Do you want to spice your sex life up a bit? Based on the interest in pharmaceutical drugs available that are specifically for their libido-boosting effects then it seems many people are keen. However, did you know that there are foods that could act as aphrodisiacs. That means these foods could arouses sexual instinct, brings on desire or increases sexual pleasure or performance.
Here are seven aphrodisiacs that could boost that libido of yours and keep your partner happy.
1 Maca
The South America root vegetable, maca, is commonly called the Peruvian Viagra. This sweet root vegetable grows in the mountain regions of central Peru. Interesting enough maca is related to cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
Besides being used as a fertility boost, this root also has libido-boosting effects. Research has shown that 1.5 to 3.5 grams of maca daily is needed over two to twelve weeks to show effect. More so, that people that are on antidepressants, maca could help to lessen the loss of libido.
2 Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris, or bindii, is an annual growing in dry climates. This plant is mostly used for improving athletic performance, loss of libido and infertility. But the research has indicated that taking 250 mg of Tribulus daily for three months could increase sexual satisfaction. In fact, 88 % of the sample of woman in the study showed improvements. More so, after four weeks of taking the extract of this plant the females had higher levels of arousal, desire, lubrication and orgasm satisfaction.
3 Ginkgo biloba
The herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba, is derived from one of the oldest species of trees — the Ginkgo biloba tree.
In Chinese medicine, ginkgo bilaba is used to treat depression to sexual problems. It is used for sexual problems since it can help to relax the blood vessels and to increase the blood flow to different organs, including sexual organs. Although the research about gingo biloba is a bit mixed in terms of the results, many people have found this herbal treatment useful. Therefore taking 60 to 120 mg of this supplement per day could increase your orgasm.
As ginkgo biloba acts as a blood thinner, you will need to be careful if you are taking blood-thinning medications. Therefore, speak to your doctor first before taking ginkgo biloba.
4 Red ginseng
In addition, a popular herb in Chinese medicine, ginseng, is mostly used to treat a different ailments in men and women, including sexual function and low libido. On the other hand, research has shown that red ginseng has been effective at helping men with erectile dysfunction, but also menopausal woman to improve their sexual arousal. Taking around 1.4 to 3 grams of red ginseng per day for four to twelve weeks could do the trick to boost your libido.
Red ginseng is not without some concerns. This herb could interfere with treatment of hormone sensitive cancers and blood-thinning medications. This herb could have the side effects of constipation, upset stomachs and headaches.
5 Fenugreek
This annual, which is grown globally, fenugreek is popular in South Asian dishes here its seeds are used. All the same, this plant also has some medical uses. These uses include anti-inflammatory and libido-boosting treatment.
Fenugreek seems to have compounds that the body can use to make sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. In fact, taking 600 mg of fenugreek extract daily over a six-week period could increase sexual arousal and more orgasms for men. For females, taking 600 mg of fenugreek extract daily could boost sex drive in eight weeks.
On the negative side, fenugreek can interact with blood-thinning medication and may cause minor stomach upset. In addition, as it could affect sex hormones, it could also interfere with the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers.
6 Pistachio nuts
One of the oldest eaten nuts in the world, pistachio nuts are not just a great snack, it is packed with protein, healthy fats and fiber. But these nuts also offer other health benefits like lower blood pressure, control weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. And these nuts could aid to lessen the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Research has shown that if men take 100 grams of pistachio nuts daily for a three-week period, the blood flow to the penis will increase, resulting in firmer erections. This is since these nuts improve blood cholesterol as well as stimulate better blood flow throughout the body.
7 Saffron
The spice from the Crocus sativus flower, saffron, is from Southwest Asia. Besides being one of the most expensive spices by weight, it has been used to treat depression, enhance mood and lessen stress. People on antidepressants to lessen the side effects of these medications also use saffron.
Research has shown 30 mg of saffron daily for over a four-week period, men could improve their erectile function. And if females use this spice, the will have increased lubrication and higher levels of arousal.
Other foods that have aphrodisiac effects
Other foods that could have aphrodisiac effects are oysters, chocolate, chasteberry, honey, epimedium also known as horny goat weed, hot chilies and alcohol if taken in moderation.
Some concluding remarks
The list of foods that could boost your sex drive are longer than what is mentioned in this article. But a lot of research is needed to see if these foods are actually effective to treat a lack of sex drive.
Before taking these herbs and spices to deal with your libido, chat to your doctor first. That is since these foods might interfere with your prescription medication. There are various ways to boost your sex drive.
