Perhaps you’ve lost some confidence and sex drive due to erectile dysfunction – sometimes just buying Viagra isn’t enough! You have to be sexually aroused for Viagra, sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors to work, and that means having a good libido and being able to get in the mood.
There’s little hard evidence to prove that certain foods increase your libido, but many do provide much-needed vitamins and nutrients. Plus, the placebo effect never hurt anyone – and you may even have fun consuming them with your partner!
Watermelon
The phytonutrient citrulline found in watermelon converts into arginine, an amino acid that helps the blood vessels relax. The improved blood flow to the penis can help increase arousal.
Truffles
The substance alpha-androstenol found in truffles is similar to pheromones, chemicals that are related to arousal and released in our sweat and body fluids.
Vanilla
Whether you consume it in ice cream, in a sauce for a savoury food, or add a teaspoon full of extract to your coffee, vanilla has been found to increase penile blood flow in men. Its scent has also long been considered an aphrodisiac.
Saffron
Saffron is sensual in that it is a rare and pricy ingredient worthy of a special occasion, but it has also been found by the University of Guelph to be a natural performance enhancer. Its gold threads come from a crocus that grows in Mediterranean Europe and Southwest Asia.
Oysters
Salty, briny oysters have long been believed to help with libido and some studies have found that their high levels of zinc and rare amino acids (D-Asp & NMDA) really can cause a surge in sex hormones.
Oat Porridge
The humble oat porridge is a potent source of the amino acid L-arginine that can help with production of nitric oxide, which is released by the genitals during arousal.
Almonds
Vitamin E-rich foods have been shown to encourage sex hormone production, and almonds have the highest Vitamin E content out of all nuts and seeds.
Garlic
It may seem counterintuitive, but garlic does enhance blood flow and increase libido, due to a substance called allicin. Although you may wish to eat some parsley or fennel with it to help counteract its effects on your breath.
Honey
This sweet, seductive liquid contains potent levels of B vitamins for testosterone production and its fructose levels help with stamina.
Pomegranates
All foods rich in antioxidants help with blood flow, and pomegranate fruit or juice delivers a powerful dose of them.
Create a menu that incorporates one or more of these libido-boosting foods to help you get in the mood and keep you in the best shape for sexual arousal, whether or not you buy Viagra to help with erectile dysfunction.