12 Foods That Boost Your Sex Drive

You’ve heard about romantic dinners, but candlelight and overpriced wine aren’t always enough to get one in the mood. However, some food have been known to increase libido—and are easier to find than bull testicles (a traditional Chinese aphrodisiac). Read the list, and look out for these ingredients in the menu the next time you take someone on a date.

1. Salmon

Fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, herring and mackerel) help increase blood flow to the body—and your genitals. For men, this means preventing impotence. For women, this means that you feel a little more sensitive in certain, uhm, areas. You can also get omega-3 vitamin supplements.

2. Bananas

Aaah, so that why they’re shaped that way…. Bananas are rich in an enzyme called bromelein, which pump up the sex drive and even help reverse impotence. The bonus? These fruits also boost energy levels (thanks to potassium and B vitamins) so you can stay up all night. (To talk, of course.)

3. Granola

This contains l-arginine, which studies show can improve erectile function. L-arginine can also be found in cashews, oatmeal, and walnuts. Oh, go ahead, make your own trail mix or cereal and have your own breakfast of bedroom champions.

4. Soy

Might as well have that date in that new vegetarian restaurant. Soy (found in tofu) helps the male prostrate and even boosts female estrogen receptors (which are partially responsible for keeping the vaginal area lubricated).

6. Celery

This vegetable amps up your body’s production of andosterone, a hormone which is released through sweat and has a tendency to attract or arouse women. Hmm. Must be why rabbits have such an active sex life.

7. Oysters

It’s one of the most famous aphrodisiacs in the world, and science is backing it up. These contain zinc, which boost sperm and testosterone levels, and trigger the body’s libido-booster, dopamine. (Note: if you’re making this for her at home, clean the oysters well, and serve them raw on a bed of ice with slices of lemon on the side.)

If you’re allergic to seafood, get your zinc levels from crab and red meat, and sardines (but somehow sardines don’t sound half as romantic…)

8. Chicken and eggs

Does your partner complain that she’s too tired for sex? Could be mild anemia, very common among women and often undetected except for this relentless feeling of fatigue and poor sex drive. Chicken and eggs are one of the best and most readily available sources of iron—but you can also serve dark turkey meat, liver, spinach, or buy her an iron supplement. (Apparently, that’s more effective than red roses.)

Bonus: eggs are also rich in vitamin B5 and B6, which fight stress and balance hormone levels. So if she’s cranky and weepy, you know what to do—aside from telling her that she looks gorgeous.

9. Almonds

Studies show that women find the scent of almonds arousing. But more than that, these nuts are rich in fatty acids (which help in hormone production).

10. Figs

Figs have been known to increase sexual stamina. In fact, go make an entire fruit plate. Add cherries, raspberries and blackcurrants, which keep your blood-vessels healthy for all the action you’re going to see tonight.

11. Garlic

Garlic is rich in allicin, which pumps up the blood flow to your sexual organs. Unfortunately, its odor is anything but romantic. Bring your breath mints, or take garlic capsules instead. (Bonus: studies show they help control heart disease!)

12. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and phenylethylamine, that trigger the same chemical reaction people get when they first fall in love. Plus, your date is more likely to be happy about receiving a box of chocolates than a box of garlic.