Find Out Foods That Increase Libido In Men Naturally

What is libido in men?

Libido is the sexual desire of a person towards sexual activities. It is also known as sex drive.  A variety of biological, psychological, and social factors influence a person’s sex drive. Also, lifestyle-based factors like certain medications, medical issues, relationship complications, age, etc. can impact your libido. 

There is no established scale or formula to measure the healthy sex drive level. However, a person with very little or no sexual desire for a long period may be suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder or lack of desire for any sexual activity.

What causes low libido in men?

Several physical, psychological and habitual factors can cause low libido in men, such as:

• Age
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic illness
• Chronic stress
• Low self-esteem
• Low testosterone
• Antidepressants 
• Recreational drugs
• Trouble with sleeping
• Lack of physical movement
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Underlying health condition
• Exposure to toxic chemicals 
• Certain prescription medications etc. 
• Excessive weight
• Poor diet
• Little to no exercise
• Poor sleep habits
• Dehydration
• Unhealthy relationships

Taking care of your existing health issues properly and following a planned diet and lifestyle can help to boost your sex drive. 

How to increase libido in males naturally?

According to different studies, several foods, supplements, and lifestyle-based factors can boost the male sex drive. The following things are natural libido boosters:

• Foods that increase blood flow
• Aphrodisiac herbs
• Proper sleep
• Avoiding stress and anxiety
• Natural supplements
• Moderate alcohol
• Herbal tea 
• Regular exercise
• An intimate relationship with sexual partner etc. 

In this article, we are going to talk about the sex drive foods that are proven to improve sexual desire or libido in both men.

Can foods increase men’s libido?

Yes, they can. If you’re physically and emotionally healthy, your sexual health will thrive too. A nutritious diet that is rich in minerals, vitamins, and amino acids (organic compounds) can keep your circulatory function healthy and keep away sexual disorders. 

However, healthy and organic foods do not act as aphrodisiac herbs or sex enhancement pills. This means you’ll not experience immediate hard-ons or you’ll not become a sex maniac in a moment. Rather a regular intake of these foods will improve your blood flow, cardiac health and will nourish your sex organs and their function. So your sexual functions, energy levels, and performance will improve gradually and during your lovemaking sessions, you’ll be in your optimum health and mood!

The following food items are known as aphrodisiac foods. This means if you consume these foods, your sexual arousal, desire, performance, and satisfaction will increase naturally.

1. Coffee

We all drink coffee. Coffee contains caffeine and you must have heard that excessive consumption of caffeine can cause side effects like sleeping problems, anxiety, irregular fast heart rate etc. However, recent studies discovered that 2/3 cups of coffee per day can boost your erections! Which is about 170-375 mg of coffee. 

Caffeine increases the blood flow in the penis by relaxing the penile muscles and arteries. This allows more blood flow in the penis during an erection. As a result, your erections become harder and thicker than usual. Patients with erectile dysfunction can get benefitted by drinking coffee. 

2. Dark Chocolate

Have you ever felt high after eating dark chocolate bars? That’s because dark chocolate increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. 

Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes mood and generates feelings of happiness. Whereas dopamine controls the pleasure system in the brain, it promotes the feelings of enjoyment, pleasure, and libido. Cocoa in dark chocolate also contains catechins that prevent cell damage. So, eating dark chocolate can actually improve your mood and increase your sexual desire. 

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and the researchers found that it can improve blood circulation in the body. As a result, it keeps the heart healthy and cures moderate erectile dysfunction. It also lowers the risk factor of blood pressure. According to a study, eating 40g of dark chocolate for 14 days straight can reduce stress level in females. 

3. Seafood

Seafood like oysters, crab, and lobsters contain high levels of zinc. Zinc is an important nutrient that ensures the growth and function of the body. It increases the sex hormone production – testosterone and healthy sperm. Zinc deficiency can cause chronic health issues including malignancy, liver disease, sickle cell disease etc. . 

Oyster is known as an aphrodisiac food for ages as it boosts dopamine levels in the brain which increases the desire for sex. Oysters are also rich in potassium and magnesium that improves blood circulation in the body and improves erectile function. 

Shellfish like crab and lobster come with plenty of reproductive benefits. According to a survey, couples who eat a more seafood-rich diet have a better sex drive. Also, they tend to have more sex and a better chance to conceive. This means seafood intake can increase fertility. 

