Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical believed to produce the feeling of “being in love.” A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who ate chocolate every day, had a more active sex life. Eating dark chocolate also stimulates production of endorphins, resulting in pleasurable feelings and reduced stress.
Oysters are rich in zinc, an essential mineral for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm. Even though women have less testosterone than men, it plays a key part in the female libido as well.
Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow. Like Viagra, L-citrulline increases blood flow to the sexual organs, but without any negative side effects, leading some experts to ask if watermelon is the new Viagra.
Like oysters, pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and good for the male prostate gland. Zinc is important to a woman’s sex drive as well and is also a great libido booster. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, the precursor of prostaglandins–hormone-like substances that are important for sexual health.
Sardines and other cold water fish (wild salmon, herring, trout, anchovies, etc.) are high in omega-3 fats, which increase health and sexual stamina. Omega-3′s are also critical to the brain and nervous system. They improve mood, increase well-being, fight depression, give glowing, radiant skin and improve memory and brain power.
Avocados are rich in folic acid, which is responsible for increased energy production and stamina. It’s also full of healthy fats to help improve mood and your sense of well-being.
Peanuts contain L-arginine, an amino acid which improves male sexual function. L-arginine is used to make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and may help with erectile dysfunction.
Blueberries allow the body a greater ability to release dopamine, an energizing and stimulatory neurotransmitter. By increasing brain energy production and maintaining youthful brain function, dopamine exerts an important anti-aging effect.
Some experts believe that garlic is a very powerful aphrodisiac–but it doesn’t work overnight. Take capsules or eat garlic daily for a month to best reap its libido-enhancing benefits.
Asparagus is rich in folate, a B vitamin that increases the production of histamine. Balanced levels of histamine are important for a healthy sex drive in both men and women.
Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist, world-renowned anti-aging expert, award-winning inventor, educator, and philanthropist. He is also the author of several New York Times Best Sellers, including The Wrinkle Cure, The Perricone Prescription, The Perricone Promise and Forever Young. As a guest editor for Daily Makeover, Dr. Perricone shares his expert knowledge on how to reverse and prevent damage to skin caused by chronological age, poor nutrition, hormonal changes and environment stress. For more healthy skin tips, follow Dr. Perricone on Twitter and his blog.
