Does eating chocolate help increase sex drive?

If sex drive stays low for a long period of time it can put a strain on a relationship. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your sex drive. Many researchers suspect that certain foods have properties that help increase blood levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in libido and sexual function.

Throughout history, chocolate in general and dark chocolate in particular has been a symbol of lust, not only because of its delicious taste but also because of its ability to improve sexual pleasure. So eating dark chocolate before sex is a popular advice that many people pass on.
Eating chocolate increases libido by promoting the release of chemicals like phenethylamine and serotonin into your body. This can produce a number of effects including aphrodisiac and improved mood. According to another 2006 study, the effects of chocolate on sex may be more psychological than biological.

Sexual desire has an English name called libido. Many internal and external factors can affect your sex drive, from hormone levels to medications to sleeping habits. Everyone's sex drive is different, but most people find their sex drive declines as they age. Besides eating chocolate to increase libido, some other effective measures listed below can also be applied.
Try eating some fruit
There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of certain foods in terms of increasing libido, but they did not do any harm in the testing either. For example, figs, bananas, and avocados are considered aphrodisiacs or aphrodisiacs. These foods also provide important vitamins and minerals that can increase blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.
MORE: Foods that increase libido
Use common herbs
Next time you decide to prepare a romantic dinner, add a little basil or garlic to your dish . The smell of basil stimulates the senses. Garlic contains high levels of allicin, which helps increase blood flow. These effects may help men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Ginkgo biloba is another herb found to treat antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in men. It is an extract derived from the leaves of the Chinese ginkgo tree.
A food from Africa
Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of West African evergreen trees, is known to have effects similar to Viagra. Some studies suggest that yohimbine bark can help you maintain an erection. It will also enhance the quality of the erection. However, researchers say there is no natural drug equivalent to Viagra. According to a 2013 study, there is more evidence in favor of PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra than remedies like L-arginine and oral yohimbine.
Boosts confidence
How you feel about your body affects how you feel sexually. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can give you a bad image. These things can prevent you from having sex and enjoying sex. You can boost your confidence and sex drive by shifting your focus from your flaws to the better aspects. You can also focus on the pleasure of having sex.
Alcohol use
Two glasses of wine may not be too much. Drinking a glass of wine can put you at ease and increase your excitement to become more intimate with your partner. However, too much alcohol can damage your ability to have sex by affecting erectile function. Excessive alcohol use can also inhibit your ability to orgasm.
Take time to meditate and reduce stress
No matter how healthy you are or what age you are, stress can still affect sex drive. According to research, women are especially susceptible to the effects of stress in their lives, and the consequences it has on their sex lives. On the other hand, men can use sex to relieve stress. Sometimes differences in sexual approaches can cause conflict. To relieve stress, consider meditation. In addition, you can also choose other activities such as participating in sports activities, practicing tai chi, joining a yoga class.
Get plenty of sleep
People with busy lifestyles don't always have time to get enough sleep. Being busy also makes it difficult for you to have time for sex. People who have to both get work done and take care of elderly parents or young children are often prone to burnout, which can lead to a decrease in sex drive. Boost your energy and sex drive by taking a nap when you can and having a healthy diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates.
Keep your relationship under control
After arguing with your partner, chances are, you're not in the mood for sex. For women, feeling emotional closeness is important for sexual closeness. That means unresolved conflicts can affect your sexual relationship. Communication is essential to building trust. It is important to prevent animosity, misunderstanding, or resentment from building up in a relationship.
Consult a doctor
Even if you are using a natural method to boost your sex drive, you should still talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the underlying problem. Your doctor can recommend several strategies to promote sexual health. These may include:
Practice communicating with your partner Making healthy lifestyle choices Treating underlying medical conditions if present Knowing the root of the problem affecting your sex life will make it easier for you to find a solution. In summary, there are many different approaches that can naturally enhance libido. However, it's important to remember that every couple's circumstances are different. It may take a bit of experimentation to find what works best for each person. If you decide to go for a prescription drug, remember that lust is at the heart of sex. It's important to remember that a little blue pill may not solve the problem if emotions are really the problem affecting your sex drive.

References: pennmedicine.org, healthline.com