4. Watermelon and Pomegranate 

Watermelon and pomegranate can be literally called -the superfoods! Watermelon is often referred to as the ‘Natural Viagra’! This fruit contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that transforms into arginine after entering the body. Arginine relaxes the penile blood vessels and allows more blood flow in the penis. This leads to a bigger and harder erection naturally. There’s also a possibility that watermelon can increase libido or sex drive. 

The researchers found that a glass of pomegranate juice every day can boost testosterone levels and sexual desire in both men and women. Pomegranate juice contains potential antioxidants that enhance the nitric oxide levels in the body and directly improve blood circulation by unclogging the arteries. Boost in nitric oxide levels improves erections’ size and duration and cures erectile dysfunction. 

Also, vitamin C is proven to improve sexual desire. Citrus fruits – limes, oranges, grapefruits can function as libido enhancers.  

5. Red Wine

Yes, alcohol is bad for you. But red wine might be the only kind of alcohol that improves sexual function desire, and potency, in both men and women. According to studies, the flavonoids in red wine increase levels of testosterone and lowers the chances of erectile dysfunction. 

Another study suggests that red wine increases sexual appetite and desire. Though more studies are necessary to firmly establish this finding, most health experts suggest drinking one glass of wine per day with a meal. Because light red wines can dilate blood vessel cells and improve blood circulation. We would suggest drinking red wine in moderation, otherwise, it can cause side effects. 

6. Fatty Fish

Not all fats are bad for you! Certain fatty fishes like sardines, salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, halibut, etc. are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids improve cardiovascular health, boost blood circulation and keep the arteries clean. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that cures inflammation in blood. 

According to a study, Omega-3 fatty acids boost the dopamine levels in the brain that works to raise the libido or sex drive. Fatty fish also contain essential minerals and vitamins like Vitamin D, B2, B6, phosphorus, etc. and fish oil is a great source of zinc. They are high protein sources with low-calorie levels. This means fatty fash can make you both physically and sexually fit!

7. Nuts

Nuts including walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc. contain several essential minerals and vitamins that improve reproductive function and reduce the risk of heart disease. Nuts also contain phenylethylamine that stimulates the nervous system to function as different neurotransmitters. According to a study, a regular intake of 60 g of mixed nuts can boost sexual desire, improve orgasm quality and sexual function significantly. 

Nuts contain high amounts of arginine. Amino acid L-arginine is the precursor of nitric oxide. Boost in nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels and causes a healthy blood flow in the penis which cures erectile dysfunction. Almonds, pistachio, walnuts all are found to improve blood circulation and heart health. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can prevent heart attack. Pistachio nuts are proven to act as a remedy for erectile dysfunction. 

8. Peppers 

Let’s spice up your sex life! Yes, chili peppers can up heat your bedroom game. Spices like chili peppers, cayenne peppers, bell peppers, jalapeño, etc. contain capsaicin that creates immediate heat that causes improved blood flow. 

Red pepper is a phytochemical-rich food that fights the free radicals and lowers the risk of cancer, heart attack, inflammation, etc. Capsaicin is considered to increase sexual desire and the ability to achieve normal erections. 

According to a study on rats, red chili pepper reduces the refractory period in the rats which means after an ejaculation, the rats took less time than usual for the next sexual encounter. Also, the side effects of capsaicin like the heat, red face, faster heartbeats – all match the symptoms that an individual experiences during sexual intercourse. That’s why we would suggest eating spices to have a healthy sex life. 

9. Spinach

Now we know why Popeye loved spinach so much! Spinach is the best source of folate. Folate makes healthy red blood cells and boosts blood flow in the body. Spinach also contains magnesium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, manganese, etc. Magnesium stimulates blood flow and healthy sex hormones levels. So the sex drive gets perked up too!

Spinach is considered the best source of folic acid. The deficiency of folic acid increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, regular consumption of this leafy green can enhance your sex drive, erections, and circulation. 

10. Garlic and ginger

Both garlic and ginger work as aphrodisiac herbs to improve sexual drive and function. 

The chopped or crushed garlic produces a compound called allicin that works as an organosulfur and improves the blood flow in the penis. Garlic has been clinically proven as a better remedy for erectile dysfunction than synthetic erectile dysfunction drugs. Regular consumption of 2/3 garlic cloves can boost your erections tremendously! To get the optimal levels of allicin, mince or crush the garlic cloves and keep them away from the heat for 10 minutes before cooking or raw consumption.

