EXCLUSIVE Could your diet be ruining your sex life? Nutritionists reveal key foods to avoid - and the ones you should be sticking to instead
But thankfully, nutritionists have now shared the top foods to avoid to keep your sex life as active as possible - and the produce you should be sticking to instead.
Vinny Kodamala, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, and Kerry Beeson, a nutritional therapist from Prep Kitchen, revealed to FEMAIL the best and worst dishes for a low sex drive.
Those to avoid included full-fat dairy, red and processed meats and baked goods, such as biscuits, cakes, and pastries.
The products can increase high cholesterol, which can negatively impact your sex drive, according to Vinny.
Meanwhile, Kerry suggested that the romantic oysters and champagne duo works perfectly as a starter during date night because they do actually have some scientific backing when it comes to being aphrodisiacs.
She also suggested incorporating leafy greens and watermelon in your diet for their nitric oxide-boosting properties, which helps to widen blood vessels and aid blood flow around the body, including to the genitals.
Read on to find out the food items that can help improve a person's sex drive, according to the nutritionists, and the ingredients to avoid...
EAT WHOLE GRAINS & HEALTHY OILS
Vinny explained: 'The food we eat plays an important role in maintaining our health. The same goes for sexual health, as eating the recommended amount of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain products can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
'Some dietary choices can also increase the risk of men getting erectile dysfunction. As erectile dysfunction is related to blood flow, your blood vessels need to be in good health.
'Therefore, eating healthier foods reduces your risk of common vascular problems caused by high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, and obesity.'
'Ensuring you're eating a balanced diet with the recommended amount of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains is a brilliant place to start,' continued Vinny.
Examples of whole grain products include oats, brown and wild rice, barley and quinoa.
Elsewhere, the best fruit and vegetables to eat are produce such as watermelon, pineapple, pomegranates and cucumber.
Meanwhile, the expert added: 'Studies have found that a Mediterranean diet involving lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and healthy oils like olive oil, can prevent or improve erectile dysfunction.'
AVOID FOODS WITH LOTS OF SATURATED FAT
Vinny warned: 'You'll want to avoid foods that contain a lot of saturated fat or raise triglyceride levels such as cakes, pastries and biscuits, as these increase levels of bad cholesterol.'
Try to limit your intake of the following: fatty foods, full-fat dairy, sugars, processed and fried food, suggested the expert.
Vinny continued: 'Saturated fats tend to come from animal products, though they can also be found in some plant-based foods. These are often referred to as "bad" fats, as consuming too much can lead to increased cholesterol levels.'
Top sources of saturated fats are red and processed meats, including beef, lamb, pork, bacon, and ham, milk and cheeses, especially hard cheeses, full-fat milk, and butter as well as baked goods and snacks, such as biscuits, cakes, and pastries.
The expert also warned against trans fat, a type of unsaturated fat, that are found in bread, margarine, doughnuts, cakes, and pastries and some fast food products.
Vinny explained: 'They typically come from an industrial or artificial source, but they're also found in hydrogenated vegetable oil, a type of cooking oil that can be added to food to prolong its shelf life.
'Like saturated fats, trans fats can raise cholesterol levels in the blood, however, they are considered more damaging.'
DITCH FAST FOOD
'Avoid eating large amounts of processed or fast food, as these are often high in fat and sugar, which can contribute to obesity,' warned Vinny.
Continuing her advice, the nutritionist said: 'You'll want to avoid foods that can contribute to high blood sugar when eaten in large amounts - such as sugary and highly processed foods.
'While starchy foods like pasta and potatoes can be part of a balanced diet, it's important to enjoy them in moderation and opt for wholegrain or less processed versions where possible.'
Meanwhile, Kerry insisted: 'High-fat foods like pizza and deep-fried foods are hard to digest, so you're likely to feel tired and sluggish afterward.'
TRY OYSTERS AND CHAMPAGNE
Kerry suggested that the romantic oyster and champagne duo works perfectly to help improve a person's sex drive.
The nutritional therapist said: 'Oysters contain high levels of zinc, an important mineral for the production of testosterone, a vital hormone for sexual function in both men and women.'
Discussing champagne, she continued: 'It's thought to boost nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide helps to widen blood vessels and aid blood flow around the body, including to the genitals.
'However, while alcohol can relax us and may initially encourage libido, as Shakespeare famously said: "It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance".'
DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH ALCOHOL
Vinny said: 'While some individuals may mistakenly believe alcohol is an aphrodisiac, excessive alcohol consumption can increase a man's risk of developing erectile dysfunction and can make it worse.
'If you drink regularly and you're experiencing erectile dysfunction, you should try and reduce your intake or give it up to see if this helps.'
STICK TO NITRIC OXIDE-BOOSTING FOODS INSTEAD
Instead of relying on alcohol to improve libido, Kerry suggested considering these nitric oxide-boosting foods instead, which can be incorporated into meals at home.
'Spinach, kale, and cabbage are rich in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide,' explained the expert.
She continued: 'Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that your body converts to arginine and then into nitric oxide.'
Kerry also suggested sunlight, saying: 'Did you know that sunlight can be a surprising ally in boosting your libido?
'Along with its role in vitamin D production, sunlight also stimulates the production of nitric oxide.'
ENJOY SPICY FOOD
'Using strong flavours and spices can enhance the sensory experience of your meal. Chilis are also a known aphrodisiac - they contain capsaicin, which improves circulation and blood flow,' explained Kerry.
She added: 'Beyond nutrients, the way you eat can be just as important in boosting your libido.
'Foods that you might eat with your fingers like asparagus, watermelon, or oysters, can heighten your sensory experience and add to the mood.'
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