10 Foods to boost your libido

Want to perk up your sex drive in the favourite room of the house? That's the kitchen for me... Setting the mood in the bedroom is important, but why not add some of these libido boosting foods to your plate? 

1. Spinach 

Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that decreases inflammation in blood vessels, increasing blood flow. Eating plenty of this delicious green can lead to increased blood flow, driving blood to the extremities, which, like Viagra, can increase arousal and make sex more pleasurable. "Women will find it is easier to have an orgasm, and men will find that erections come more naturally" says psychotherapist and sex expert Tammy Nelson, PhD. 

2. Green Tea

Green tea is well known as a good alternative to coffee and black tea. Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins, which have been shown to blast away belly fat and speed the liver's capacity for turning fat into energy. Catechins also boost desire by promoting blood flow to your nether regions. The benefits to drinking green tea are many, so if you havn't already got some in your cupboard you should definitely add it to your shopping list!

3. Dark chocolate
As if we need any excuse to eat chocolate... But in all seriousness, chocolate increases both serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, making us happy and lowering our stress levels thus helping with libido.

4. Ginger
Another food which aids blood flow and improves the health of your arteries.

5. Bananas

Bananas are one of the top sources of potassium, which helps to counteract the effects of foods high in sodium. Salty foods can not only diminish blood flood to the genitals, which can make it more difficult to reach orgasm, but they can also make you bloated.

6. Potatoes
Another great source of potassium. Sweet or white potatoes are both good so tuck in!

7. Peppers
Or more specifically, chillis, as in this case, hotter is better. Hot peppers increase your metabolism and stimulate endorphins, making you sweat, plumping your lips, and speeding up your heart rate. That gets the blood flowing to all the essential areas.

8. Oysters

You've no doubt heard of these as an aphrodisiac. The reason behind this is that oysters are full of zinc, a mineral that elevates testosterone while simultaneously boosting growth factor hormone—both of which enhance muscle growth and physical performance.

9. Pesto
One of my favourites... Pine nuts are full of zinc, just like oysters.

10. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds can help boost your mood. They're one of the best food sources of an amino acid known as tryptophan, which helps the production of serotonin in your brain. Pumpkin seeds are inexpensive and can be sprinkled on all sorts of food or they make a great snack on their own.

Stay safe. Have fun. Issy x