No, I’m not talking about oysters. Oysters do contain nutrients without which the body suffers, and some people feel they look like male genitalia. But when I see or smell the squishy buggers, I just want to gag—not exactly sexy. Aphrodisiac foods are fun to read about, and some provide modest benefits. And really, any food that gets you in the mood, I say enjoy it—as part of a balanced, healthy diet.
Here’s what I find exciting: A variety of nutritious foods actually promote positive sexual function and make way for sensual moods. From a scientific perspective, the following foods could do your body and sex life good.
Colorful fruits and veggies. “What’s good for the heart is good for the genitals,” says Lynn Edlen-Nezin, Ph.D., a clinical health psychologist and coauthor of Great Food, Great Sex: The Three Food Factors for Sexual Fitness. An antioxidant-rich diet guards against poor circulation (which keeps you-know-whats firm and strong) and cell damage that can nuke your sex drive. Edlen-Nezin suggests amping up your intake of colorful produce, including red bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, grapes, spinach, beets and berries, and aiming for variety.
Bananas. If anxiety or stress interferes with your bedroom life, eating a banana several hours before love-making might help. Bananas provide carbohydrates and the amino acid tryptophan—a combo that allows your brain to produce feel-good, calming chemicals. The potassium in bananas enhances muscle strength, which is vital for orgasm, says Lou Paget, author of The Great Lover Playbook. If the shape inspires you, BONUS.
Low-fat milk and yogurt. Low-fat milk and yogurt also provide carbohydrates and tryptophan. For antioxidant benefits, top yogurt with colorful fruit and a touch of honey for added energy, or throw it all in your blender for a healthy pre-sex smoothie. It takes about 30 minutes for your body to convert glucose from honey into energy, so time your honey-kissed treats accordingly.
Salmon and flaxseeds. Salmon and flaxseeds are top suppliers of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote positive circulation and dopamine production. Without enough omega-3s, the normal for most Americans, you’re likely to experience low moods, skin problems and a lack of natural lubrication. Most people need about two servings of cold-water fish, such as salmon, weekly or plant sources, like ground flaxseeds, daily to meet their omega-3 needs.
Sushi rolls, ginger and edamame. Sushi rolls provide healthy fats, energy-boosting carbohydrates and the staying power of protein. Rice is the one starch that does not stimulate gas during digestion; needless to say, gassiness isn’t a turn on and can cause physical and emotional discomfort. “Ginger is a natural blood thinner,” says Paget, “so it aids overall circulation, and edamame contains phytoestrogens, which help lubricate the vagina.”
Dark chocolate. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that phenylethylamine, a compound in dark chocolate, releases sex-related endorphins and increases attraction between pairs. A Journal of Sexual Medicine study showed that consuming a cube of dark chocolate daily increases sexual desire and overall sexual function than non-chocolate eaters. Yum, yum and yum.
A glass of red wine. Boozing it up can hinder sexual performance, but the occasional glass of red wine provides valuable antioxidants without posing side effects. Research at Chicago’s Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation showed that kisses laced with alcohol are a turn-on for singles. Red wine also increases estrogen levels and improves circulation during sex, according to experts featured in Women’sHealth magazine.
Do certain foods or flavors rev your sexual engine? Which turn it off? Do any of these foods surprise you? I love hearing your thoughts.
Well, I thought I was doing just fine, but now my grocery list grows. I’ll let you know the results of my research.
Ha. Please do!
You’ve got my attention!
Should I eat all of these at the same time?
Ha! I wouldn’t recommend it. Bloating and indigestion don’t fare well in the bedroom.
That’s where I’ve been going wrong then – I thought it was the Barry Manilow CD playing in the background….
No, not oyster, God I don’t like it, it’s not my kind of food. So not oyster, definitely, but… Gues what?! Bean sprout and lamb. It’s true. It’s part of the sexual wisdom that has been passed on from one generation to another. Add them in your diet for three days in a row and your libido will reach its peak. So that’s why the newly-weds here, I mean in Indonesia, have them on their honeymoon. Seriously.
Subhan Zein
Fascinating, Subhan. I’ll let you know how the experiment goes—once I learn how to prepare or eat lamb.
