The health effects of Banting are boundless, and sexual health is no exception. The following foods have been cited by various health experts to boost libido and restore sexual vitality.
Steak
– 0 g carbohydrate /100 g
Ester Blum, author of Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous, encourages readers to eat that fillet. “Red meat, especially grass-fed beef, is a great source of zinc,” she writes. Zinc, the same libido-boosting nutrient in oysters, increases testosterone and stops it from turning into oestrogen. Prolactin production is also limited, resulting in increased sexual desire and performance in women and men.
2. Eggs
– 0.77 g carbohydrate /100 g
“Want breakfast in bed, followed by morning sex? Opt for an omelet,” Blum adds. Eggs are full of protein and fat for energy, and are delicious at any time of the day. They are also an excellent source of amino acids which combat certain types of heart ailment as well as erectile dysfunction, as reported on The Science of Eating.
3. Avocado
– 1.8 g carbohydrate / 100 g
According to health journalist Sarah Barns, avocado has some sexy benefits. These superfruits are rich in monounsaturated fats, making them very good for heart health and blood flow.
Avocado also contains vitamin E which improves the production of the sex hormones – testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone. What’s more, beta carotene, a potent antioxidant found in avocado, can make people feel happier and in control of their sexual wellbeing, writes nutritionist Linda O’Byrne. Men with heart disease are twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction, so eat those avos!
4. Ginseng tea
– 3 g carbohydrate / serving
Sarah Barns also encourages readers to try to incorporate ginseng tea into their diet, as it contains ginsenoside which increases sexual satisfaction and can help prevent erectile dysfunction in men.
Ginseng is also very valuable to women. According to a study conducted at the University of Hawaii, 68% of female test subjects experienced increased sexual satisfaction after a month of ginseng supplementation.
5. Garlic
– 3 g carbohydrate per clove
Garlic is excellent for heart health as it protects blood cells and blood vessels, improves blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol and triglyceride. All these characteristics are vital to healthy sexuality, writes Linda O’Byrne.
6. Strawberries
– 5.68 g carbohydrate / 100 g
Not only are strawberries rich in antioxidants that benefit heart health and circulation, but their high vitamin C content is linked to improved sperm counts in men.
7. Oysters
– 5.5 g carbohydrate / 100 g
Oysters are high in protein and zinc, causing an increase in testosterone production, according to MSN Health & Fitness. This, in turn, increases both male and female libidos. Oysters also contain dopamine – our “happy” hormone – which is important for arousal.
8. Almonds
– 9.05 g carbohydrate / 100 g
Almonds contain zinc, selenium and vitamin E, all of which are vital for sexual vitality and reproduction. The omega-3 fatty acids in almonds are great for hormone production and general brain health – both important for sexual wellness, write Health Magazine.
9. Dark chocolate
– 14 g carbohydrate / 100 g
According to Women’s Health, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants for general health. It also contains magnesium and phenylethylamine which release endorphins that improve mood and increase pleasure. A 2004 study of Italian women found that women who regularly ate dark chocolate enjoyed and desired sex more than those who did not.
10. Seeds
Pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for sex hormone production, writes O’Byrne. Sesame seeds provide zinc which is good for sexual function, and are easy to include in a salad or stir fry. Chia seeds contain essential fatty acids required to boost testosterone, increasing arousal in both sexes.
Foods to avoid
1. Alcohol
Alcohol may be a social lubricant to help a date go smoothly, but in large amounts, it is detrimental to sexual vitality. It can cause erectile dysfunction and decrease arousal and sexual sensitivity, according to The Science of Eating.
2. Junk food
Need we say more? The ridiculous amounts of sugar, preservatives and bad oils in take-out foods like pizza, burgers and French fries will make you feel sluggish, bloated, and contribute to insulin resistance – not the sexiest combo.
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