StValentine’s Day is approaching and if the plans for the evening include a romantic dinner attention to the food on the table. Because if it is true that some are tantalizing and indulge eros, others completely lower the libido. These include cheeses, legumes, frankfurters and, somewhat unexpectedly, tonic water. But they are not the only ones.
Valentine’s Day and food: junk food and crash diets cause the libido to drop
Manifestation of two primary needs, eating and sex are closely linked to each other underlining the connection between Valentine’s Day and food. And it’s not just a way of saying: «Both are co-localized at the neurobiological level. The desire to eat certain foods and sexual desire they follow the same neurological pathwayor the dopaminergic one, to which dopamine belongs: the neurotransmitter that mediates pleasure» explains the Dr. Chiara Ciavarella, nutritionist of the leading platform in Italy Miodottore.
This double thread manifests itself not only in a positive sense, stimulating desire, but also negatively. In fact, an incorrect diet, for example particularly rich in sugars, junk food and industrial foods tends to feed one inflammation and oxidative stress. «These are two factors which, in turn, can trigger alterations in the glycemic and hormonal balance, with consequent sexual disorders as wellsuch as erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness» explains the expert.
Be careful though, because even a particularly restrictive regime is harmful to sex. Deficiencies in proteins, omega 3 and fatty acids, but also in group B vitamins and minerals such as zinc have an impact on female libido and female fertility. “Similarly, food also impacts on man’s sexual functions and a correct intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium helps regulate testosterone levels, increasing reproductive capacity and male sexual desire”.
The seven enemy foods of sexual life
For this reason, if there are foods that are friends of sexual life, others, including food and drink, are declared enemies:
1. French fries
“They have a high glycemic index which cause an immediate production of energy followed by tiredness and drowsiness. Furthermore, since they are rich in saturated fat and salt, they can cause vasoconstriction and thus worsen sexual problems ».
2. Cheeses in general
“Because of theirs long digestiona greater blood flow to the intestine is required, thus slowing down the physiological sexual response”.
3. Würster and processed meat
«Being high in calories and saturated fat, they alter cholesterol levels and weaken circulation to the sexual organsmaking it difficult to maintain arousal» explains the doctor.
4. Legumes
Their digestion is particularly long, explains the expert, it is no coincidence that one can experience an annoying feeling of heaviness and gastrointestinal swelling which can make one less reactive to erotic stimuli.
5. Peppermint and licorice
A bit surprisingly, these two ingredients also appear. Some studies show that the Menthol can reduce testosterone levels in both men and womenthus lowering their libido. Similarly, one has a decrease in desire even with a high consumption of licorice which has as side effects an increase in blood pressure and a reduction in potassium levels.
6. Tonic water
Surprise also for the tonic waterwhich is not a friend of romantic moments: «In addition to causing annoying swelling, the quinine which is responsible for the typical bitter taste of the drink, can temporarilylower testosterone levels and sperm count».
7. Milk chocolate
Due to the sugar concentration exceeding 50%, causes potentially harmful blood sugar spikes: «For this reason it would be better to end the candlelit dinner with dark chocolate: rich in L-tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin, it is capable of fighting stress and anxiety»
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