Haha, you are not saying you are a vegetarian, are you?
Subhan Zein
No, I just don’t eat meat very often.
Til I got past a certain age (aka menopause) raw garlic would do it for me! Now not much does…!
As for the red wine and dark chocolate… somehow I think migraine-inducing foods wouldn’t add up to anything very sexy!
Great choice, Val. Garlic provides those antioxidant benefits. If your partner enjoys some, too, breath isn’t a problem.
And yes—any food that you find triggers headaches or other symptoms is best avoided.
I like oysters. *grin*
And anytime I drink before having sex Michael teases me and says, “Boozin’ it up before we make love?” hehe.
Nope, oysters don’t do it for me either. Val, you need flax seed oil, take it in capsules. I eat poached salmon at least twice a week with oven roasted/steamed vegetables. I’m not good on wine these days, a little goes a long way.
Great post!
Reblogged this on donnacounselling's Blog.
Homework, oh darn. *s*
Wine makes me sleepy. Not always good for a late night tryst! The bananas surprise me. Keeps foot cramps away too!
Good thing I love all of those foods. Bad thing I have no one to get busy with ;).
Ah…maybe I can use this weapon to con hubby into trying sushi…if I find a way to hide all the other stuff he already consumes.
My husband would not enjoy it if I indulged in yogurt or low-fat milk. Without seven Lactaid served on the side. ‘Nuff said. Thanks for giving me permission to have dark chocolate for dessert tonight!
Thanks for sparing us the graphic details. TGF dark chocolate!
Yeah. No one needs to hear THAT.
Great list, August. All of above are in my regular diet already, so I must be doing something right
This was a fun departure, August! I don’t really have any “sexy foods”, but I loved reading about yours!
Thank you for this useful information!
Dill. I sprinkle it on my salmon or in my eggs and it energizes me. Dark chocolate is my favorite mood stabilizer.
As of late, my husband has been eating Brazil nuts for reasons discussed above (not that he needed any assistance, lol). Oh dear, if he knew I was talking about him . . . giggle.
YUMMY *as a furiously take notes*! I had NO idea about the banana – I’ll save mine for an after-supper snack rather than have it for breaky. LOL!!
I would say foods that don’t make me gassy certainly help…or make me feel bloated or overly full. Sometimes pasta can feel like it sits like a brick. A light meal with veggies and a great cut of meat along with some fresh fruit for dessert does the trick for me because I feel so good about myself for eating and fuelling my body.
Wow. Almost none of that is on my shopping list. What does that say about me? I’m a non-fat milk kind of girl. No banana’s because the kid’s doctor said so. Don’t do fish and wine puts me to sleep (because I’m always running low in that area, anyway). Will colorful fruits and veggies suffice?
Some of those foods are on my list. Some will never be. Oysters make me gag, too…and I don’t have to look at -or be able to smell them. Just the thought is enough. Same with sushi. But most of the rest of it would work. Now if I start pigging out on all of it, could you send Robert Downey Jr. to my house please?
Fun post! Have to be honest and say that I’ve never thought about it.
fun post. as a single woman, I guess i’ll have to avoid some of these LOL
Interesting Read. We had touched base a while back and I am glad to see you are still at the blogging thing. Keep up the good work. I would advocate for organic foods whenever possible. Perhaps Organics help more with ORGASMS! LOL
DrJeff7
http://heritagebreedsfarm.com
Ha! Definitely worth looking into. Thanks for stopping by, Dr. Jeff. I’m a huge fan of organics, too.
This is a fun post August. In Ireland the mix of Guinness and oysters has long been acknowledged for helping to get a man’s mojo going. Personally I’d prefer sushi and I think women in general enjoy the feeling of being treated to something beautifully presented. In general I believe all cooks are alchemists – if food is lovingly prepared, with loving intentions (you can also project erotic thoughts) then the food will take on an irresistible quality. Hmm… then I love movies such as ‘Like Water for Chocolate’ and of course ‘Chocolat.’
Duly noted on the bananas. I hate getting a foot cramp in the throes. Also, you should mention good foods for getting yourself back on track. I like the combo of Nilla wafers and Gatorade between rounds.