Sexual health is an important part of overall health. If your libido has waned, sound nutrition may help restore things to normal. If your libido is already normal, sound nutrition will keep it there. There are a number of foods which contain nutrients that can boost the male libido by helping your body make the necessary sex hormones, optimizing blood flow and energy and helping you deal with the effects of stress.
Fruits
A number of fruits are good sources of B vitamins, necessary for hormonal balance and proper pituitary function, and vitamin C, necessary for proper sexual organ function: strawberries, cranberries, pineapple, peaches, kiwi, avocados, tomatoes and mangoes. Vitamin C may also help with proper sperm function. The bromelain in bananas is thought to increase the libido and may help men suffering from impotence. Figs are high in amino acids which may increase libido.
Vegetables
Asparagus can help your body produce testosterone. Vegetables rich in vitamin A nourish your adrenal glands, which influence your sex drive: carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, red bell pepper and broccoli. Celery contains androsterone, a hormone released through male perspiration and thought to increase desire in your partner, which may in turn increase your own libido.
Protein
Lean meat is a good source of protein for energy and zinc which is needed for testosterone production. Zinc may also positively influence sperm count. Eggs are a good source of protein and B vitamins. Nuts and seeds are also good sources of vitamin E which is necessary for hormone production. Red meat, tuna and chicken are also good sources of selenium, a mineral which may help increase sperm count.
Grains
Whole grains are a good source of B vitamins. Whole grains also contain selenium and are often enriched with folic acid, which may improve libido and increase sperm count. Always choose whole grains over processed grains for better nutrition and fiber content.
Special Ingredients
Garlic is good for your cardiac health and circulatory system; adequate blood flow to the sexual organs is important for sexual function. You can take capsules of aged or odorless garlic if you do not enjoy the taste of garlic. Chocolate affects the nervous system because it contains phenylethylamine, which gives you that romantic feeling of being in love.
