What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- American Heart Association: Whole Grains and Fiber
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Foods to Increase Libido for Women
A normal libido, or sex drive, promotes physical and emotional wellness and can strengthen intimacy with your partner. Many factors can interfere with women's libido, including hormonal shifts, medications such as birth control pills, sleep loss, vaginal dryness and low self-esteem. Addressing underlying causes as well as eating a healthy diet rich in certain nutrients can help restore lost sex drive, making way for a more gratifying life.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Fatty Fish
Fish are top sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats your body must obtain from food 3. In addition to reducing bodily inflammation and enhancing cardiovascular health, omega-3s can help stave off negative moods and boost libido, says sexual health expert and urologist Dr. Jennifer Berman. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fish per week 35. Particularly omega-3-rich varieties include salmon, herring, mackerel, herring and lake trout.
Fruits and Veggies
Foods Men Can Eat to Enhance Sexual Stamina
Learn More
As major providers of antioxidants, fruits and vegetables can add vitality to your meals and your sex drive. In a study published in the "International Journal of Impotence Research" in 2007, 59 women with metabolic syndrome, a collection of obesity-related conditions, consumed a Mediterranean-style diet or an alternate diet for two years 4. By the study's end, women who ate the Mediterranean diet consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables and showed greater improvements in sexual function than the control group.
Whole Grains
Unlike refined grains, such as white flour and instant rice, whole grains are not stripped of vital nutrient content during processing. As a result, they provide more fiber, antioxidants and B vitamins. B vitamins play an important role in lidibo. Consume whole grains in prepared foods, such as breads, cereals and pastas, that list whole grains as a main ingredient. Nutritious examples include oats, brown rice, quinoa, barley and air-popped popcorn.
- Unlike refined grains, such as white flour and instant rice, whole grains are not stripped of vital nutrient content during processing.
- Consume whole grains in prepared foods, such as breads, cereals and pastas, that list whole grains as a main ingredient.
Nuts, Seeds and Avocados
How to Naturally Increase Testosterone in Men
Learn More
Nuts, seeds and avocados supply healthy fats, which can help increase libido and minimize vaginal dryness, making sex more pleasurable. Flaxseeds have estrogenlike effects, which may help improve your hormone levels. For an omega-3 boost, particularly if you seldom eat fish, have flaxseeds and walnuts. Avocados are useful libido boosters, according to The Doctors TV show, and provide nutritious alternatives to fatty cheese, bacon and mayo on sandwiches and salads 2.
- Nuts, seeds and avocados supply healthy fats, which can help increase libido and minimize vaginal dryness, making sex more pleasurable.
Related Articles
References
- Rush Medical Center: Sexual Problems in Women
- The Doctors TV Show: Sex Drive
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- International Journal of Impotence Research: Mediterranean Diet Improves Sexual Function in Women With the Metabolic Syndrome
- American Heart Association: Whole Grains and Fiber
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Writer Bio
August McLaughlin is a health and sexuality writer, podcast host and author of “Girl Boner: The Good Girl’s Guide to Sexual Empowerment” (Amberjack Publishing, 2018). Her articles appear in DAME Magazine, Cosmopolitan.com, the Huffington Post and more, and she loves connecting with readers through her blog and social media. augustmclaughlin.com