From the Writer’s Desk: It was brought to my attention that lemon water decreases a woman’s sex drive over time, and since I sip the mixture daily – I got a little concerned. Not one to buy into myths and urban legends, I decided to do a little research and share it with you guys. So, today’s question is – does eating certain foods increase (or decrease) your sex drive? I might have to test each one and find out 🙂

Overactive and under-active libidos are often a point of contention between partners in relationships. Many couples are reluctant to speak with doctors or therapists about differences in their sex drives, but there is a way to help the issue at home. There are certain foods that are known to decrease the libido, and are advised for those who feel that their drive is too high, and contraindicated for those who feel their drive is not high enough.

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Libido Busting Foods: 

 

Carbohydrates and Fats

Carbohydrates and fats are heavy foods that have been proven to lead to arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Hardening of the arteries is a condition in which plaque builds up along the walls of the arteries, which decreases their elasticity, increasing blood pressure as a result, and decreasing blood flow to parts of the body. Sufficient blood flow to the genitals is a very important component of sexual desire. An excess of blood is necessary to inflame the genitals for sexual excitement and activity, so a decrease in the flow of blood would prevent the desired stimulus, sensitivity and response.

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Fried Foods

While discouraged in any healthy diet, fried foods are also known for decreasing the libido. Fried foods contain trans fats, also known as hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenated fats have been found to decrease testosterone, which is vital for normal libido and sexual function. Testosterone serves many purposes in the body, one of which is to prompt sexual desire and regulate sex cell production. Not only do hydrogenated fats reduce testosterone, but they have been proven to increase the number of abnormal sperm in animals.

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Alcohol

While I not necessarily a food, alcohol is still one of the primary substances known to decrease libido. It is also a surprising entry on the list for many people. Despite the number of people who engage in sexual activity as a result of alcohol, that activity is more due to decreased inhibitions than increased libido. Alcohol is known to decrease sensitivity and to lower sexual response, and so can be a useful tool in decreasing libido when desired, but should be avoided if desire levels are already low.

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Medications

Also not a food, but part of a person’s daily intake, certain medications are also known to decrease libido. Many common drugs have the unfortunate side effect of interfering with the normal levels of sexual desire in the patient in question, due to a variety of factors. The most common culprits for this are antidepressants, blood pressure medications, diuretics and some medications that treat ulcers. While these wouldn’t be used to intentionally decrease a person’s libido, it is important to be aware of the effect of medication for someone that is trying to avoid substances that lower their level of desire further.

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Boost Your Libido With These Foods: 

1. Celery Stalks – 

While celery may not be the first food that comes to mind when you’re thinking sex, it can be a fantastic source food for sexual stimulation. This is because it contains androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration and turns women on.

How to enjoy this libido food: Celery is best eaten raw. Wash and cut some, and munch away.

Kimi Suggests: Dip in a little peanut/almond butter to offset the bitter taste 🙂 

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2. Raw Oysters – 

This is one of the classic aphrodisiacs. Oysters are high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone production. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone known to increase libido. Also, the experience of shucking a raw oyster is erotic. Try incorporating it into your foreplay — feed her and have her feed you. The slippery taste sensation and the mere act of sucking should get you both in the mood.

How to enjoy this libido food: Scrub the shells thoroughly to get any dirt or bacteria off. Pry them open with an oyster knife and place them on a bed of ice, squeeze some fresh lemon onto them if you like, and then start sucking away.

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3. Bananas –

Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, which is believed to increase libido and reverse impotence in men. Additionally, they are good sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, which increase the body’s overall energy levels.

How to enjoy this libido food: Place them on a dish in various states of “undress” and have your lady slowly eat some for you. Then gobble yours down and get to work.

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4. Avocado 

The Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacatl,” or “testicle tree.” While avocados can indeed look like that body part, they contain high levels of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins, thus giving you more energy. They also contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women.

How to enjoy this libido food: Cut one in half, scoop out the insides with your fingers, and then get your woman to lick it off.

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5. Almonds (and other nuts)

Almonds are a prime source of essential fatty acids. These are vital as they provide the raw material for a man’s healthy production of hormones. Additionally, the smell of almonds is purported to arouse passion in females. Try lighting some almond-scented candles to encourage her mood and snack on some (but not too many) yourself to store up energy for your performance.

How to enjoy this libido food: Eat them raw (with no added salt or sweetness). Or, crush some fresh almonds and sprinkle them on your salad to get the energy you need.

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6. Mangoes, Peaches and Strawberries 
What can be more fun than sinking your teeth into a drippy, sticky-sweet fruit? Probably doing that as a prelude to (or during) sex. All of the above fruits and their shapes, textures and succulence are erotically suggestive and can be fun to use amid foreplay. Try dribbling the juices over your bodies and licking up the residue as an erotic game. It makes for a great (and tasty) way to discover each other’s bodies.

How to enjoy this libido food: Peel the mango, cut the peach and slice up some strawberries, and feed your woman while she’s giving you oral sex.

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7. Chocolate
Aside from the fact that it is the surest way to a woman’s vagina, chocolate also contains theobromine — an alkaloid — that is very similar to caffeine. It also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical believed to produce the feeling of “being in love.” So, when your woman talks about how good chocolate makes her feel, there is some science behind it. In addition, dark chocolate has a massive amount of anti-oxidants, which are great for the body in general, as they help maintain the immune system.

How to enjoy this libido food: From chocolate bars to chocolate fondue, as long as it’s chocolate, you and your woman will be in for a tasty session.

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 Sources:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/35794-foods-decrease-libido/

http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_200/230b_love_tip.html