It’s 2020, we are spending a lot more time at home with our loved ones. In the beginning this might have been a turn on, but slowly, it may have become a turn off. Totally OKAY. We are all adjusting to this new way of life and there are very few (if any!) unaffected by all the changes 2020 has brought to our lifestyles.
So, on top of learning how to bake bread, moving the workout routine to your living room, and remembering to not forget your mask when going anywhere besides home, it is possible your libido took a dive. No fear, as with most issues’ humans face, we can start our path to a healthy libido through our diet.
First things first, next time you are at the grocery store add Dark Chocolate and Honey to your list (and you thought this was going to be hard!). Dark Chocolate contains flavonoids in the cocoa, phenylethylamine (fancy word for central nervous system stimulant), serotonin and maybe most importantly magnesium. Honey is packed with Boron, B Vitamins, and increases production of Nitric Oxide. We will get into the weeds about the benefits of these minerals and vitamins shortly.
Second, answer this question: Does my diet contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, or seeds) and zinc (oysters, beef patties, crab, fortified breakfast cereal)? If the answer is ‘Yes’ great! No further action needed! If the answer is ‘No’, add an omega-3 and/or zinc supplement to that previously mentioned list depending on which foods you are (or are not) eating on a weekly basis.
Keep this up for 1-3 months and you will likely see benefits not only in the bedroom but in your overall mental and physical health as well (we love added bonuses!).
Vitamins + Minerals for a Healthy Libido
Flavonoid
The more flavonoids consumed in a man’s diet has been linked to supporting male libido. Flavonoids function is to help your cells function and reduce overall stress on your body.
Magnesium
Magnesium boosts free testosterone in your body. Studies have shown daily supplementation of magnesium for up to or exceeding 4 weeks can help increase testosterone levels, which play a role in both men and women’s sexual health.
Phenylethylamine (+ Serotonin)
Phenylethylamine, as stated previously, is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is found in foods like dark chocolate, assorted cheeses, wine, and some raw vegetables. When consumed it releases serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is known to regulate mood and improve sexual desire. Dopamine plays a role is arousal, motivation, and motor control.
Boron
Boron can improve muscle coordination, bone health, and regulate the use of hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and vitamin D (pun intended!) throughout the body. It also improves magnesium absorption, which we just learned is an important mineral to boost your libido.
B Vitamins
We have all seen Vitamin B as an ingredient on most energy drinks. The reason is because it is important to boost your energy. High energy levels can equal a higher functioning libido. B Vitamins are also useful in regulating sex hormones, testosterone, and estrogen.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide is the chemical behind the erection. It allows the penis to relax, thus allowing it to fill with blood becoming erect. Boosting your nitric oxide levels can be done by consuming more beets, garlic, meat, dark chocolate (+ honey!).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3’s assist in dopamine production, which can help reduce feelings of hopelessness or unhappiness (and those do not pair well with a healthy libido). Omega-3’s can help increase blood flow and we are studying the beneficial effects of omega-3’s on sperm health (it’s looking good!).
Zinc
Zinc deficiency is not uncommon today and it plays an important role in testosterone production. Additionally, a zinc deficiency may cause loss of smell and smell is an important sense when it comes to sexual desire. So if you think you are deficient, consider a zinc supplement.