Foods to eat for better sex

Certain foods may enhance a person’s sexual experience in various ways. This includes stamina, libido, and circulation, among others. Some of the foods in a sexual diet include fruits and vegetables, red meat, and hot peppers.
Humans have long looked for ways to improve their sexual experience, including trying to discover the best foods for sex.
Scientists have linked a variety of foods with better sex. In this article, learn about which foods to eat to boost libido, improve stamina, and enhance your sex life.
Foods for circulation and stamina
Share on Pinterest
Keeping the circulatory system in good working order is essential for sexual health. Better circulation can lead to an improved sexual response in men and women. This is especially true for the erectile response. Cardiac health is also vital for stamina.
In other words, if it is good for the heart, it is good for a person’s sex life.
The American Heart Association recommend a diet that includes:
American Heart Association
a wide range of fruits and vegetables
whole grains and plenty of fiber
healthful oils, such as olive oil and sunflower oil
seafood, nuts, and legumes
Research suggests that following this heart-healthy diet can improve certain aspects of sexual health.
Researchers studying the Mediterranean Diet, which follows similar lines to the American Heart Association’s, found that people with metabolic syndrome who followed the diet had fewer problems with erectile dysfunction, otherwise known as ED.
Researchers studying the Mediterranean Diet
erectile dysfunction
Also, many of the foods featured in a heart-healthy diet, such as avocados, asparagus, nuts, seafood, and fruit, have associations with better sex in both traditional medicine and scientific research.
For example, in Nahuatl — the language once used by the Aztecs — the term for avocados was the same as the term for testicles.
term for testicles
Also, researchers found that people who ate avocados had a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a risk factor for ED.
researchers
Men with metabolic syndrome are almost twice as likely as men without it to experience ED, so adding healthful fats, such as those in avocados, to a varied diet may help.
twice as likely
Foods to boost libido
Foods that can help people improve their libido are commonly called aphrodisiacs, after Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love.
Oysters are among the most famous aphrodisiacs in history. Their effects may be due to their zinc content.
Zinc is a mineral the body needs every day for many vital functions, such as cell metabolism, stamina, and regulating levels of testosterone. Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone.
regulating levels of testosterone
Testosterone
One older study found that zinc might be helpful for treating ED in people with chronic kidney disease.
study
chronic kidney disease
Oysters have more zinc than any other food per serving. Some examples of other foods that are high in zinc are:
crab
lobster
red meat
fortified breakfast cereal
pine nuts
However, sexual desire is complex and has to do with many more factors than just nutrition, including an individual’s relationships, stress levels, and personal preference.
nutrition
stress
It is natural for people to experience ups and downs in their interest in sex. Many alternative healthcare practitioners claim diet can help.
While more scientific research is needed, the following foods are possible libido-boosters:
Asian and American ginseng
Asian and American ginseng
Fenugreek
Fenugreek
Maca
Maca
Foods to help maintain an erection

When a person has difficulty getting and maintaining an erection, doctors refer to it as ED. According to the Urology Care Foundation, ED affects up to 30 million men in the United States.
30 million men
Understanding the physical, mental, and emotional factors that contribute to ED can help people choose a diet that promotes better sex.
Factors that contribute to ED include:
problems with blood flowing into and staying in the penis
damage to nerve centers in the penis
side effects of medication, radiation, and other medical treatments
depression, anxiety, and stress
depression
anxiety
Tackling the underlying cause is the best way to treat ED. But another thing people can do is eat more fruit.
In one study, researchers linked a higher fruit intake to a 14 percent reduction in the risk of ED. The flavonoid content of many fruits may be responsible for this improvement.
14 percent
Foods rich in flavonoids include:
include
berries
citrus fruits
grapes
apples
hot peppers
cocoa products
red wine
tea (green, white, and black)
Research in an animal model has also shown that watermelon may be effective against ED. The melon’s content of the amino acid l-citrulline may explain this positive action.
Research
l-citrulline
Also, nitric oxide may be beneficial to prevent ED by increasing blood flow and vasodilation.
Beets also contain nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide and may be beneficial for blood flow.
Takeaway
Many people look to their diet to increase their sexual desire, improve their ability to have sex, and increase the pleasure they get from sex.
While research indicates possible links between particular foods and better sex, those seeking the best food for sex should ensure they are eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet.