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Hormonal changes and stress can have a negative effect on your sex drive. Here are some natural (and yummy) ways to help you get in the mood again.
Chocolate lovers rejoice. Not only does it taste exquisite, it’s also a great aphrodisiac. It contains magnesium, which makes you relaxed – an important prerequisite to good sex. Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, which releases the same endorphins triggered by sex. In a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, women who consumed one (just one!) piece of chocolate a day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t.
Read more: RECIPE: Make a low-calorie dark chocolate mousse that's also good for your heart
The Journal of Sexual Medicine also reported that women who drank a glass of red wine daily said they had higher levels of sexual desire and vaginal lubrication compared with those who sipped any other kind of alcohol only occasionally, or those who didn’t drink at all. Red wine contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that may help blood vessels widen, which also increases blood flow down there.
Read more: 12 red and white wines for your next house party
Eating spinach will not only keep you svelte – thanks to its appetite-suppressing compounds – but its high magnesium content decreases inflammation in blood vessels. The result is increased blood flow which can increase arousal and make sex more pleasurable by making it easier to have an orgasm.
Read more: RECIPE: Make easy Chinese spinach with century egg and salted egg
The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are great for improving circulation in your body, which is essential for boosting blood flow to your genitals. They can also raise dopamine (feel-good) levels in the brain, which plays a big part in getting into the mood.
Read more: The perfect 3-step slow-cooked salmon recipe
The protein in eggs can boost energy and focus – both of which can come handy in bed. Besides being a symbol of fertility, they are also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps balance your hormone levels and regulates your libido. So if Hubby offers you breakfast in bed, ask for an omelette, and it could be followed by a side of morning sex!
Read more: 4 quick tips to cooking perfect eggs for breakfast
Soya connects oestrogen receptors that help you stay lubricated throughout intercourse, which makes sex more pleasurable. Soya can also help with menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.
Read more: 5 healthy alternatives to cow's milk
Rich in folate – a naturally occurring form of folic acid – asparagus is considered one of the best libido-boosting foods. Folate regulates the production of histamine, the chemical that is released during an orgasm.
Read more: Three-step squid and asparagus with cincaluk recipe
Red meat (especially grass-fed beef) is a great source of zinc, the same libido-boosting nutrient found in oysters. Zinc increases your testosterone and curbs production of prolactin, a hormone that can impair sexual function.
Read more: RECIPE: Easy minute steak in minutes
When it comes to vegetables that increase sex drive, broccoli is among the best. It contains 132mg of vitamin C per serving. Vitamin C can increase blood circulation down there and is also associated with improving libido.
Read more: 5 healthiest nutrient combinations to try
Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins, which have been shown to blast away belly fat and speed up the process of turning fat into energy. But catechins also boost desire by promoting blood flow to your nether regions.
Read more: 12 best green tea desserts to try in Singapore