Exersutra’s 21 Foods to Increase Libido Compliments of Sloane Fox We all know that professional athletes have specially designed diets to keep them at peak performance, but did you know that the same type of regiment exists for the sexually active man to stay at a similar level of excellence? The creators of Exersutra, through tireless (though highly enjoyable research) put together this list of foods that not only provide the nutrients that your body needs to function at its peak but also act as libido enhancers. Some of these will be obvious “no brainers” but I’m sure that you will be happily surprised with a couple of our finds. 1. Alcohol: Certainly “candy being dandy, but liquor being quicker” certainly has some truth to it, alcohol is best enjoyed in moderation; just enough to remove some of our inhibitions should do the trick. Remember while a drink or two is great for relaxing, overdoing it is not a good idea! 2. Chocolate: This one here actually runs counter to the old adage that we discussed earlier, chocolate has some powerful aphrodisiac qualities, especially for women. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical compound that can produce feelings of euphoria and happiness by releasing dopamine, and the brain chemical that also surges during orgasms. You can think of chocolate before a round of intimacy as almost “priming the pump” and warming you both up for the more intense pleasure that waits ahead! 3. Chili: The capsaicin in chili peppers can really get the blood moving and the heart pumping, in addition to that the “burn” that it produces, in some people can trigger the release of endorphins. Chili peppers stimulate the nervous system, which can, in turn, accentuate the effects of sexual arousal. Keep in mind that Chili should not be over done in any recipe for the faint of heat, and just to be clear we are talking about the spice, not the South Western “bean rich” stew, the beans as one can imagine may make a situation less intimate and more awkward and embarrassing. 4. Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower cholesterol levels, which keeps the blood moving in all of the important places. They can also help in weight loss due to their low calorie to fiber ratio. Additionally some studies have shown that a “fruity” diet can make the taste of semen more pleasant for women, I’m happily convinced with this, but convincing the wife might be a bit more difficult. Try the two-fold combo of chocolate covered strawberries! 5. Whole Grains: The complex carbohydrates from whole grains provide the energy you need for extended lovemaking sessions. They also help with weight management, and when you consider that obesity drives down testosterone levels this is a very good thing. . 6. Ginger: No we are not talking about Gilligan’s Island Ginger, that one is obvious! But the spice acts stimulant for the circulatory system. More specifically ginger is said to increase blood flow to the genitals. It can be eaten raw, cooked or crystallized. 7. Honey: Honey in addition to being sweet and good, contains the mineral boron. Boron helps the body utilize estrogen, the basic female sex hormone. So be ready to go to the promise land of milk and honey with your little lady! 8. Oysters: Yes, it is true. These shellfish do the job that they are often cited as doing. In fact Casanova, the 18th century lover who used to breakfast on 50 oysters, has been vindicated by a study that proves they really are aphrodisiacs! 9. Soy: This one is more for the ladies, but it definitely helps the fellas out as well. Soy can help combat the effects of PMS and menopause, two things that can definitely get in the way of a good sex life. "Because soy binds estrogen receptors, it helps keep the vaginal area lubricated, which especially helps women whose estrogen levels are decreasing," says Beverly Whipple, professor emeritus at Rutgers University and vice president of the World Association for Sexology. 10. Zinc: Zinc is found readily in red meats, but a supplement does not hurt. It’s linked to your fertility, potency, sex drive and long-term sexual health. The mineral is critical to sperm production, and low zinc stores have been blamed for decreases in semen volume and testosterone levels, explains Sara Brewer, M.D., author of Better Sex. "Each ejaculation can expend up to 5 milligrams of zinc, or one-third of your daily allowance," Dr. Brewer says. 11. Horny Goat Weed: I think that the name truly speaks for itself ont his one. Horny Goat Weed, a high altitude plant, earned it’s name when goat herds noticed that their flocks were a lot more “frisky” after eating patches of the weed. It is believed to be a treatment for erectile dysfunction, This herb can be most easily digested in tea form. 12. Rhodiola Rosea: Extensive studies at Columbia University have indicated that this Arctic plant can boost a couple’s mojo, by increasing the man’s stamina and for women it can counteract the effects of menopause! 13. Avocado: Avocados contain a high level of folic acid which helps your body utilize proteins giving you more energy. They also contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman's thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women. Apparently, modern science tells us what our ancestors already knew, the Aztecs called the avocado tree "ahuacatl," or "testicle tree." 14. Sushi: Feast on salmon and mackerel — two fish high in omega-3 fatty acids that keep sex-hormone production humming along. And tuna is a good source of selenium (a mineral that helps increase sperm count). And don't forget the sides. Remember, ginger can also affect the libido. 15. Pomegranate Juice: You’ve probably seen the ad campaign on TV for POM (a pomegranate juice) where they claim that pomegranates were declared an aphrodisiac by Aphrodite. Turns out they have science to back up their claims. When scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles studied this ruby-red fruit, they found that pomegranates are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that allow blood to flow through your veins — a key component of good sex. 16. Red Meat: “Lean cuts of red meat are great sources of zinc, a mineral that curbs production of a hormone called prolactin, which at high levels can cause sexual dysfunction," says Jennifer Berman, M. D., director of the Berman Women's Wellness Center in Los Angeles. Choose deep red cuts with round or loin in the name. These types are the leanest. 17. Banana: Got pre-date jitters? Eat a banana a few hours before your rendezvous. This yellow superfruit helps release serotonin (the happy chemical) into your bloodstream, lifting your mood and calming your nervous system. And they have a sexy side effect: "Bananas contain potassium, a mineral that increases muscle strength, an element crucial to orgasm," says Lou Paget, author of "The Great Lover Playbook." 18. Iodine: Your libido needs iodine. The mineral Iodine plays an indirect role in healthy sexual performance. Iodine interacts with protein L-Tyrosine to produce Tyroxine, the thyroid hormone that regulates body heat and cellular energy production. Iodine deficiency may slow down the thyroid gland. Low thyroid is corrected with low testosterone and low libido. Seaweed, cod, and shrimp are great sources of iodine. 19. Almonds: Almonds are believed to be a most aphrodisiac food. They're naturally rich in the minerals Zinc, Manganese and Copper. The above minerals are precursors for the antioxidant enzyme SOD that is essential for sexual potency. Almonds are rich in good fats, protein, and phytonutrients. This nut in its raw state has an alkalizing affect on the body. Almonds were regarded in the past as a symbol of male genitals and overall fertility. The high content of zinc makes this nut an extremely potent supplemental food for an active male. 20. Celery: While celery may not be the first food that comes to mind when you're thinking sex, it can be a fantastic source food for sexual stimulation. This is because it contains androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration and turns women on. Celery is best eaten raw. Wash and cut some, and munch away. 21. Figs: These are high in amino acids, which are believed to increase libido. They can also improve sexual stamina. Furthermore, the shape of a fresh fig and the sweet, juicy taste are two tangible aspects that are highly pleasurable to the human senses.