The best foods to get you in the mood - and why they're different for men and women
Age is no barrier to passion - our expert has the best aphrodisiac foods.
Image credit: Getty/Kzenon
Age is no barrier to passion - our expert has the best aphrodisiac foods.
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.
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.
Try these six sexual energy-boosting foods to help turn that "not tonight" into why not every night.
Try eating this vitamin C-rich vegetable, which has been shown to boost circulation and sex drive.
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”.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
And here are some excellent foods for men to try to help increase the va-va-voom.
Eating this delicious fruit can improve your mood, enhance blood flow and raise testosterone levels.
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.
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!
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.
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, are high in omega-3 fats.
These are anti-inflammatory and great for cardiovascular health.
If all of this information has got your thinking, why not give some of them a try?
Or if you’re concerned about any potential health issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your GP.
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You might be surprised to discover some unusual ways you can make your sex life more pleasurable and exciting.
If your desire for sex is flagging try any or all of these methods to give your sex drive a boost
Sex is a wonderful way to stay physically and mentally healthy later in life, and age is no barrier to enjoying a fulfilling sex life
