If you or your partner experiences a sudden drop in sexual interest, don't panic. It's common for your sex life to have the occasional sluggish period. If decreased male libido is an ongoing problem in your relationship, you should see a doctor to be sure that the problem is not a side effect of a more serious health issue. In cases where there is no medical problem, it's a good idea to be patient and be willing to try something new, such as one of these foods that increase male libido, according to popular tradition and some scientific evidence.
Fennel
According to research published in 2009 in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, animal studies support fennel's traditional status as an aphrodisiac. Rats that ate fennel had more libido than rats that did not, according the authors of the study.
Avocados
A diet too low in fat can lead to depression and resulting sexual ennui, according to research conducted at the University of Sheffield and published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 1998. Because high cholesterol was associated with erectile dysfunction in a University of South Carolina School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 1994, choose healthy fats rather than saturated fats or trans fats. Avocados, an excellent source of healthy fat, have long been considered to have aphrodisiac effects.
Chili
Chilis are rich in capsaicin, a chemical substance that stimulates your body's production of endorphins, the body's feel-good hormones. The effects of capsaicin mimic the effects of sexual excitement---increased metabolism and blood flow.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains an amino acid called arginine that a 2009 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry calls "nature's Viagra" because of its ability to generate arousal in women and men.
Garlic
Classical Roman tradition considered garlic to have aphrodisiac effects on men and women. Though no current studies bear that theory out, garlic does help to lower cholesterol, improve circulation and prevent infection, all factors that could lead to reduced libido if left unchecked.
Licorice
Researchers at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago reported in 2007 that licorice could enhance blood flow to the penis by about 13 percent, stimulating arousal.
