There can be no debating it, we live in very sexually-charged times. On TV, in music videos, in the movies, in magazines, in the news, and all over the Internet–blatant and graphic sexual imagery is everywhere we look. But does this mean that we’re prompted to think about sex more often in these modern times than in times past? Scientists say, probably not. Even before the media began using sexual imagery to sell products–say 75 years ago–the average healthy adult thought about sex hundreds of times a day; teens, perhaps more. So why, then, did a recent poll show that 65% of otherwise happily married couples are unhappy with their sex life; in 90% of all divorces, one or both partners cite unfulfilling sex as 2nd or 3rd on their complaint list; and 60% of all married men say boring sex has or could lead them to cheating–and 45% of married women, the same? If we’re all thinking about sex and are in need of sexual fulfillment, why doesn’t that translate to the bedroom? Sure, many of us would site job stress . . . or working too many hours . . . or not enough time at the end of the day . . . or just not in the mood after a long day with the kids . . . but could there be another factor that is effecting your sex drive that isn’t even being considered? How about diet?
Scientists know well that like any other bodily function, sexual appetite can be stimulated or suppressed by what one eats. For example, as healthy as dairy products like yogurt and cheese may be for overall health, they have been known to put the sexual urges right to sleep in many women. Likewise, sodas, ice cream, excess sweets, nuts, coconut, and avocados have been known to cool one’s natural flame to barely a spark. And for many people, plants of the nightshade family–tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers–can take you right out of the mood even if you haven‘t had "any" in a month. And the tricky part is, some people react quite differently to certain foods than to others, so we all have to be observant of the tell-tale signs.
Consider this: men need two primary chemicals in their bloodstream for normal sexual performance–zinc to produce ample testosterone, and “good” (HDL) cholesterol to achieve firm and lasting erections. If you’re not getting enough of either from your diet–and you’re not taking care of business in the bedroom–the answer may be as simple as increasing your intake of both through a more thoughtful diet. Another interesting fact is that strict vegan or vegetarian diets are thought to cultivate feminine sexual characterizes (this is a good thing, guys)–including longer, less hurried love-making. In fact, most studies show that men who eat more root vegetables like garlic, burdock, soba noodles, black soy beans, and greens, achieve harder erections, endure longer, and are able to hold off ejaculation much longer than men with less sex-conscious diets.
It’s easy to see that by simply not being sex-conscious about your diet, either or both partner could inadvertently take the romance right out of the relationship. Too much meat and potatoes . . . too much soda and chocolate . . . could mean that any excuse to put if off for a night could turn into a month of no sex at all.
Just for good measure, here’s a recipe that’s been known to get the sexual juices flowing in both men and women:
CARROT GINGER SOUP: You’ll need 5-6 large, fresh carrots, sliced; a medium red onion, diced; teaspoon of sea salt; teaspoon fresh ginger; one large clove garlic, minced. Just put all the ingredients in a saucepan and add enough water to cover. Cover with lid and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes (don’t let carrots get mushy). Eat, share, and enjoy the company of your favorite partner!