Ginger is a natural aphrodisiac that people have been using since ancient times. Ginger boosts the nitric oxide levels in the body that improves blood flow in the heart and the penis. It also causes an increase in libido and testosterone production. It also cures erectile dysfunction. 

Apart from the above-mentioned ones, here is a list of other libido-boosting foods:

• Saffron
• Meat
• Berries
• Grapes
• Steaks
• Asparagus
• Whole grains
• Broccoli
• apples

Disclaimer: This article does not intend to provide any medical advice. If you have any questions regarding any health issue or if you have any medical condition, consult your healthcare provider.  

Foods that lower sex drive

The following food items can decrease your sex drive or libido:

• Processed foods
• Food with saturated fats
• Refined carbohydrates
• Soy products
• Sugar 
• Soda 
• Beer
• Bottled water
• Canned soup etc. 

It’s not easy to change an existing diet and lifestyle overnight. But you can definitely start the changes with small steps. Try to eat fresh and organic salads or simply eat some mixed nuts as snacks to counter your unhealthy food habit. Also, try to drink fresh water when you are thirsty instead of sugary beverages or alcohol. 

All things considered, 

Though certain foods can improve your circulation and sexual function, a nutritious diet alone cannot cure your sexual difficulty. If you are feeling concerned about your sexual health, consult your physician immediately. But if you want to research more about available helpful natural options.

FAQ

Does masturbation increase libido?

There is a possibility that masturbation can increase your libido or sex drive. Though it can affect your testosterone levels, the impact is too minimum. Rather recent studies discovered that masturbation can keep you relaxed and anxiety-free. It also releases sexual tension and improves the quality of sleep. 

Is having a low sex drive bad?

A low sex drive won’t put your life in danger. But keep in mind, it’ll hinder your normal sex life and if you are with a partner, low sex drive can impact the relationship negativeley. If you are experiencing a low libido for a long period, it can affect your stamina, motivation, confidence and self-esteem. It may also cause psychological issues like anxiety, depression etc. 

Remember that in most cases, low sex drive is caused by underlying health conditions. And if not treated quickly, some health conditions can get worse pretty fast. So, if you are concerned about your libido, consult a doctor immediately. 

Does having more sex help with libido in men?

Libido means sexual desire. If you have the desire and the drive you will always be ready for sex. But if you have low sexual desire then it’s pretty obvious that you lack interest in sexual activities. So the idea of forcing yourself to perform sexual acts to increase sexual desire can backfire.

However, if you are having better sexual experiences than usual, it can boost your desire for sex. Having an intimate relationship with the partner can make sex more enjoyable. Also, you can try out the following things during sex to make your sexual experiences better:

• Long foreplay
• Role-play 
• Sex toys
• Oral sex 
• Different sex positions etc.

Best supplement for low libido in men?

Nature has all the answers. If you are suffering from low libido and looking for a natural solution to your problem, the following herbs or supplements can help you:

• Maca root powders
• Red ginseng
• Tribulus terrestris
• Ginkgo biloba
• Yohimbe
• Fenugreek etc. 

To learn more about male enhancement herbs, check out 22 Best Male Enhancement Herbs. Always consult your doctor to decide the doses of these medicinal herbs. If this process seems complicated to you, try out dietary supplements that contain these powerful ingredients in the right amounts. 

Always buy supplements that come from renowned companies and have positive user’s feedback. The following supplements are clinically proven to help men with their sexual desire and performance:

• Vigrx Plus
• Extenze 
• Male Extra 
• Viasil
• Prosolution Plus etc. 

Symptoms of low libido in men?

A person with low libido might experience the following symptoms:

• Lack of interest in sexual activity
• Lack of sexual thoughts, imagination and fantasies
• Unwilling to initiate sex
• Feeling depressed
• Low physical stamina
• Unable to enjoy sex
• Not feeling pleasure from genitals stimulation
• Cumming faster than usual etc. 

What foods help you get hard?

The following food items can help you to get harder and fuller erections during sexual intercourse- 

• Pomegranate
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Apples
• Tomatoes
• Coffee
• Carrots
• Chili
• Oats
• Blueberries
• Yogurt etc.