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Aphrodisiacs are mentioned quite often in the media, but we don’t hear much about foods that have exactly the opposite effect on the human body.
To know which foods you should avoid if you don’t want them to affect your desire for intimacy, you need to understand how they actually work.
What does libido depend on?
Your desire for intimacy is the result of several factors – physiological, cultural and psychological.
In men libido is closely linked to their level of testosterone . A higher level of this hormone corresponds to higher desire. The reverse is also true.
However, if men have higher levels of estrogen than they should, their libido will largely suffer as a result.
In women it works differently. In them desire increases with rising estrogen levels as well as testosterone levels.
Their desire for intimacy decreases only when they lack estrogen. This also explains why women’s interest in intimacy decreases after menopause.
An interesting effect in women is that testosterone, as we have already mentioned, supports this desire. For this reason women are often prescribed testosterone therapy (provided, of course, they have enough estrogen).
To summarize, female libido largely depends on the balance between these two hormones.
The problem is that there are certain foods that affect these hormones and can thus disrupt normal physiological functions, cause changes in blood pressure or even affect your libido.
Therefore you should be careful about consuming these foods. And which foods are they? We will discuss them in more detail in the following section of our article.
1. Bottled water
Of course, water itself has no effect on sex hormones, but water bottled in plastic bottles can have such an effect.
The point is that bisphenol A (BPA) is released from plastic bottles into the water, which can cause a literal hormonal chaos in your body and you may not even be aware of it.
Researchers have shown that increased exposure to BPA reduces desire and also causes erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems and reduces pleasure from sexual intercourse.
Another study showed that when researchers exposed participants to excessive amounts of BPA for 6 weeks, the number of Leydig cells (responsible for testosterone production) decreased.
This subsequently led to lower levels of this hormone in the blood.
2. Canned foods
Salty foods preserved in brines with high sodium content lead to increased blood pressure. And that leads to poorer blood supply and poor oxygenation of the sexual organs.
Therefore high blood pressure is often also cited as a cause of erectile dysfunction 1 .
If you choose canned foods in the store next time, pick those that are canned in their own juice or in water, not in salty brines.
3. High-fiber vegetables
No matter how attractive you try to be, if you have flatulence or a bloated feeling … that would be a pretty tough task for anyone!
High-fiber vegetables are healthy for your gut and digestion, but some types cause excessive gas.
Experts warn especially against consuming cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, beans, broccoli or even onions. Onions also double the potential for bad breath, especially when eaten raw.
4. Coffee
The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, but with higher consumption it can cause feelings of anxiety. And when anxious, our ability to perform intimate acts is significantly limited.
If you have experienced anxiety in the past, avoid caffeinated beverages. Or do you remember anyone who performed amazingly in bed while anxious?
Remember that caffeine stays in the body for several hours; its half-life is about 5 to 6 hours.
Therefore, if you plan some intimate activities in the evening, it’s best not to drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages during the day.
5. Bread and baked goods
Bread lovers may have problems in bed because the phytoestrogens found in wheat reduce testosterone levels in the blood.
In addition, the high amount of simple carbohydrates in bread or other baked goods made from highly processed white flour slows a person down and makes them feel sort of sluggish.
The same applies to pasta.
Therefore, for dinner before a fateful night, choose something healthier and lighter than spaghetti or pizza. For example, a salad with a bit of meat.
A heavy and otherwise unsuitable dinner could have frightening consequences for your intimate life.
6. Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol in small amounts can have stimulating effects, especially in terms of relaxation and improved blood flow. In larger amounts, however, it acts as a depressant.
In addition, regular drinking increases the risk of impotence and generally lowers libido.
What initially seems like an occasional drink can over time develop into erection problems. So be careful with alcohol.
Another reason for reduced libido can be some recreational drugs.
This applies, for example, to occasional cannabis use. Although it is said to enhance the senses, long-term use clearly reduces libido.
In addition, the THC in cannabis reduces sperm count in men and also fertility in women 2 .
7. French fries
Many of us like french fries, but if you want to have a strong libido, it’s better to avoid them.
French fries contain a high proportion of unhealthy fats, which worsen blood circulation, resulting in a drop in libido.
They also contain a lot of salt, which raises blood pressure, causes fatigue and thus lowers the desire for intimacy.
Conclusion
If you want to have a high-quality partner life, it is best to avoid the seven types of foods that reduce libido for sure.
Instead, choose foods such as dark chocolate, bananas or berries. They are not only tasty but also act as aphrodisiacs!
