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Recent years have seen attitudes towards sex evolve in ways that would have once seemed far-fetched at best.
People are becoming more open and liberal in their approach to sex, the taboos of generations gone by are being confined to the history books and technology is transforming long-distance relationships for the better.
Skype sex and adult chat services have become the norm for millions, as the world (finally) explores and embraces its collective sexuality.
But one thing that has remained and will always remain constant is the remarkable connection between food and sex. Food and sexual desire are two seemingly separate concepts, which are nonetheless intertwined in a multitude of ways.
On one level, food and sex are both essential components of life. Both represent pleasure and provide sustenance. On a deeper level, food and sex represent much more than basic survival needs. From an evolutionary point of view, food and sex are important factors in reproducing and sustaining the species.
Physiological and Psychological Connections
The connection between food and sexual desire goes much deeper than most people realize.
Physiologically, certain foods can stimulate the production of hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, which are essential for sexual desire and arousal.
Additionally, certain foods contain neurochemicals that can help increase sex drive or alter mood in ways that make sex more enjoyable. There’s also a stack of scientific evidence to suggest that certain vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, can boost libido.
Psychologically, food can act as a sexual stimulant. For example, certain sweet or savory dishes can evoke memories of past sexual experiences. Likewise, eating a romantic dinner together can create an atmosphere of intimacy that can be conducive to sexual arousal.
Similarly, sharing a meal in an intimate setting can evoke feelings of closeness and connectedness that can also lead to sexual desire.
Food has a long and varied history of being used to provoke sexual pleasure and desire.
In many cultures, aphrodisiacs, such as oysters, honey, chocolate and figs, have been used for centuries to increase libido and pleasure. Some cultures have long used certain foods as ritualistic offerings to honor sexual deities or to seek divine guidance in sexual matters.
On a practical level, food has also been used throughout history as a more ‘direct’ way to enhance sexual pleasure. No real need to go into any great detail here – think your classic can of whipped cream and let your imagination run wild.
Top Foods For a Proven Libido Boost
In terms of which foods have the greatest potential to increase sexual desire and satisfaction, some are more renowned for their bedroom-based benefits than others.
Examples of which include the following:
- Bananas: This humble yellow fruit is packed with potassium, vitamin B and magnesium, all of which are vital nutrients for energy and libido-fueling hormones.
- Avocados: The vitamins, minerals and healthy monounsaturated fat in avocados help support a healthy sex drive.
- Oysters: This classic libido booster is renowned for its high zinc content, which helps boost testosterone levels in both men and women.
- Nuts: Nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios are full of healthy fats, proteins and vitamins that help support hormone balance, circulation and energy levels.
- Dark Chocolate: A tasty treat that’s also packed with flavonoids that can help increase blood flow to your nether regions and promote a healthy libido.
- Figs: Full of energy-boosting B vitamins, figs have also been linked to increased sex drive and improved sexual performance.
- Garlic: Eating garlic can help to boost testosterone levels and increase libido, thanks to its high allicin content.
- Chili Peppers: If you can handle them, these fiery peppers contain capsaicin, which helps release endorphins that can boost your libido and increase sexual pleasure.
- Watermelon: Contains an amino acid called citrulline, which helps to promote healthy blood flow and increased arousal.
- Honey: Honey is full of B vitamins and energy-boosting sugars, making it a great choice for a libido-enhancing snack.
Of course, it’s not quite as simple as charming down on a whole bunch of these ingredients and expecting an instant Viagra-like effect. Instead, it’s more a case of making them a core component of your everyday diet, in order to build towards a cumulative effect long-term.
Given how all of these foods are loaded with the kind of stuff you should be consuming plenty of anyway, it’s not going to do you any harm to eat more of them.
