Boost Libido and Sexual Health With These 5 Best Foods
A man's libido gets lower over time, especially as men enter their 40s. This is because of the steady decline of testosterone as we age. Testosterone is known first and foremost as a growth hormone, but it's also the primary hormone responsible for a man's sex drive. So, if a man has lower levels of testosterone, their libido suffers too.
In every way, men want to make sure their testosterone levels are near-optimal for as long as possible. After all, a healthy sex drive is a good sign of emotional and physical wellbeing.
The best way for men to maintain testosterone levels with age is by consuming foods that naturally boost or at least keep their testosterone levels at a healthy range. To help with that, we made a list of the 5 best foods a man can eat to boost their libido.
Oysters
Oysters are perhaps one of the most popular aphrodisiacs in the world, and it's primarily due to their zinc content. Zinc is a critical mineral for fertility and reproductive health. In fact, zinc is found mainly in the testes and is responsible for many things related to male sexual health, like sperm count, erection strength, and libido.
A 3.5 oz or 100 grams serving of cooked oyster contains 222% zinc. So just eating half of that gives you over 100% of your daily needs.
Chocolate
Chocolate consumption promotes the release of serotonin and phenylethylamine, chemicals the brain uses to produce mood-boosting and aphrodisiac effects. So while chocolate itself may not be directly responsible for boosting libido, its benefits on mood might get you and your partner aroused.
Salmon
Salmon contains quite a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is heart-healthy and can help the body have a healthy inflammatory response. In addition, in the context of a libido booster, omega-3 can indirectly promote sexual health through regulating a healthy blood flow.
More than omega-3, salmon also contains vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and zinc, nutrients that can positively affect testosterone levels and libido.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in minerals like zinc. Some also contain L-Arginine, a compound the body uses to promote proper blood flow. Samples of nuts and seeds include walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pecans, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds.
Beyond libido, nuts and seeds are also credited for their benefits on cognition, heart health, and even weight management.
Red Wine
Red wine contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that can also boost blood flow. Moderate consumption of red wine has also been cited for leading to higher libido and better overall sexual function in both men and women.
Just a caveat: Too much alcohol in the system can impair sexual function, so do not drink more than two glasses of red wine daily.
Takeaway…
A healthy libido is a sign that your reproductive system is healthy and functioning regardless of gender. Likewise, low libido can be indicative of health problems or gaps in nutrition. Eating foods that increase libido can go a long way in maintaining a healthy sex drive as men age. Men can also take male sexual health supplements like offered on Quality of Life that enhance libido and provide long-term sexual health benefits.
