The food we eat is a valuable arsenal for building healthy bodies. The nutrients present in our diet helps in the healthy functioning of our body, building our immunity and keeping us strong. But did you know that the foods we eat can also affect our sex life?
From time immemorial, various foods, spices and herbs have been considered an aphrodisiac that can increase our libido and heighten sexual pleasure. We bring you the top foods for sexual health.
We can simply define libido as a person’s sex drive. While there are multiple studies and medication to boost male libido, sex drive in women is shrouded in mystery.
Female sexual desire is intricate and complex. It is influenced by factors beyond biology and naturally fluctuates over time. For instance, the beginning or end of a relationship, life changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or illness can affect sex libido. Often medications can also affect sex drive in women.
A loss in libido or a low sex drive is the most common sexual complaint made by women. Sexual desire plays an important role in intimate relationships in humans. A lack of this desire can have an adverse effect on one’s intimate relationship and quality of life.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is a symbol of sexual desire. This is not just because of its delicious taste, but because of its effect on our bodies. Chocolate promotes the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin into your body, which affects sexual desire. However, this is yet to be proven in research.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in catechin, a compound which boosts sex drive by promoting blood flow to genitals. Green tea has L-theanine, which increases dopamine levels. It not only improves your mood, it but improves your sex drive as an increase in the dopamine levels in the brain correlate to an increased libido.
Maca
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Maca is linked with increased fertility and sexual desire. Research has proven that Maca lowers measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
Red Wine
Red wine is a popular aphrodisiac. It contains quercetin, an antioxidant that boosts blood flow. Studies have proven that moderate intake of red wine is linked with higher sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function.
Hera Pro Tip: Wine in excess can lead to sexual dysfunction..- HERA
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is recognized as a natural aphrodisiac. It works by increasing the production of Nitric oxide in the body and boosting the blood flow to the genitals. Lack of testosterone in women causes a lack of sexual desire in some women. Ashwagandha is proven to raise the levels of testosterone in women.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in vitamin B6. B6 also helps regulate prolactin which is a libido enhance. Research suggests that the monounsaturated fats in Avocados help to increase testosterone production and boost female sexual drive.
Spinach
Spinach is filled with magnesium, which can help promote blood flow and increase arousal. The increased blood flow also makes it easier for women to have an orgasm.
Asian Ginseng
Asian Ginseng is known by many names, including Panax ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or Korean ginseng.
Studies have shown that ginseng helps release Nitric oxide. This compound causes blood vessels to widen, relax and improves circulation. The increased blood flow to the vaginal and clitoral region boosts sexual responsiveness. It also helps with vaginal dryness and improves the quality and quantity of orgasms. Studies have also proved that Asian Ginseng improves sexual health in premenopausal women.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are rich in saponins, which boost estradiol (a type of estrogen) that boosts sexual desire in women. Estradiol increases lubrication and blood flow to the vagina, boosting a woman’s capacity to experience an orgasm.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. The extract of this plant is believed to facilitate blood flow to the genital region by influencing the Nitric oxide system. Thus, enhancing women’s sexual health.
Gokharu
Gokharu also called Tribulus Terrestris beneficial aphrodisiac effects in several animal and human experiments. Experimental studies in animals have shown that Gokharu enhances sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction in women with low libido.
Saffron
Saffron is recommended as an aphrodisiac, as studies have shown that women taking antidepressants saw a big improvement in sexual arousal after taking saffron for 4 weeks. However, it did not seem an affect sexual desire.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in zinc, which has been proven to increase testosterone levels and improve the frequency and potency of sexual intercourse for both genders. Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids act as a precursor of prostaglandins – important for sexual health.
Strawberries
Strawberries are believed to have aphrodisiac potential as the seeds have high levels of zinc. The fruit is also high in antioxidants, which helps to optimize blood flow to the sex organs. But there is no scientific confirmation for this belief.
Steak
Steak contains zinc, vitamin B, iron and protein. These compounds help improves sexual health for both men and women.
Bananas
Bananas are a significant source of potassium which a critical nutrient for muscle contraction, necessary for good. Bananas also contain bromelain, which helps produce testosterone and boosts women’s sexual health.
Oysters
Oysters are a storehouse of zinc which helps improve women’s sexual health. It is also rich in two amino acids, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, that increases sex hormones in men and women.
Truffles
Truffles are one of the most exotic aphrodisiacs. They contain zinc, which is essential for women’s sexual health. Truffles also Truffles contain androstenol, a pheromone that triggers sexual interest.
Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in blood circulation to organs. It has also been associated with improved female libido and women’s sexual health.
Figs
Figs are rich in zinc and magnesium. These two nutrients boost testosterone and other sex hormones. While it has not been proven, but figs may also enhance the secretion of pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals our body makes to attract partners.
Ingredients like Asian ginseng, L-arginine and Ginkgo are an essential component for any sexual health supplements. They positively affect and boost the sex drive and performance.
Hera offers the best range of products for women’s sexual health. Hera’s pleasure essentials are enhanced with natural doctor-formulated and clean ingredients. All with an aim to increase your sex drive and intensify pleasure.
You can now give your sexual health the boost it needs with Hera’s Pleasure Essentials sexual health supplements, specially formulated for you.
Word Of Caution: Always speak to a doctor before starting any supplement..- HERA
The bottom line
There is no blue pill yet invented for women’s sexual health. However, the use of these common foods for sexual health that can come to the rescue to women who want to increase their sex libido.
To learn more about women’s sexual health, keep reading the Hera blog.