Posted by Erika Lee on Feb.11, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - Yuran

If you and your partner have ever had a dry spell, you know the importance of sex in a marriage or committed partnership. Good sexual function, like all bodily function, depends on good nutrition. The physical effects of poor nutrition are obvious, but good nutrition also supports the neurotransmitters that are responsible for the mental and emotional aspects of being in the mood. These vitamins, minerals and other nutrients keep your sex drive ticking. Check back tomorrow for a Valentine’s Day date menu of libido-friendly foods.

B-Complex

All of the B vitamins help keep energy up during prolonged periods of activity. After an hour or so, your body starts burning glycogen for energy, and B vitamins are essential in glycogen metabolism. In addition, some of the B vitamins have specific libido-enhancing roles:

• B3 (Niacin) helps dilate blood vessels and production of sex hormones
• B12 promotes proper nerve function
• B6 helps maintain balanced sex hormone levels and reduces levels of stress hormones

Good sources: Most sources of B vitamins are animal-based, with liver and fish having the highest amount per serving. Eggs and dairy products contain some B vitamins. Nutritional yeast is a vegan source of B vitamins.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is best known for its immune-boosting properties. Being sick is definitely a mood killer. Vitamin C also supports good circulation, and when it comes to romance, blood flow counts.

Good Sources: Citrus fruits and leafy greens.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E keeps up your skin condition, and helps the conditions of mucus membranes, including vaginal tissue. Many women apply vitamin E directly to the genital area, either as a regular regimen or as a situation-specific lubricant, by puncturing a Vitamin E capsule with a pin. Use caution with vaginal application of Vitamin E if you use latex condoms for pregnancy or STI protection, since some oils, including carrier oils in Vitamin E capsules, degrade latex and make condoms less effective.

Vitamin E also help the production of sex hormones.

Good Sources: Seeds and seed oils, especially wheat germ, almonds and sunflower seeds.

Potassium

Potassium not only keeps your body physically ready and your energy levels up. It works in the brain to get and keep you in the mood. In women, potassium also acts on the thyroid, and low thyroid activity can decrease your sex drive

Good Sources: Most fruits and vegetables have potassium. Powerhouse sources include bananas, dried apricots and watermelon.

Zinc

Low levels of zinc can send your libido through the floor, since zinc is essential for testosterone production. Testosterone supports sex drive in both men and women. Zinc may also improve PMS symptoms, which could otherwise kill a mood.

Good Sources: Shellfish such as oysters have some of the highest zinc levels. Crimini mushrooms, spinach and sea vegetables are also good sources of zinc.

L-Arginine

This amino acid increases blood flow, essential for good sex. While men can take l-arginine in capsule form, women may find direct topical application more effective.

Good Sources: Nuts, seeds, wheat germ and dairy products.

Sources: Livestrong.com, planetgreen.discovery.com, physorg.com, WHFoods.com

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Posted under Food, Nutrition & Recipes, Nutrition.