When considering factors that contribute to a satisfying sex life, diet might not immediately come to mind, yet it holds significant importance. Treating your body well can impact more than just your overall health.
Alisa Hichens, a registered nutritionist, explains how your food choices can influence libido, energy, and even body odor. “What we eat impacts on how we feel, principally our energy levels and our appetite for sex,” she states.
To enhance your sexual well-being, Hichens suggests incorporating whole foods rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. These dietary choices can elevate your overall experience.
Certain foods such as garlic, onions, and red meat can alter bodily secretions, making them more potent. Additionally, beverages like alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate, intensifying these effects.
Heavy and greasy meals can lead to discomfort, and high-fiber options might cause gas, disrupting the mood. Foods like burgers with fries or large servings of broccoli and beans are unlikely to set the mood.
Opt for foods that boost mental and sexual well-being rather than indulging in ultra-processed snacks. Natural options can provide a positive impact.
Fruits, known for their sweetness and hydration, can act as natural aphrodisiacs. Hichens emphasizes that fruits like pineapple, citrus, and watermelon are excellent choices for enhancing sexual health.
“Pineapple – apparently this makes bodily fluids taste milder and sweeter, potentially due to its high natural sugar content and enzyme bromelain,” Hichens explains. Watermelon, which contains citrulline, can improve blood flow as well.
Spices like cardamom and cinnamon might also add spice to your sex life, though evidence is mostly anecdotal.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining sexual vitality. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and increased bodily odors, which might not be desirable.
Drinking ample water is vital for sexual health. “Low energy equals low libido,” Hichens notes, pointing out the connection between dehydration and reduced desire. “If you’re running on empty, your body prioritizes essential functions over desire.”
She also explains that dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness, impacting comfort during sex. In men, inadequate hydration can affect erectile function due to its role in nitric oxide production, essential for blood vessel relaxation.
Leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, and kale, along with garlic, contribute to improved circulation and cardiovascular health, fostering arousal and stamina.
“Bottom line is, good blood flow equals better arousal, stronger orgasms, and more physical pleasure – so what’s on your plate really does make a difference,” adds Hichens.
Beetroot, like leafy greens, contains nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide, aiding blood vessel dilation.