All hail libido boosting food.  Here are the ingredients you need to spice up your love life, writes BESTFIT’S Emma Kirke @DrEKirkeOSTM.

WATERMELON

Chocolate (especially dark) has been the go-to food of love throughout the ages, however it is likely this is just a myth. Though some of the ingredients may boost serotonin and endorphin levels, there is no direct link between chocolate and the improvement of sexual performance or arousal. The key chemical that gives the illusion of being in love is phenylethylamine, however, it does not affect the physical body. A sweeter food pill with guaranteed effects would be watermelon. It is not just a refreshing summer fruit, it is a sweet libido-booster which contains L-citrulline, a vital amino acid. Although it is 92% water (meaning low in calorie, fat and carbs) the remaining 8% is packed with vital nutrients for sexual health. The L-citrulline is converted to arginine by the body, which helps improve blood flow to sexual organs. It’s like you’re eating nature’s Viagra.

FRUIT

Any food rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, has the capacity to relax blood vessels, which in turn improves circulation, which in turn means a better blood flow to the sex organs and stronger erections. Blueberries contain a strong mood-boosting dopamine-enhancing hormone. Other fruits to consider are bananas, an excellent source of vitamin B and potassium, both needed for sex hormone production and assisting with energy levels. A banana booster will ensure you have the urge and the energy. Nibbling on a raw banana will have more benefits than if it’s cooked, as the higher the temperature during cooking affects the nutrients and enzymes.

Black raspberries can help transform your mindset for getting in the mood. The phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance, so pop a handful in your mouth a few hours before getting busy in the bedroom. Perhaps try the fabulous fig, which may have you acting like a teenagers again. They’re considered excellent stimulants of fertility and enhancers of pheromone secretion, so feast on five before getting it on and find out for yourself.

BROCCOLI & ASPARAGUS

Vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus are the pick of the crop. Asparagus not only has a slightly phallic appearance, it has been considered an aphrodisiac since ancient times. Rich in potassium, folic acid and vitamin B, it is vitally important for a healthy sex drive in both men and women. It is also a source of vitamin E, which is not only important for sleep but also libido. Broccoli, raw, cooked or alongside your steak in a salad for a bedroom boost makes absolute sense when you realise it is high in vitamin C. This particular vitamin aids with blood circulation to organs and has been associated with improving female libido. Kill two birds with one stone and get your five a day with a little something extra to boot.

CELERY

Celery contains the male hormone andosterone, and when consumed by men it can cause the release of pheromones, which can help attract the opposite sex. You can try serving the stalks with almond nut butter and sprinkle raisins on top. Almonds in themselves contain omega 3 and essential fatty acids, which help to produce testosterone. There is also some anecdotal evidence to suggest that the smell of almonds acts as an aphrodisiac to women, so perhaps making yourself smell like a marzipan cake is the way forward, gents? Maybe it will make you seem good enough to eat?

AVACADO

Avocado increases male and female libido as they are again a formidable source of folic acid and essential fatty acids. They are also a source of vitamin B6, which assists in the regulation of the thyroid gland and the metabolic rate, especially essential for women who seem to suffer from hypothyroid conditions more regularly than men. In the male, they increase general hormone production. The Aztecs nicknamed the avocado tree the ‘testicle’ tree due to its associated fertility benefits.

MACA

Maca is a root vegetable from Peru and as well as being used by fitness fanatics, it is often touted as a natural Viagra. It is considered one of the top superfoods for increasing sex drive and sperm count in men. It is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which all increase energy levels. It can help men struggling with erectile dysfunction and female fertility.

EGGS

Eggs are not just a fantastic source of protein, which is excellent for stamina, but they are also a source of the amino acid L-arginine, which has been shown effective in treating erectile dysfunction. So poached, scrambled, fried or devilled, they can rev you up after a long day.

Recipes

Boiled eggs with asparagus dippers

Try this breakfast libido booster. Submerge two eggs in water that you have pre-boiled and cook for 5 minutes (time will vary depending on the size of the egg, and how runny you like the yolk.) On a griddle pan, melt a tsp of coconut oil. Place your asparagus onto the griddle and turn until all sides are chargrilled.

Smoothie

These are so easy to make in a food processor. Just throw in 1 banana, 1 cup of almond milk, a handful of each of blueberries and blackberries and 1 serving suggestion of Maca powder. Place all the ingredients in the food processor and blend until fully mixed and smooth.

Roast trout with an almond crust and pumpkin seed crust, with roasted broccoli and asparagus warm salad

Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees. Grease a baking tray with coconut oil. Place the trout fillets on the tray skin side down. Lightly cover the trout with almond flour. Sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds, and a ¼ tsp ginger on each fillet. Place the asparagus and broccoli on the tray and sprinkle a little garlic powder on. Bake for 30 mins in the oven or until the fish is cooked through.

Broccoli & salmon oven omelette

In a large deep-sided frying pan place your broccoli, pre-cooked salmon fillets, asparagus, red, green and yellow peppers. In a jug, break eight medium eggs, and mix with 1 tbsp onion salt, 1 tbsp garlic salt, 2 cups almond milk, 1 tsp fenugreek and 1 tsp of paprika. Pour into the frying pan. Whilst this is cooking on medium on the hob, pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees. When the edges and centre start to solidify, place the entire pan into the oven and cook until completely solid and browned on the top. Portion up. You can freeze this to re heat during the week.

Dark chocolate dessert

All you need is 250ml water, 1/4 cup raw honey, 100g dark chocolate and 1/2 cup 100% organic unsweetened cocoa powder. On a very low heat melt the honey in the water. On another ring melt the chocolate in a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir the cocoa powder into the honey water. Stir the melted chocolate into the other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Place in a plastic tub and into your freezer. Take out and stir every 30-45 mins to avoid crystals. When finally solid keep in the freezer and consume as you desire.