10 Best Foods to Boost Your Sex Life

While your typical seduction kit might include a Barry White soundtrack, scented candles and champagne the key to getting in the mood is actually eating the right foods to increase your energy levels, get your heart racing (in a good way) and blood flowing to ALL the right places.

When you hit the sheets you want to be in peak condition so don't settle for a so-so performance, we want you to give the performance of your life so you get invited back for an encore.

So here are the top 10 foods which are scientifically proven to boost your sexual performance.

Chillies

Chillies contain capsaicin, which cause your blood vessels to expand - it’s why your face gets flushed after eating a really spicy Thai meal. And the same thing happens downstairs when you eat fiery food - more blood flows into the penal blood vessels, meaning a harder erection. So spice up your love life by including chillies regularly in your diet.  

Chocolate

It's been seducing people for thousands of years and dark unsweetened cocoa or cacao is one of the best aphrodisiacs according to science.  Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical compound which can produce feelings of euphoria by releasing dopamine, the neurotransmitter in the brain which surges during orgasms. And ladies, studies have also found increased libido when you eat chocolate as well. We're feeling turned on just thinking about it!

Oysters

They have a sexy reputation as an aphrodisiac and there's a good reason for it. Oysters are rich in B6 vitamins and zinc which is not only an essential mineral for overall good health but it potentially boosts testosterone levels in men. A zinc deficiency can result in reduced testosterone and a lower sperm count. 

Bananas

Hard men have healthy hearts, so make sure bananas are a regular part of your diet to boost your potassium levels, improve your blood circulation and keep your heart healthy. The end result will be stronger erections and an increase in your libido as blood flows more smoothly. Bonus points for this one as potassium is also essential for excellent muscle health so expect more intense contractions during orgasms. Banana smoothie anyone?

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin which is a powerful anti-oxidant and immunity booster. It's also known to lower lipids (which cause fatty deposits inside arterial walls) therefore increasing blood flow downstairs. But here's the catch, allicin breaks down within seconds of a garlic clove being cut so this is where a garlic supplement (check that it contains allicin) is going to be of more benefit than fresh garlic. 

Salmon

Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) are the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids which make your blood less sticky and enhance blood flow to the parts that matter. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart, circulation, and immune system and can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In fact a Mediterranean-style diet rich in produce, fish, whole grains and healthy fats (like omega-3s) is known to improve erectile function in men.

Spinach

Popeye declared “I’m strong to the finish, ‘cause I eats me spinach" and it seems he was right! The secret to the penis-enhancing power of spinach is its high arginine content, an amino acid which, when it hits your system, converts to nitric oxide which helps initiate and maintain erections. Tick. It's rich in folate which can provide a much needed energy boost. Tick. Nitric oxide may also help speed your recovery time between bouts. Tick. Looks like Olive Oyl was attracted to more than just Popeye's muscles.

Basil

With Italy claiming #3 spot in the World's Best Lovers perhaps pizza is their secret weapon. Basil doesn't just spice up a bland pizza or create an awesome pesto, it has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning swelling is reduced and blood flow increased including to your penis! And it has been known to improve sexual desire in men merely by smelling it. 

Coffee

We talked about it before in our article on Sex and Coffee - a team from the University of Texas Health Science Centre has linked caffeine intake to a positive boost in men’s sex lives. Guys who drank between 85 and 170mg of caffeine (that’s about two cups of coffee) were 42% less likely to deal with erectile dysfunction compared to men who had no caffeine at all.

Wine

Yes, we saved the best until last! Science has determined that red wine is good for your sex life. Red wine was found to increase blood flow to the erogenous areas for both sexes, which in turn led to increased levels of desire. And for men is also resulted in an increase in the levels of testosterone in the blood, an essential hormone when it comes to male sexual arousal and “appetite”.  But moderation is the key as indulging in more than 1-2 glasses can result in a less pleasurable experience.

Our list isn't conclusive; brazil nuts, almonds, sesame seeds, vanilla, cherries, oats, watermelon, ginger and pomegranate juice all have benefits as well. 

Eating healthy should be the top of your list if you want to be an amazing lover. It's all about adding some simple ingredients to your diet that help boost your desire, stamina and performance. Bon appetite!