The relationship between food and sex has been studied for years, but usually in regards to aphrodisiacs, or foods that boost your libido. However, you may also experience low sex drive because of what you put in your body. While there are a number of factors that control the sex drive of both men and women alike, the hormone testosterone is largely responsible for driving the human libido.

How Can the Food You Eat Cause Low Sex Drive?

Needless to say, consuming foods proven to lower testosterone levels can bring your sex drive to a screeching halt. These foods decrease testosterone levels, thereby contributing to low sex drive, by triggering the increased activity of the aromatase enzyme, which is known to convert testosterone into estrogen. To help you keep the spark alive in the bedroom, here’s a look at 10 foods and drinks proven to alter the senses and suppress testosterone levels. If you want to stoke the romantic fire and give your sex life a boost, it may be wise to forego the following foods come date night.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is typically associated with romance and feelings of euphoria, so it may be a little surprising to find it at the top of our list. However, chocolate also suppresses testosterone levels which can lead to low sex drive. Therefore, you may want to put down that Hershey’s Kiss if you want to dish out some kisses of your own.

Foods That are Killing Your Sex Drive, chocolate, coffee, mint 2. Mint

Bad breath can be a date killer, but men should stay away from mint and opt for another flavor when it’s time to lean in for a kiss. The menthol found in mint has been proven to lower testosterone levels in men, which as you know by now, contributes to low sex drive.

3. Coffee

Although the caffeine in coffee could increase your stamina in the sack, the increased jitters associated with too much caffeine intake can make sex a nerve-racking affair. Increased anxiety from the jitters that go along with drinking coffee can create low sex drive, which is a common complaint among people who are sensitive to caffeine.  Try this coffee alternative.

4. Cheese

Unless you’re lactose intolerant, chances are you love cheese. Unfortunately, your love of cheese may actually be hurting your love life. If you opt for cheese made from organic milk, then you have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if made from cow’s milk loaded with synthetic hormones, cheese can potentially alter your body’s testosterone and estrogen production, negatively affecting your sex drive. So, if you want to take the after party back to your house at the end of the night, it would be wise to skip the cheese tray and possibly a few other foods and drinks on our list.

5. Microwaveable Popcorn

Foods That are Killing Your Sex Drive, popcorn, sodaSure, many couples find “movie night” romantic, but a big ol’ bag of microwave popcorn can kill the mood faster than watching a Rocky movie, especially for men. While popcorn itself has no effect on your hormones or libido, the chemicals in the bag’s lining, such as perfluorooctanoic acid, can wreck your libido and even lead to prostate problems. Try this libido-boosting alternative.

6. Diet Soda

Most would agree that being lean and in shape boosts their libido, but drinking diet sodas full of artificial sweeteners can stop your sex drive dead in its tracks. Artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame, have a direct effect on your serotonin levels and may keep you from experiencing the joy and happy sensations of sex.

7. Licorice

Licorice contains a natural ingredient called glycyrrhizin, which is known to lower men’s testosterone levels. Thus, eating more than a Twizzler here and there can have a negative effect on a man’s libido and possibly contribute to low sex drive.

8. Soy

Foods That are Killing Your Sex Drive, alcohol, soy Soy is considered by many as a healthy substitute for various meats, especially red meat, but it also happens to be a testosterone killer. Due to its estrogen-related properties, eating an abundant amount of the legume will significantly affect your libido.

9. Alcohol

Alcohol may provide you with a little “liquid courage” and ease sexual anxiety, but it’s no secret that it can seriously hinder your sexual performance. In addition to acting as a depressant and lowering your testosterone, it also affects your sexual functioning.

10. Corn Flakes

The inventor of corn flakes, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, believed sweet and spicy foods increased arousal and inflamed passions, so he created a bland cereal that wouldn’t arouse the taste buds or sexual desires of those who ate it. While the theory behind this is somewhat laughable in today’s day and age, the grains and carbohydrates packed in corn flakes are likely responsible for suppressing one’s desires.

Related Articles:

How Depression and Anxiety Negatively Affect Libido
Female Libido: Why There's No "Magic Pill"
Ten Ways to Make Your Lover Feel Sexy

You may also be interested in ...