by Laura Seldon for GalTime.com
Now that spring is here, are you looking to give your sex drive a "spring awakening?" It turns out the foods you dish up can also dish out some serious mojo. Ready to get your groove on? Here are ten foods to put you in the mood for love.
1. Garlic
Start your meal with some satisfying garlic bread and then get ready to satisfy your needs! Despite giving you a case of garlic breath, this delicious fare is certain to spark your sexual appetite.
"Garlic contains allicin, which increases circulation," says Megan Ware, RD, and CEO of Nutrition Awareness.
2. Salmon
Lure in your mojo by eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild salmon, halibut, mackerel and sardines. Experts say omega-3 fatty acids can do wonders for your sex drive.
"They improve circulation by preventing a build-up of plaque in the arteries," says Ware. "And raise dopamine levels which trigger arousal."
3. Oysters
Oysters have long been said to get you going naturally.
"This is not just a myth," says Ware. "They are high in zinc, which is necessary for producing the sex hormone testosterone. And testosterone increases the sex drive in both men and women."
4. Watermelon
With such a sweet taste, watermelon can be the perfect pleasure-inducing food to enjoy with your partner before getting to that other pleasure-inducing activity.
"Watermelon contains the amino acid L-citrulline, which naturally increases blood flow to the sexual organs," explains Lindsey Smith, author of the book Junk Foods and Junk Moods.
5. Dark Chocolate
This tasty treat will give you more than just a sugar rush.
"Aside from the taste and sexy feeling dark chocolate embodies, this chocolate also contains Phenylethylamine, which is a feel-good endorphin often released in the brain when people fall in love," says Smith. "This is a win-win when it comes to sex-boosting foods because your body will naturally feel more connected to your partner."
6. Maca Powder
Maca powder is an ancient Incan food found mainly in Peru.
"This wonder powder not only boosts energy levels, but a tablespoon is enough to get your libido going!" says Smith.
Share a spoonful with your mate and then get ready to do more than just spoon!
"It has a ton of essential nutrients, fatty acids and amino acids that give you the good mood boost you need," Smith advises.
7. Sushi
"Just eating sushi can be very sexual. Especially if eaten together," explains registered dietician Julie E of Julie E Health & Wellness. "The fish is also high in zinc, which is very important for all parts of the body involved in sexuality. Often a very light food, most people don't overeat sushi, so it makes for the perfect date food."
Savor a tray of fresh-off-the-boat sashimi and then let the good times roll!
8. Lemon Water
A satisfying drink to serve with dinner, lemon water is a thirst-quencher that also quenches something else.
"It stimulates the liver, which makes all our hormones, and in turn keeps everything flowing nicely and smooth," says Julie E. "Also, when the liver is 'backed up,' people tend to feel more anxiety, tension, and stress -- so eliminate that all and make for a better experience."
9. Goji Berries
Called the "new antioxidant super fruit," Goji berries are a berry good way to get in the mood.
"Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to protect the liver," says Julie E. "They also improve sexual function and fertility, and improve circulation... all important for that beautiful experience."
10. Anything Spicy
Spice up your night with more than just what's on your plate. Like many of the other tasty treats that made this list, spicy foods help to get your mojo going by increasing blood flow and circulation, according to Ware. Cook up something hot and spicy tonight so you can make your after-dinner activities sizzle!
Hopefully, these ten foods will work to increase your sexual appetite as well as your actual appetite. Try one or two at the dinner table, and if you're feeling especially amorous, bring a few into the bedroom as well!
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Laura Seldon is a writer and journalist living in Los Angeles. Published by The Huffington Post, Spark Networks, and Rock The Vote, she is also a newlywed who thoroughly enjoyed researching this article.