Prestige issue 271, February 2016
We all want our sparkling sex life to stay, well, sparkling. And we make sure to try our best and boost it. That is to say if we want to stay healthy and well. Food and nutrition is yet another way we can make sure our libido is well maintained and polished. You have certainly heard about aphrodisiacs. An aphrodisiac is a type of food that arouses sexual instinct, libido, and increases desire, pleasure, performance, and endurance.
© D.R.
The origins of aphrodisiacs come from ëAphroditaeí, the Greek Goddess of love. The idea behind them has long been questioned. Is it a myth? Do they actually work? If so, how well do they actually do the job?
After extensive research in the field, it has been shown that some foods increase your blood flow as well as your sexual stamina. Hereby, these foods are also good for your health especially your heart health. They also contain antioxidants that prevent diseases and minerals that improve fertility.
The most popular aphrodisiac is fish. Now, as much as fish does increase the sexual stamina, there are many other food types that go unnoticed, with a much larger effect on the human body. These include:
Dark chocolate: One of the most favored comfort foods that offer a lot more than comfort. It is a powerful aphrodisiac. Within moderation, it reduces stress and depression and lower blood pressure.
Spices and herbs: A chili pepper does more to you than wake your senses up. It’s sensual, but also very sexy. There are certain spices and herbs that can be included in your daily dishes such as chili, cinnamon, basil, ginseng, and ginger. They are effective in reducing muscle pain, inflammation, aging effect and nausea.
Banana: Bananas aren’t just aphrodisiacs for their shape. They actually reduce depression, boost mood and reduce muscles cramps and pre-menstrual syndrome in women.
Avocado: Avocados have long been famous for their ability to increase sex drive. The rumors are true. They not only increase your libido but also promote heart, bone and eye health.
Berries: They are small but mighty and they are packed with antioxidants. They improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure and depression while boosting brain health.
Pomegranate: Not only are they sexy in color, but in effect too. They are also good for anemia, pregnancy and erectile dysfunction in men.
Watermelon: Apart from being an unknown aphrodisiac, watermelon moisturizes skin, prevent dehydration, and reduce muscle soreness.
Pineapple: Have you ever heard the notion that pineapples make you smell good down there? Well that’s true. It does a lot more though. It increases the blood flow to the genitals and has properties that improve fertility in both men and women.
Celery: These green canes will also help you calm down, lower blood pressure and sooth joint pain.
Maca powder: It is a plant originated in Peru, usually roasted and added to juices or soups. It is great for an increase in sexual stamina and libido, hormonal imbalance, and menstrual cycle. It boosts immunity, enhances energy, performance, fertility and memory. However, because the effect of this powder differs on one body to the next, it has to be taken under the supervision of a psychotherapist or physician.
Jew’s mallow: (known as «molokhiya»): there’s more to the well-known dish, minus the large amounts of garlic of course. These leaves possess properties that can boost your immune system to help prevent cancer, premature aging, osteoporosis, fatigue, high blood pressure, and anemia. Its vitamin contents moisturize your skin and make it soft and smooth, and resist early aging.
Alcohol: Saving the fun for last, alcohol releases your inhibitions. The biggest misconception, however, is that all alcohol is good for your sexual stamina. That’s not quite the case. You need to see how your body reacts to different types of alcohol consumed. For example, wine might help you release your inhibitions, but it also makes you sleepy. You don’t want sleepy sex. Tequila, for instance, kicks you in the right spot. Note that too much alcohol dampens sexual desire, decreases arousal and sensitivity.
Some foods decrease your blood flow and your libido. This is due to the fact that they are difficult to digest, increase bloating or lead to an unpleasant body odor. These foods include: red meat, fatty food such as hot dog and french fries, refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white toasts, cheese, soy, canned food especially processed foods, sodas or tonic water.
How strong of an effect each aphrodisiac has on your body depends on case by case. Experimenting and trying out each one, while being mindful to your body’s changes is key in understanding what and how your body reacts to different foods. Effects of the foods can be felt within a couple of hours after indulgence to the following day. However, in total, the more of the above food list you include in your daily diet routine, the healthier your body is, and the more sexual stamina you have. With so many options to increase your libido, you are ready to enjoy the adventures you have been looking for.
A Healthquarters members’ collaboration:
+961 1 425482
Dana Sarhan, MSc, Couples and Sex Psychotherapist.
Mira Tueny, LD, Dietitian, MSc in Preventive Cardiology
Smoking cessation practitioner.