The best foods to get you in the mood - and why they're different for men and women

Working with clients over 50, one of the more common symptoms I see in both men and women is low libido.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! What can we do to turn from "if we must" to "I can’t wait!".

I'm a registered nutritional therapist and I've got some simple ways to help put the spice back in your life.

The best aphrodisiac foods can be different for men and women

There are a number of factors involved in a downturn in interest in sex and food can make a big difference - however it isn't the same for men and women.

While all of the foods I suggest are healthy and good for both men and women, certain foods can have a more positive effect on either male or female libido.

Any foods which may support good working of the cardiovascular system will also be beneficial for both men and women - improving blood flow and better circulation.

While other foods will help support normal functioning of sex hormones such as testosterone or oestrogen.

The 6 best foods to boost a woman's libido

Try these six sexual energy-boosting foods to help turn that "not tonight" into why not every night.

1. Broccoli

Try eating this vitamin C-rich vegetable, which has been shown to boost circulation and sex drive.

2. Avocados

Packed with nutritious goodies, including desire-boosting potassium and folic acid, which helps with stamina.

This might make it easier for you to feel “in the mood”. 

3. Dark chocolate

Rich in flavonoids this is also supports good circulation, plus it can stimulate dopamine. This is a hormone and neurotransmitter that affects emotions, behaviour, and movement. It is often referred to as the 'feel-good hormone'.

4. Maca

A libido-boosting herb from Peru that is proven to boost sex drive as well as fertility thanks to its high iodine and zinc levels.

Research into maca has also found it can relieve symptoms associated with the perimenopause, including lack of vaginal lubrication and hot flushes.

You can eat maca as a supplement in tablet form or in a powder, which you can add porridge, yoghurt or smoothies. 

5. Eggs

One of nature’s superfoods, bursting with B vitamins, including B6 that helps balance hormones and beat stress – which means you will be more receptive to a fun night in.

6. Steak

Women who have a high sex drive often have higher levels of the ‘male’ hormone testosterone.

So, fill up on steak – it’s rich in zinc, known to boost libido by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone to the ‘female’ hormone oestrogen.

The 5 foods to boost a man's libido

And here are some excellent foods for men to try to help increase the va-va-voom.

1. Pomegranate

Eating this delicious fruit can improve your mood, enhance blood flow and raise testosterone levels.

2. Oysters

And other shellfish may be a cliché, but it’s for a reason! These foods are rich in zinc, which helps to improve stamina and regulate testosterone.

3. Chilli peppers

A recent study showed that men who ate spicy foods on a regular basis, tend to have higher than average testosterone levels.

This could be due to the flavonoids helping with blood flow, or the endorphins produced from eating it which can get you in the mood!

5.Beetroot

Beetroot, as well as spinach, watermelon and pine nuts, are rich in nitrates.

Nitrates help with nitric oxide production which helps with vasodilation and getting the blood pumping.

3. Oily fish

Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, are high in omega-3 fats.

These are anti-inflammatory and great for cardiovascular health.