LIBIDO: Foods and herbs that can boost it

Love desire is different for everyone. Some feel more intense desire and seek out sexual experiences more regularly, while for others, the sex drive is a more occasional phenomenon.

Libido is not stable but fluctuates even within the person himself, depending on various physical and psychological factors in everyday life. According to sexologist Jess O'Reilly, all the different scenarios are normal and low libido is a problem only if the person perceives it as such.

There are many ways to boost your sex drive, and, of course, diet can play a leading role here as well.

According to various research evidence, certain nutrients can help boost sex drive and fertility. For example, diets high in animal protein, processed fatty acids, and carbohydrates can negatively impact fertility.

Instead, a diet rich in plant proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants could improve it.

Consuming significant amounts of these nutrients could also help boost sex drive. The list of libido-boosting foods includes:

• citrus fruits,
• legumes,
• whole grain products,
• fresh vegetables,
• nuts
• and seafood.

Conversely, foods that lower the sex drive include:

• Saturated fats, such as those found in fried foods
• Polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in vegetable oils
• White flour and sugar
• Items with a high sodium content.

Another important nutritional tip is to limit alcohol. Sure, alcohol is capable of temporarily lowering your inhibitions, but it can also lower libido and disrupt sexual functions.

A 2016 study found that women reported less lubrication and difficulty reaching orgasm after drinking alcohol, while men reported feeling less when having sex while under the influence of alcohol. If you do drink alcohol, try to stick to one to three drinks.

Try herbs that boost your sex drive.

Herbs are an excellent natural solution to trying to stimulate sexual desire. Some studies show that certain herbs have this property.

Such are:

• Ginseng: And especially Korean red ginseng, which is proven to help boost sex drive in menopausal women.
• Maca: There is evidence that this Peruvian root is an aphrodisiac.
• Gingko Biloba: This extract has been shown to increase blood flow to the genitals.
  You can also find these herbs in supplement form.

Viky Veniou is a columnist for Ygeia Mou. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

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