With Valentine's Day just around the corner, many are reminded not only of the idea of romance but of intimacy as well. While many couples may be planning for a romantic night out, others may be wondering what they can do to enhance their sex life. One of the biggest questions is whether the food that we eat can actually enhance our sex life.
CNN reports that first readers need to understand the difference between libido and sexual performance. Lynn Edlen-Nezin, a clinical psychologist who co-wrote the book "Great Food, Great Sex: The Three Food Factors for Sexual Fitness" with Robert Fried, says that there is actually no scientific support for the claim that there are certain foods that increase libido, or sexual desire.
What will affect your sex life will be the hormone testosterone. Fried says it is the only way to control the sexual desire in men and women. You don't get it from food, though, and if you want to increase your testosterone, it's best to consult a doctor.
But despite this revelation about food, testosterone and sexual desire, it does not mean that food cannot affect sex. Instead of the libido, food can actually affect sexual performance. How? The authors of the book claim that "what's good for you above the belt, is good for you below the belt." They say that to have a healthy sex life, one needs to have a healthy heart.
The key is a compound called nitric oxide, which allows blood flow to our genitals. Drugs like Viagra works like the nitric oxide. Now, the food we eat is actually the source of this compound, so take note of the following food that may help your sexual performance.
Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and nuts are good sources, along with green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and spinach. A study on dark chocolate has revealed that it can not only lower blood pressure but also improve the formation of nitric oxide in the body.
