Most people assume Valentine’s Day to be a young people’s festival. But whether you’re someone who’s been married for a year, or in your 40s and married for years, this holiday is for you too. It’s certainly an opportunity to get that romantic vibe on and cosy up with your life partner. Now, you might claim—especially if you’re a woman with a job, kids and a family to care for—that this is easier said than done. You simply don’t have the time to get your romantic vibe on, and your libido isn’t what it used to be. We understand, and we’re here for you with something that might help things along this Valentine’s Day—and yes, the answer is edible.
In her book The Orgasmic Diet (2007), Marrena Lindberg lays out the basics for a simple diet that can help women improve their sex drive very quickly. “Essentially, the Orgasmic Diet can make you whatever kind of sexual dynamo you wish to be,” she says. “This diet has not only worked for me and many other women who have tried it, so there is plenty of anecdotal evidence, but it is also backed up clearly by science.” That is testimony enough, right?
“The Orgasmic Diet is very easy to live with, much easier to follow than a weight-loss diet, and the results are much more fun. And you can tailor the diet to your liking,” Lindberg says. The only thing she recommends you reduce or cut down to benefit your libido is caffeine. Regulating your She also says exercising your pelvic muscles can benefit you. Here are some foods recommended by Lindberg and other scientists that are very useful in boosting your sexual drive.
Dark Chocolate
“Don’t you want someone telling you to eat chocolate every day because it’s good for you?” asks Lindberg, and we have to agree, yes, we do. Dark chocolate contains chemicals like phenylethylamine and serotonin, which not only boost your mood but also your sex drive. It is also a rich source of zinc (which improves stamina), magnesium (which helps you relax), and quercetin (a flavonoid which improves blood flow). While none of these ingredients scream “aphrodisiac”, they can absolutely nail the right mood.
Fish
Most fish varieties, like salmon, sardines, tuna and halibut, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from preventing the build-up of plaque in your arteries, these healthy fats promote blood circulation—which, in turn, reduces the risk of impaired sexual function. Fish is also a great source of healthy proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and zinc—all of which can boost your stamina and libido.
Nuts and seeds
Did you know that nuts and seeds are not only vegan ingredients but also packed with healthy fats, proteins and minerals? While walnuts are chock full of omega-3 fatty acids, cashews and almonds are packed with zinc—both compounds boost libido. Including walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews and almonds in your diet can also provide you with L-arginine, which improves sexual function. The notion that these foods are not well known as aphrodisiacs is quite the shame!
Oyster
Oysters are known to be great aphrodisiacs, and for good reason too. Oysters are packed with zinc, a mineral that increases blood circulation, especially to the sex organs. Studies show that a deficiency of zinc can lead to sexual dysfunction, especially in men. But if you are not a big fan of oysters—many find it stinky and slimy—you can try lobster, crab and prawns. Most crustaceans are packed with zinc after all.
Chicken
Apart from being great sources of protein, chicken has loads of compounds which aid blood flow and sexual stamina. The list includes carnitine, L-arginine and zinc, all of which improve blood flow in people of all genders. In fact, arginine can help treat mild to moderate sexual dysfunction. Other sources of protein, like whole grains, milk and cheese are also packed with some of these nutrients, and so are pork and beef.
Apples
Surprised? Well, don’t be. An apple a day can keep the doctor away, while doing wonders for your sex drive! Apples are packed with quercetin, a class of antioxidants called flavonoids, which can promote blood circulation, treat sexual dysfunction, lower blood pressure (which is indeed linked with sexual dysfunction) and tackle fatigue in women. Apples are considered to be exceptionally beneficial for women’s libido. Strawberries, blueberries, dark-coloured grapes, red wine, cherries and citrus fruits are also rich in flavonoids, and may help improve your libido too.