There are tons and tons of aphrodisiacs which boost your libido and get you in the mood. But, have you heard about âœanaphrodisiacsâ"? Anaphrodisiacs are foods that hamper your sex drive. How often have you found yourself in the situation where you or your partner were âœnot in the moodâ"? Well, it could be these food items that are causing low libido and playing havoc with your sex life.
Canned food: Most canned foods contain large
amounts of sodium and a low amount of potassium, which leads to reduced
blood flow to body parts like *ahem*, your genitals.
Alcohol: A
glass of wine sure helps shed those inhibitions and could even turn you
on, but too much of alcohol can hamper your sex drive. Alcohol is a
depressant and causes physiological symptoms. Excess intake of alcohol
can decrease testosterone production in men. So, take it easy the next
time you're out drinking.
Cheese: Cheese available at your supermarket is
made from cow's milk that has been treated with artificial growth
hormones and antibiotics. Having too much of processed dairy products
releases xenoestrogen in your body. These unwanted estrogens can cause
low sex drive and even sexual dysfunction. Look for dairy products made
from untreated cow's milk.
Coffee: Excess intake of coffee can harm your
adrenal glands. These glands produce stress hormones, when the function
of the glands reduces; it could lead to sexual and thyroid hormone
imbalance.
Soy: Most soy
products are heavily processed and stripped off their healthy
properties. Soy contains phytoestrogen which sometimes affects the
hormonal balance in men and women. It is rumoured that monks across the
world consume soy in high quantities as it lowers sex drive.
Mint: Okay, so
bad breath is a big turn off, but the mint you're chewing on to get rid
of bad breath is not doing any good to your sex life. The menthol in
peppermint has been shown to reduce testosterone levels. It also cools
off your body and sex drive. Next time, try chewing some ginger instead.
Licorice: Licorice contains the active ingredient
glycyrrhetinic acid, which reduces cortisol levels and leads to lowered
testosterone. Skip your licorice tea for green tea or ginseng for a
better sex life.
Soda: Besides
causing dental cavities, obesity and dehydration, soda also causes
sexual dysfunction and hence, is the worst food for your sex life.
Artificial sweeteners:
Artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame reduce the release of
serotonin, a chemical that makes you happy and controls your mood and
boosts libido. Lack of serotonin can cause problems such as headaches,
depression and irritability. These things affect the production of
dopamine which is important for a good sex drive.
Corn Flakes: Did you know John Harvey Kellogg, the
man behind Kellogg's cereals created corn flakes to curb sex drive? The
sugar in the cereal causes a spike and crash in your blood level which
affects the testosterone. Low amounts of testosterone means low libido
and sex drive.
