Joy Onuorah

Having a healthy sex drive is linked to feeling physically and emotionally healthy. So, it’s no surprise that the foods you eat play a role in boosting your sex life.

A nutritious diet can benefit your sex life in many ways:

• boosting your libido
• improving blood flow and heart health
• improving your stamina

Eating a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins and low in foods that contain sugar and saturated fat can also help to prevent disorders that affect your libido, like metabolic syndrome and hormonal conditions.

These seven foods are packed with nutrients that can perk up your libido and also improve your overall health, too.

Oysters

You’ve probably heard about the aphrodisiac properties of oysters.

The reason for this is that oysters are high in zinc. This compound increases blood flow, which may aid blood flow to the sex organs.

Zinc may be especially important in male fertility, as it helps regulate testosterone levels.

Meats

Eating meats, or other foods that contain specific amino acids, could help improve your sex life.

Various high-protein foods — including beef, chicken, and pork — contain compounds that help to improve blood flow, such as:

• carnitine
• L-arginine
• zinc

Smooth blood flow is crucial to sexual response in people of all genders.

Salmon

Salmon is well known for having heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

The pink-fleshed fish, as well as sardines, tuna and halibut, could play a role in keeping your body, and your sex life, healthy.

Nuts and seeds

Instead of candy, try snacking on a handful of nuts and seeds.

Cashews and almonds are chock-full of zinc, while a host of healthy snacks contain L-arginine to get your blood flowing.

Try the following:

• walnuts
• pumpkin seeds
• sunflower seeds
• pecans
• hazelnuts
• peanuts

Walnuts are doubly helpful, as they are also rich in omega-3s.

Apples

Apples are rich in a compound called quercetin. This antioxidant, a type of flavonoid, may offer a number of health benefits.

As far as sex goes, quercetin plays a role in:

• promoting circulation
• treating ED
• managing the symptoms of prostatitis

Overall, a diet rich in flavonoids boost your overall health and keep your sex life healthy.
Healthful foods rich in flavonoids include:

apples

strawberries

blueberries

dark-coloured grapes

red wine

cherries

citrus fruits

Beets

Beetroots are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making a healthful addition to any diet. They’re also high in dietary nitrates, which means they could help boost your sex life.

Dietary nitrates expand the blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation, which improves blood flow. 

Other foods high in nitrates include:

• spinach
• arugula, also known as rocket
• cress, also known as garden cress
• lettuce
• celery
• radish

Red wine

Like apples, red wine contains quercetin, an antioxidant that boosts blood flow.

A 2009 study involving 798 women found that regular, moderate intake of red wine was linked with higher sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function.