If you want to increase you libido, research shows you should start in the kitchen before turning to your doctor for prescription medications. The key to a healthy sex drive is surprisingly simple. Having good physical and emotional health can have a huge impact on your desire to get busy between the sheets and food plays a big role in managing both. Adjusting your diet can dramatically improve how sexual you feel.

Studies have shown that regular, satisfying sex can make you look years younger and increase your lifespan. In fact consistent, loving sex came in only second to physical and mental activity in a study that looked into the most important factors for retaining youth. Even just thinking about sex is good for you!

If you haven't been feeling as sexual as you used to, don't panic. If you want to liven up your sex life, you can actually eat your way to a healthier libido. The foods that are good for your libido are surprisingly delicious. If a well cooked steak and a glass of good red wine sounds like the perfect precursor for an even better evening with your partner you're in luck.

Certain foods are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for good blood flow and hormonal health; important factors for your sexual wellbeing. Red meat and red wine happen to be on the list.

Meats like beef, chicken, and pork contain Carnitine, L-arginine, and zinc, nutrients that maintain good blood flow. Including a variety of meat in your diet, in moderation, is great for your sex life and so are these 6 other foods.

Oysters

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The old wives tale about oysters being an aphrodisiac turns out to be true. Oysters contain a high percentage of zinc which helps increase blood flow to your sexual organs. The American Chemical Society also found that oysters, scallops, and clams all contain compounds that boost your hormonal production. An increase in estrogen and testosterone can help increase your desire.

Salmon

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You've probably heard by now that salmon is an excellent source of omega 3's. But did you know that omega 3's can actually boost your sex drive? They do this by improving blood flow and preventing plaque from building up in your arteries. Aim to incorporate salmon into your diet once or twice a week.

Apples

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The antioxidant quercetin has amazing effects on circulation. Apples, berries, cherries, onions, and dark colored purple grapes are rich in this antioxidant. Quercetin also helps prevent inflammation in the prostate gland and promotes good bladder health. A healthy prostate and bladder makes sure sex is comfortable and enjoyable.

Nuts and Seeds

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Walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, pecans, and even peanuts are a tasty snack that can actually help increase your sex drive. Nuts and seeds contain zinc and L-arginine which help keep your blood flowing smoothly.

Garlic

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Garlic is another food that's great for your blood flow and easy to add to a variety of different recipes. It's a natural blood thinner that increases blood flow to your sexual organs and prevents high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Red Wine

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Next time you're out on a date order a glass of red wine instead of your favorite cocktail. Research published in The Journal of American Medicine shows that two glasses of red wine a day helps get women in the mood. Although most of you probably didn't need research to let you in on this secret. The study noted that two glasses of other kinds of alcohol didn't have the same effect on a woman's libido.