10 foods that turn you on
By Paula Simpson/ genConnect.com
According to Marenna Lindberg, author of the book, The Orgasmic Diet, your diet influences your sexual health. Consuming items that are high in protein, low in simple sugars, void of caffeine, combined with moderate fats, fish oil supplements, dark chocolate ... and exercises, such as Kegels, can stimulate the female libido by promoting healthy circulation, improved muscle tone, sufficient free testosterone and balance in your dopamine-serotonin levels. Is Your Low Sex Drive Normal? (VIDEO)
Here's a list of 10 of the top foods to turn you on...
1 & 2. Chillies & Ginger: Help to stimulate circulation. Both have been used traditionally in Asian medicine to stimulate energy flow (chi) in the body. Because of their potency, a small amount is all that is needed to add to dishes!
3. Oysters: They are extremely rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and iron - common vitamins and minerals. When males are deficient in the trace mineral zinc, sperm quality is negatively affected1 and levels of testosterone decrease, resulting in lowered sexual capacity and drive. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone that encourages sexual satisfaction.
4. Nuts: In general, nuts are very high in the amino acid, arginine, which is a precursor of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide allows for our blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow throughout our body (including blood flow to genital area).
5. Watermelons: Watermelons are a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that can be made into arginine, which then gets converted to nitric oxide. Remember to eat the rind, since this is where most of the citrulline is found.
6. Asparagus: Asparagus is a great source of iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin E. In particular, vitamin E is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones, which then prompts an increase in sex drive for both men and women.
Do "libido"-boosting foods and remedies REALLY work? What Dr. Sara NasserZadeh Says of Foods & "Cures" for Low Libido ...
7. Chocolate: Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which helps to release dopamine, which in turn stimulates the production of the "cuddle hormone," known as oxytocin. Indulge in dark chocolate 75 percent or higher, as it contains more antioxidant potency and less sugar.
8. Avocados: An excellent source of vitamin B6 to increase male hormone production, and potassium to regulate a woman's thyroid gland, avocados play a role in boosting libido for both sexes.
9. Nutmeg: Used traditionally to boost libido, sprinkle some on your cappuccino!
10. Celery: Raw celery boosts production of androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration. Androsterone acts as a pheromone.
Tell us: How do you spice up your love life?
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Paula Simpson, B.A.Sc (Nutrition), RNCP. With international recognition as a Nutrition & Fitness Expert, Paula has over 15 years of experience in formulation and program development for the Nutraceutical and Medical Aesthetic Industry. Paula has worked with many top celebrities and models over the years and currently is also a contributing editor and often sought by many of the leading health and beauty publications.
