions. It contains a nonessential amino acid called citrulline that your body uses to make arginine, another amino acid. Arginine helps blood vessels dilate, which can improve blood flow.
Try blending cubed watermelon with water and chia seeds for a refreshing and revitalizing drink.
Honey
Honey has been used to boost health and fertility in cultures around the world for hundreds of years. It contains sugar in the form of fructose and glucose, which provides rapid energy that can help fuel intimacy, as well as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Darker, amber-colored honey, such as manuka honey, are more nutrient-rich than lighter varieties. Try sweetening your morning tea or coffee with honey, use in place of maple syrup, or mix into plain yogurt or oatmeal.
Foods That Lower Sex Drive
On the other side of the coin, an unhealthy diet can diminish your sex drive. Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, circulatory issues, and hormonal imbalances that can affect your libido.
Here are foods to limit for better sex and health:
Alcohol
A cocktail or glass of wine on date night can help you relax and lower sexual inhibitions, but drinking too much can make you tired and impair sexual function. If your goal is to be intimate with your partner, stick to 1 or 2 drinks max or order a mocktail.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are the most unhealthy type of fat you can consume. They’re linked to an increase in inflammation and heart disease that can indirectly impact sexual health. You’ll find them primarily in processed foods, store-bought baked goods, and margarine. Always read ingredient labels and skip any products that contain partially hydrogenated oils, which are a source of trans fats.
Processed Foods
Many processed foods, like packaged cookies and chips, contain saturated and/or trans fats, added sugar, sodium, and preservatives that are linked to inflammation, weight gain, and heart problems. Replace these foods with fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and store-bought snacks made with minimal, wholesome ingredients.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are grain products and sweets, like white bread and candy, that lack fiber and cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar due to their high starch and/or sugar content. Stable blood sugar levels support healthy hormone levels, which in turn regulate sexual health.
Whole grains, like brown rice and quinoa, contain fiber that slows digestion and doesn’t spike blood sugar. Limit sugary foods and replace white foods with whole grain or grain-free alternatives, such as whole grain bread and lentil pasta.
The Bottom Line
There’s no secret food that’s going to give your sex life an instant makeover. However, a balanced diet is foundational to sexual wellness.
Food provides fuel to power intimacy and contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for proper functioning. Certain foods may increase sex drive by influencing blood flow, hormone health, and libido.
If you have concerns about sexual health or are considering making changes to your diet, speak with your healthcare provider.
- In the same way your meals affect energy levels and concentration, food plays a role in sexual function, desire, and performance.
- The best foods to increase sex drive contain nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, that support overall health, normal blood flow, and balanced hormones.
- Foods that can lower your sex drive are bad for your overall health and include foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and alcohol.
Sharon Lehman, RD is a dietitian and health and nutrition writer. She earned a Bachelors degree in Dietetics from the University of Delaware and is a certified holistic health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has over 10 years experience as a dietitian and 5 years experience authoring evidence-based wellness content for various publications. She also specializes in culinary nutrition, recipe development, and food photography. You can view more of her work on her blog, Heart and Stove.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34311679/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904499/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7832857/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174665/nutrients
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34894302/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197897/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579633/
If you’re looking for a delicious way to consume more coconut…
We’ve got you covered! We’re pretty crazy for coconut here at Hail Merry.
Take a quick scan of our ingredients, and you’ll notice that coconut is a key ingredient in Hail Merry’s desserts, from our Cups to our Tarts and our Cookie Dough too!
Depending on which deliciously decadent treat you pick up, you’ll find that we’ve sourced coconut in one — or many — different forms: organic virgin coconut oil, organic coconut sugar, organic coconut flour, and/or organic shredded coconut.
There’s simply no denying that we love coconut here at Hail Merry! It’s a superhero ingredient that not only adds delicious flavor but amazing texture, too. Using coconut also helps us to ensure that our products are more inclusive to those who may have food allergies and intolerances (like gluten or dairy). Not to mention, this superfood offers some seriously amazing health benefits — and we’d argue that there’s nothing better than a dessert that’s delicious and good for you, too.