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Modern life can leave us stressed and exhausted. Lack
of sleep, little children, big children, long working
hours, even longer hours training for the next run – it’s
no wonder lack of sex is a real and common issue
affecting relationships up and down the muddy country.
So if you feel like your libido has evaporated and
you’re wondering what you can do to fire it up
maybe the kitchen is the best place to start! (In
more ways than one!) Research has shown that
certain foods or nutrients may help boost libido and
support a healthy sex life. Here are some of my top
tips for foods and lifestyle that can make your sex
life sizzle NOT fizzle.
Have more…
Almonds:
These wonder nuts contain zinc, selenium,
and vitamin E, all important for sexual health and
reproduction. Research suggests a healthy daily
intake to be 30-40g of raw nuts (approx. 20-25
almonds)
Zinc:
this important mineral is required for the
production of testosterone and other sex hormones.
The zinc content of the prostate gland and sperm
is higher than in any other tissues in the body.
Although testosterone is typically associated with
men, it’s an important hormone for the ladies too.
Foods that are high in zinc include oysters and
other seafood such as crab and lobster, pumpkin
seeds, beef, spinach and nuts.
Potassium:
Sodium can diminish blood flow to our
organs. Counteract this by increasing your intake of
foods that are high in potassium such as bananas,
sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Chocolate:
Good news! Chocolate increases
serotonin and dopamine levels, both of which are
hormones that make us feel happy and help lower
stress levels.
Green tea:
Rich in compounds called catechins
which help promote blood flow. Green tea also
contains L-Theanine, a mineral that has been
shown to increase the level of dopamine in the
body, making us feel happier and hopefully hornier!
Oily Fish:
Essential Fatty Acids are the building
blocks for the production of sex hormones and
also help the body store the vitamins that keep us
sexually active and full of desire. Omega 3 also
helps increase blood flow which is important for
your sex organs. Omega-3 fatty acids are found
in fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, mackerel,
herring and fresh tuna.
Sleep:
it may seem macho to burn the candle at
both ends but lack of sleep lowers testosterone and
elevate cortisol levels and thus reduces libido and
interest in sex.
Sun:
Vitamin D deficiency can cause low estrogen
in women, which means low sex drive and can also
cause low testosterone in men. So you tend to feel
more frisky when it’s sunny outside!
Have less…
Alcohol:
A glass of wine can make you feel relaxed
and less inhibited but too much alcohol dampens
sexual desire and decreases arousal and sensitivity
as well as increasing fatigue.
Soy:
Large quantities of soy products can disrupt
your hormone levels due to its estrogenic properties.
Studies have indicated that too much tofu, soy milk,
soy sauce, or other non-fermented soy products can
lower testosterone levels and sperm count.
Food or drink in plastic:
Avoid or at least minimize
your exposure to the harmful toxins in plastics that
can mess with hormone production and function.
Don’t microwave food in plastic containers and use
stainless steel bottle or BPA-free plastic containers.
Stress:
When we’re stressed our body releases
adrenaline and cortisol which can interfere with
your body’s hormone levels and lead to low libido.
Stress can also cause constriction of blood vessels
thus negatively affecting blood flow to your nether
regions. Less stress = more sex!
HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to get more
va-va-voom
in the
bedroom
Does it seem like a long time since there
was anything going on between the sheets
other than sleep?
Jennie Gough
jenniegough.com
Remember that
ultimately, making
good food choices,
exercising and taking
care of yourself
will ramp up your
love life because
you’ll look better,
feel sexier and be
more confident. So
enjoy getting out on
the muddy course
during the day and
soon you’ll be having
more fun in the
bedroom at night.
Has your love life lost its lust?
