Stress, environmental toxins and bad diet can all contribute to a dip in libido, which can underlie a bigger health issue like inflammation. This can zap your energy and slow your blood flow, all essential for a healthy sex drive.
You can get your re-energized by adding some key foods to your diet.
The good news is that these foods will not only help you feel better, they will also make you look better, which does wonders for your libido. Try these six sexy eats!
1. Salmon
Wild caught salmon is a great source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that help maintain the fluidity of our cell membranes. They keep our cardiovascular systems healthy by reducing inflammation, preventing excessive blood clotting, and keeping fats in the blood at healthy levels. Salmon is great grilled, broiled, or added to an omelet or salad. The same omega-3 fats are also found in other fatty fish like tuna, black cod, halibut, and mackerel.
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2. Avocados
Yes, avocados are high in fat, but they're also high in healthy fats like omega-9 and omega-3. They're anti-inflammatory, so they support a healthy cardiovascular system and blood sugar regulation. In addition, they're high in fiber and rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, the fat-soluble vitamin K, folate, and B vitamins. They're also a source of high-quality protein.
To get a healthy dose of avocado, (rather than slathering guacamole on your beef burrito,) add avocado chunks to a tossed salad. The fats will help increase absorption of phytonutrients from your greens, carrots, and tomatoes.
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3. Watermelon
Watermelon is rich in a chemical called citrulline that helps make nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. It also contains the phytonutrient lycopene and beta-carotene, which act as antioxidants, protecting our cells. This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy it; don’t be afraid to eat the white part of the watermelon rind where much of the citrulline is found, either.
To maximize the nutrients, (if you buy the fruit whole,) leave it at room temperature until it's cut, then store the leftovers in the fridge. Eat it right off the rind, in a fruit salad, or try it in this delicious gazpacho.
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4. Nuts
Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans are a good source of L-arginine which gets converted into nitric oxide. Walnuts also contain a plant-based omega 3 fat that's necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system. Add a few to your morning oatmeal, add them to salads, or have a handful as an afternoon snack. Looking for a sweet treat? Try these truffles sweetened with raisins.
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5. Leafy Greens
Fresh spinach, kale, collards, arugula, mustard greens, as well as herbs like parsley and oregano contain high amounts of chlorophyll, which is purifying to the blood and helps to increase blood flow. Some, like kale, also contain essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6. They're a rich source of vitamins, including the fat-soluble A and K, and C, as well as minerals that keep the body rich in alkaline and improve energy levels. Eat them in salads, steamed, or juiced with other veggies and fruits.
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6. Seeds
A zinc deficiency can impair testosterone production as well as contribute to depression, which also inhibits libido. Seeds such as pumpkin and sesame are rich in zinc, as well as additional essential nutrients. Eat pumpkin seeds raw in trail mix or sprouted and seasoned. Sprinkle hulled sesame seeds over steamed vegetables, or eat them ground into tahini in hummus. Other options include having them in a dressing for salads, veggies, or fish.
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Incorporating these foods into your everyday diet can be easy, tasty and keep your libido and your overall health active and alive.
Written by Linda DiBella for YourTango.com
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