Dealing with low sex drive? There may be any number of reasons why your libido is lower than usual. Fortunately, there are many things you can prioritize in your diet to spice up your love life naturally and with ease.

Curious how to increase libido naturally? Keep reading to discover the top foods that increase libido, and other ways to get your fire back straight from the kitchen to under the covers. 

1. Apples

We already know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it turns out that it can also keep low libido at bay. A 2014 study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics showed that women who ate an apple daily had significantly improved sexual function and higher levels of vaginal lubrication compared to those who didn’t eat apples on a regular basis. Apples’ status as a libido-boosting food is, in part, credited to their high content of polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and other antioxidants that promote healthy arteries and general well-being.

2. Watermelon

This popular summer fruit is linked to improvements in vascular and sexual health. According to researchers at Texas A&M University, certain phytonutrients in watermelon including citrulline, lycopene, and beta carotene promote circulation and support heart health and immunity. Moreover, when citrulline converts to arginine in the body, you’ll get a boost of nitric oxide to increase blood flow and relax blood vessels, which can ultimately assist sexual function and a healthy sex life. If you experience low libido, try adding foods like watermelon into your daily routine.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate is a known staple for Valentine’s Day gifts—not only because it’s sweet, but also since it happens to be one of the best foods to boost libido. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women in Northern Italy who reported daily chocolate intake had significantly higher levels of sexual desire. The authors of the study also noted that chocolate has historically been linked to improvements in sexual pleasure.

In addition, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that men who supplemented with an antioxidant-rich blend of Cacao — a key constituent in chocolate — and pomegranate rinds over 56 days benefited from significantly increased testosterone levels. Adequate testosterone is crucial for a healthy sex drive and performance across adults of all genders and ages, thus cementing the delicious treat’s status as a tried and true aphrodisiac. Cosmic Cocoa, our mushroom hot chocolate powder, is a great way to get a tasty serving of cacao along with other adaptogens and mushrooms for libido and mood.

4. Pistachios

Pistachios are among the top libido-boosting foods. In fact, it’s even powerful enough for men with a history of erectile dysfunction (ED). A small 2011 study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that married men with ED for a year or longer experienced notable improvements in gaining and maintaining an erection after eating 100 grams of pistachios daily for three weeks.

Since poor sexual function can lead to low libido, foods that enhance sexual function (and thus self-esteem and confidence) can support a healthier, stronger sex drive. Pistachios may improve sexual abilities since they contain a host of antioxidants as well as arginine — an amino acid precursor of nitric oxide, which boosts vasodilatation and in turn supports sexual function. 

5. Mixed Nuts

Not a fan of pistachios? Fortunately, they aren’t the only nuts that have a positive impact on libido and overall sexual health. A 2019 study in the journal Nutrients found that healthy men who ate 60 grams of raw walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts daily over the course of 14 weeks experienced a significant increase in libido and orgasmic function compared to a control group. The authors noted that larger studies are necessary to determine exactly how these beneficial effects come into play for a healthy libido.

However, since nuts are nutrient-dense — with plant-based proteins, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and some minerals — they’re part of a generally healthy diet. In turn, good health can support a stronger sex drive. Similar to pistachios, the nuts studied are high in arginine, thus enhancing physiological processes associated with a healthy sex life. 

6. Chili Peppers

These vegetables have the ability to create heat on your palate and under the sheets alike. Capsaicin, its chemical that provides spiciness, can:

• Trigger the release of feel-good endorphins
• Increase circulation
• Boost metabolism

Since capsaicin gets things ready to roar, it also has the potential to stimulate passion and excitement. If you can handle the heat and are hoping to eat your way to a higher libido instantly, be sure to add a few chili peppers on your next dinner date. 

7. Celery

Celery may be much less mild than chili peppers, but it’s still powerful enough to get your inner fire buzzing. The crunchy, water-rich veggie contains androsterone, a male hormone that can stimulate sexual arousal in women and function as a pheromone to boost your libido in no time. A 2015 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine also supports the fact that male sex hormones — including androstenedione and free testosterone — are significantly correlated with sexual desire in women. 

8. Oysters

Oysters have long been famed as an aphrodisiac food that can help with sexual stamina and arousal. A 2022 review in the journal Frontiers explains that oysters have been historically consumed since ancient times in the quest to boost libido and sexual performance. Recent studies in animal models show oyster consumption supports:

• Greater testosterone secretion
• Improved sexual function
• Strong antioxidant effects

Oysters are known to be one of the main foods that boost libido instantly thanks to its abundance of protein, as well as trace elements like zinc and taurine. The latter two show potential to support hormone production and sexual function. 

9. Ginger

Ginger isn’t only a wonderful ingredient to liven up your meals and teas; it can potentially spice things up in the bedroom, as well. More studies are needed to substantiate a definitive link between ginger and libido. However, current research suggests that ginger can increase blood flow, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance testosterone production — all of which can assist you before and during intimate activities. 

10. Pomegranates

Antioxidant-rich pomegranates and pomegranate juice can improve your libido in several ways. To start, they can improve blood circulation, thus supporting sexual function. Moreover, a 2022 study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that supplementing with pomegranates improved outcomes for menopausal symptoms — which cover everything from sexual function and mood to sleep and energy — as well as overall quality of life for menopausal women. Since menopause entails significant hormonal imbalances that can drastically impact sexual desire and function, foods like pomegranates that can mitigate its symptoms can be powerful natural antidotes to low libido.

Supplements That Increase Libido

While the libido-boosting foods above can help improve your sex life by enhancing desire and sexual function, you may also wish to seek out additional support with supplements that increase libido. A clean, natural libido supplement like Sex Dust® can complement a healthy protocol to get your inner fire back. It packs a variety of adaptogens and herbs traditionally used to:

• Support hormonal balance
• Reduce stress
• Boost blood flow
• Increase energy

Since all of the components above are essential for sex drive and function while counteracting some of the primary causes of low libido, Sex Dust® can be a wonderful addition to your sexual wellness regimen. Some people report that they feel this natural libido booster kick in within as little as 30 minutes. Just note that it may take up to a few days or a few weeks of consistent intake to fully feel its energizing, aphrodisiac effects. (Yet as the saying goes, good things are worth the wait.)