A low libido is a common problem amongst many due to the constant demands of modern day life and not getting enough vitamins and minerals from one’s diet. A declining hormone profile due to age is also a big reason for low libido. Getting one’s mojo back is not as simple as downing a few superfood smoothies to help you on your way. However, fear not, as a number of studies have suggested supplements can increase libido and bring back the passion under the sheets.
A number of studies suggest that a person’s diet plays a big role in determining how strong their libido is and eating the right foods can improve sex drive.
Dietician Dr Swarnshikha Sharma explained to Express.co.uk: “Low libido can lead to many problems in a marriage.
“It is very important that your diet includes enough vitamins and minerals that help boost your libido.
“Certain vitamins are good sources to boost your sex drive.”
Which ones are the best?
DON’T MISS
Vitamin E
This vitamin has been proven to help boost libido.
Vitamin E increases the sex drive by increasing testosterone levels which therefore increases stamina and a also helps raise desire.
Health experts agree that vitamin E is important for stamina, energy and good blood circulation. “It’s also called the sex vitamin because it increases blood flow and oxygen to your genitalia,” said Dr Sharma.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols, which are found in berries, dark red grapes and red wine, help to increase a person’s libido.
“If you want to increase sex drive you’ve got to be in the mood and a key group of supplements I recommend for this are polyphenols,” said nutritionist Rick Hay.
Zinc
Present in pulses, whole grains, eggs, seafood, red meat and cheese, zinc is an essential mineral for one’s overall health and could also boost one’s sex drive.
“Lack of zinc may contribute to sterility or infertility.
A deficiency of zinc, however, does not lead to lack of sexual desire,” said Dr Prakash Kothari, head of the department of sexual medicine at KEM Hospital.
Ginkgo
This popular ancient Chinese herbal remedy has for many years helped those with a low sex drive.
It works by aiding blood circulation which is crucial for the sexual organs to help with sexual function.
Ginkgo has also been shown to reduce platelet aggregation, which means it helps to clear blood vessels and promotes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels essential for erectile dysfunction). This is due to its components, terpenoids and alkaloids.