These Foods Are Killing Your Sex Drive
Food and sex have shared a long and complex history. Both sacred and meaningful, food has the [...]
Food and sex have shared a long and complex history. Both sacred and meaningful, food has the power to arouse our senses, while sex is — well, sex is what you make of it. But if you're anything like the incomparable George Costanza, you blend the two and find pastrami to be the most sensual of all the salted, cured meats!
Whatever the case, it's evident that certain foods we add to our diets enhance libido, whereas others can actually put a dent in your libido, causing serious problems in your sex life and relationship. If you find you're "not in the mood" more than usual and feeling uninspired after a dinner date, it might just be something you ate.
To ensure your evening isn't cut short and that super garlicky seafood alfredo isn't to blame, we help pinpoint foods killing your mojo, so you can gain back your sexual appetite.
Dairy
Ice cream and milkshakes might be ideal in raising the roof of romance as far as "bringing the boys to the yard," but researchers have discovered lactic acid found in dairy can squash libido levels. And with products derived from cow's milk often loaded with synthetic hormones, dairy could potentially disrupt your body's natural hormone production. Since calcium aids in better sexual health, seek fortified milk alternatives or dark leafy greens.
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Chocolate
Chocolate may seem like a romantic treat with its ingredients that release endorphins triggering physical activity, but if you receive a box full this Valentine's Day, save it for later. For years, chocolate was touted an aphrodisiac because of its ability to stimulate feelings of love and euphoria, but doctors have discovered it makes women tired, while also lowering sexual drive and libido.
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Beans
Though beans are high in fiber to keep you full, they are a real sex drive killer, because they make you toot like nobody's business! They contain sugars known as "oligosaccharides," that can't be digested by the stomach or small intestine. Instead, they're passed onto the large intestine with numerous bacteria breaking them down. During this process, gas and bloating occur. As smelly flatulence is from a different source, you might not stink up a storm, but the noises can be a major turn off.
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Artificial Sweeteners
We often end up eating or drinking products with artificial sweeteners in order to stay fit and trim, but as Luke Bryan would say, "Baby, you're a buzz kill." Artificial sweeteners like aspartame might seem like a good idea for dieting, but they affect sexual mood, desire and have an incredibly negative effect on serotonin — a vital hormone responsible for hitting peaks in your "happy place."
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Fried and Processed Foods
There's no better casual date food than burgers or chicken with fries, but when it comes to sex, it's a flashing neon signed "don't." Trans-fats and processed foods not only decrease female libido and cause sluggishness, but can interfere with pregnancy. Researchers have discovered consumption of these foods can affect estrogen and testosterone, in addition to blocking or transforming reproductive hormonal pathways that lead to fertility issues.
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Microwave Popcorn
Turn on the Netflix, pass the hot popcorn, and start kissing — we know how it goes! While popcorn itself isn't the major culprit to dampening burning desires, the chemicals found in the inner lining of a microwaved bag can lower sex drive due to its unpronounceable nonstick chemicals. They're so bad, they even cause prostate problems for men. Opt for organic bags, popcorn makers, or stovetop recipes.
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Alcohol
Booze might provide you with a little liquid courage for the night and make sex less nerve-wracking, but in reality, it can thwart your performance. Besides being a sedative and lowering testosterone, alcohol can affect your functioning — unhelpful when you're in the throes of passion.
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Coffee
While the caffeine in coffee can provide a boost to rock the night away, the jitters associated with excessive caffeine intake can cause anxiety, which makes sex a panicky affair. Since drinking too many caffeinated beverages like coffee or pop can cause adrenal fatigue, it's wise to decrease your intake if you're in the mood for love.
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