A number of elements make up your libido. Getting little sleep, having a stressful day, and then going on a date with someone you don't find attractive will not get you "in the mood." On the other hand, feeling well rested and happy, then spending intimate time with someone you love may trigger your sexual appetite. Under the right circumstances, some foods could even increase libido. Not a lot of medical literature proves that any alleged aphrodisiacs have a true effect, but you and your partner might disagree once you try some of them out.
Raw Oysters
Raw oysters have long been thought to boost libido. It may be because they resemble female genitalia, or it may be because they are sensual to eat. However, there is also a bit of science supporting the idea. Oysters are high in zinc, which is known to raise the production of sperm and testosterone. Also, oysters contain dopamine, a hormone which is known to raise libido.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ isn't exactly "sexy," but it contains a lot of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered to be a "sex vitamin" because it is an antioxidant that protects cells from free-radical damage and it helps the body synthesize hormones. Vitamin E also helps balance estrogen in women's bodies. When a woman's estrogen is in balance, she experiences less PMS, anxiety issues, headaches and mood swings. Without these problems, her sex drive may improve.
Chocolate
Chocolate may very well be the most studied of all the so called libido boosting foods. In a 2006 study in the "Journal of Sexual Medicine," women who regularly ate chocolate reported better sexual function than women who didn't. However, the study could have been in error because the women who didn't eat as much chocolate tended to be older. However, if chocolate is a libido enhancer, it is likely due to a few factors. Some people may feel the excitement of eating a "dangerous" food that is full of fat and sugar, causing a rush of mood-boosting endorphins. Moreover, chocolate contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps produce mood-boosting, relaxation-inducing serotonin.
Spicy Chili Peppers
Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, are also thought to increase sex drive. Their libido-boosting power may come from their ability to induce blood flow and sweating all over the body. When the increased blood flow reaches the genitalia it could feasibly spark arousal. Alternately, spicy foods can cause stomach upset and other bodily discomfort in some people. Sprinkle a little bit of spice on your meal if you are concerned that it will have the opposite effect on you and your partner.
