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This article was first published 12 years ago

10 most important nutrients to boost libido

Last updated on: October 24, 2011 16:13 IST


Dr Swapan Ghosh, Lifemojo.com

Note: Our intent here is to provide good and clean content on sexual health. We want to resolve all the mis-conceptions and curiosities about this subject. If you feel uncomfortable because of any article in this section,

 is one of the most trusted source of information about good health and wellness. To those who want to manage their health themselves, LifeMojo provides necessary information, tips, tracking tools and support to help them stay informed and motivated.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


1. Antioxidants

These are present in abundance in fruits and fresh vegetables and offer protection against cervical cancer by neutralizing the free radicals synthesised by the body.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in carrots, egg yolk, butter, liver and cheese. It is required to keep the epithelial tissues (consist of sheets of cells which cover the external surface of the body) of the uterus and the vagina in good health.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


3. Vitamin B

Women who are trying to conceive should maintain a diet which is rich in Folic Acid and Vitamin B2. Folic acid can prevent anemia in an expecting mother as it contributes to the synthesis of healthy blood cells. Vitamin B2 supports the development of red blood cells and antibodies. It also supports the healthy development of fetus.

Sources of Folic Acid and Vitamin B2 include bananas, meat, eggs, liver, baker's yeast, lentils, spinach, fish, milk, wheat gram, beans, yogurt, cottage cheese, watercress, pulses, fish, peanuts, spinach, avocado, broccoli, liver, beetroot and oranges.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C specially benefits the male reproductive system by improving the quantity and quality of the sperms. Under a certain condition called agglutination, the sperms stick with each other and cannot reach the ovum. Vitamin C prevents the occurrence of such conditions. Citrus fruits, blackcurrants, kiwi fruits, strawberries and peppers are rich in Vitamin C.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


5. Vitamin E

It is found in sunflower oils and in certain other vegetable oils. Deficiency of Vitamin E can cause neuromuscular problems and anemia. Wheat-germ, avocados, seeds, margarine and nuts are enriched with Vitamin E.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


6. Zinc

Zinc is very essential to boost libido. It supports the production of sperms. Oysters are good sources of zinc. Zinc deficiency is related to low sex drive in women and low sperm count in men. Other sources include brown rice, turkey, red lean meat, shellfish and green leafy vegetables.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


7. Selenium

Selenium facilitates production of ova and sperms. Porridge oats, lean meat, brown rice and offal are rich sources of Selenium.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


8. Phytoestrogens

It is similar to the female estrogen hormone. You can find it in soya beans and soya products such as tofu. Phytoestrogens are known for their cancer prevention properties.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


9. Essential fatty acids

Production of sperms is supported by the intake of essential fatty acids like Linoleic Acid. Sources include nuts, sunflower and other vegetable oils.

10 most important nutrients to boost libido


10. Manganese

Estrogen, the female hormone, requires manganese for its metabolism. Lack of manganese can cause infertility in females. You can find adequate amounts of manganese in foods like oats, spinach, wholegrain cereals, raisins, beans, nuts, wheatgerm, pineapple and tea.

For ages, we have come to learn about the correlation between food and sexual health. Ginger, garlic, onions, carrots, ginseng and aniseed are known for their qualities of enhancement of sexual satisfaction. Dietary intake is the best way to boost sexual health. If you are relying on medications like Viagra or other energy pills, consider effecting a change in your normal diet too!