A healthy libido is not only important for your mood and relationship, but it is also a marker of a healthy endocrine system. 70 percent of sexual dysfunction is due to hormonal imbalances. The main hormones involved in low libido include cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones. We can also boost our libido through nutrition! Here are some foods that have been found to have aphrodisiac properties. An aphrodisiac is any substance that can increase sexual desire, pleasure, or behavior.

1. Maca – aA truly amazing herb for boosting estrogen and testosterone, thus increasing libido. It has also been found to reduce SSRI-induced low libido.[i]

• Maca Recipes to try

2. Cordyceps sinensis – Cordyceps, aka caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillar insect larvae. It is well known for its effects on increasing longevity.[ii] It also has adaptogenic properties, as it helps your body respond to stress. It has been found to have aphrodisiac properties to boost libido and enhances male fertility.

• Incorporate this into smoothies or try mushroom based coffee alternatives (Ryze, Four Sigmatic)
• Replace maca powder with Cordyceps powder in our Maca Truffles recipe

3. Clove & Nutmeg were also found to have aphrodisiac properties.[iii] Spice up your life with a few of these healthy hormone recipes:

• Pumpkin Chia Pudding
• Grain-Free Zucchini Muffins
• Spiced nut Mix – sub the paprika and turmeric for an equal blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg!

4. Oysters – Oysters are the best dietary source of zinc. Zinc helps to restore a normal level of testosterone.[iv] Other foods to consider that are high in zinc are animal proteins, beans, and pumpkin seeds.

• Order Oysters next time you’re out to eat!
• Snack on ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds daily – or make our Spiced nut Mix

5. Dark Chocolate – A study found that women who ate chocolate daily appeared to have a higher libido than those who didn’t eat chocolate at all.[v] Not only does chocolate have aphrodisiac properties, it also increases the release of hormones and neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) due to the effects of phenylethylamine (PEA) that is in chocolate. Dark chocolate also contains tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, our mood boosting neurotransmitter.

• My favorite dark chocolate is hu chocolate – free of refined sugar!
• Chocolate chia seed pudding
• Chocolate avocado mousse

Continue reading about natural ways to boost libido here

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[i] Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, Farabaugh A, Sonawalla S, Fava M, Mischoulon D. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008 Fall;14(3):182-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.x. PMID: 18801111; PMCID: PMC6494062.

[ii] Koh JH, Kim KM, Kim JM, Song JC, Suh HJ. Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull. 2003 May;26(5):691-4. doi: 10.1248/bpb.26.691. PMID: 12736514.

[iii] Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, Qasmi IA. Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behaviour of normal male rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Nov 5;4:17. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-4-17. PMID: 15530165; PMCID: PMC534794.

[iv] Fallah A, Mohammad-Hasani A, Colagar AH. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization. J Reprod Infertil. 2018 Apr-Jun;19(2):69-81. PMID: 30009140; PMCID: PMC6010824.

[v] Salonia A, Fabbri F, Zanni G, Scavini M, Fantini GV, Briganti A, Naspro R, Parazzini F, Gori E, Rigatti P, Montorsi F. Chocolate and women’s sexual health: An intriguing correlation. J Sex Med. 2006 May;3(3):476-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00236.x. PMID: 16681473.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.