Best and Worst Libido Boosting Foods to Spark Your Sex Life

Written by: Keith G. Tolman
Published 07/13/2015
Updated: 07/13/2015

Studies have shown that certain foods can support healthy sexual function. Some foods can boost your libido and make you feel better. Other foods can actually lower your sex drive. Here’s a list of the best and worst libido boosting foods that can make things sizzle or fizzle in the bedroom.

Best: Strawberries
Good circulation is an important part of healthy sexual function. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that benefit the cardiovascular system. They also contain vitamin C, which can naturally increase male sperm count. If you want to throw in an extra aphrodisiac, try dipping strawberries in dark chocolate.

Best: Avocados
Anything that helps your cardiovascular system can boost your sexual function. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats. They’re also rich in vitamin E, potassium, and antioxidants, which can promote better blood flow and help prevent heart disease.

Best: Almonds
Blood flow and circulation are important for sexual health and performance. The nutritious omega-3 fatty acids in almonds may contribute to a healthy heart. Almonds also contain selenium, zinc, and vitamin E, which are important for sexual reproduction.

Best: Watermelon
This summer fruit is low in calories and high in libido boosting phytonutrients that can help rev up your sex drive. Plus, nutrients like lycopene and beta-carotene may facilitate erections by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis. Good blood flow can help men get firmer erections.

Best: Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds contain zinc, which may increase testosterone and sperm production in men. If you need to get more zinc in your diet, you can mix sesame seeds into granola or sprinkle them on top of a healthy stir-fry recipe. Some popular breakfast cereals also contain zinc.

Best: Sweet potatoes
The potassium in sweet potatoes can help you prevent high blood pressure, a condition that may be linked to erectile dysfunction. Lowering your blood pressure may help alleviate erection problems. Sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene and vitamin A, which may prevent infertility.

Worst: Alcohol
Many people use alcohol as a social lubricant on dates or when meeting new people. But alcohol is actually one of the worst things for your sexual relationships. Too much alcohol can lower your sex drive, decrease sensitivity, and have a negative impact on sexual function. It’s a good idea to limit alcohol consumption before sexual activity.

Worst: Steak
Red meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Too much red meat can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. These conditions can decrease blood flow and may cause erectile dysfunction symptoms in some men. If you have erection problems, stick to lean cuts of meat and try to limit overall red meat consumption.

Worst: Fatty foods
Many fried foods contain high levels of unhealthy fats that can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. This can impede blood flow and lead to erectile dysfunction. Fried potatoes have been linked to diabetes, a condition that can increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.