Does Garlic Increase Your Sex Drive?

Can Garlic Improve Your Sex Life?

Written by Rachael Link, MS, RD on May 25, 2021 — Medically reviewed by Kim Chin, RD

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Healthline

Edited for content.

Garlic is a popular ingredient that has been linked to a long list of health benefits.

According to some studies, garlic could help fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels, and protect against chronic disease.

Given its many medicinal properties, people may also wonder whether garlic can improve sexual function or increase libido.

This article looks at the evidence to determine whether garlic can increase your sex drive.

May improve blood flow

Some research suggests that garlic may help increase blood flow, which may be beneficial for treating issues like erectile dysfunction in men.

In fact, multiple human and animal studies have found that certain compounds found in garlic can increase blood flow and improve blood vessel function.

What’s more, one study among 49 older men found that a medication containing ingredients like aged garlic extract, ginseng, and velvet antler improved erectile function.

Garlic can also increase nitric oxide levels, a compound that helps blood vessels dilate to promote better blood flow. This could potentially help improve erectile function.

However, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of garlic on erectile dysfunction specifically.

Summary

Garlic may help improve blood flow, which could help prevent erectile dysfunction. However, more human research is needed.

May enhance male fertility

In addition to increasing blood flow, some studies have found that garlic may help promote male fertility.

One review of 18 studies concluded that garlic helped boost sperm production and increase levels of testosterone, which may be due to its antioxidant properties.

In a recent animal study, S-allyl cysteine, a compound found in garlic, increased testosterone production in mice.

Another animal study also showed that aged garlic extract could protect against changes in sperm production and testosterone levels caused by chemotherapy.

Still, further research is needed to determine how garlic may affect male fertility and testosterone levels in humans.

Summary

Although studies in humans are limited, some research shows that garlic and its components could improve male fertility, enhance testosterone levels, and increase sperm production.

Acts as an antioxidant

Antioxidants can not only help protect against chronic disease but also may play a key role in sexual health and fertility.

Fresh garlic and aged garlic extract are rich in antioxidants and can help neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals.

According to one study among 100 men with infertility, taking an antioxidant supplement increased sperm count.

Interestingly, one study in rats with diabetes found that S-allyl cysteine from garlic improved erectile function by blocking the formation of free radicals.

However, additional studies are needed to understand how the antioxidants in garlic may affect sexual function and fertility in humans.

Summary

Garlic is a good source of antioxidants, which may improve sexual health and fertility.

The bottom line

Garlic is a powerful ingredient that has been linked to many potential health benefits.

According to some human and animal studies, it may improve sexual function by increasing blood flow and enhancing fertility, especially in men.

Still, limited research is available on garlic’s effects on sex drive specifically, and it remains unclear how it might affect sexual function in women.

However, it can easily be enjoyed as part of a nutritious, well-rounded diet to support overall health and protect against disease.

Just one thing

Try this today: When using garlic, be sure to crush or chop it, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This increases its content of allicin, a compound responsible for many of the health benefits associated with this popular ingredient.

 

10 Natural Ways to Boost Your Libido

Boost Your Libido with These 10 Natural Tips

Medically reviewed by University of Illinois — Written by Alexia Severson — Updated on May 11, 2019

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Healthline

Edited for content

The natural approach

Looking to spice up your sex life? There are a variety of things you can do in your everyday life that can help boost your libido and enhance your sex life.

1. Try eating certain fruits

Little evidence supports the effectiveness of certain foods, but there’s no harm in experimenting.

Figs, bananas, and avocados, for example, are considered libido-boosting foods, known as aphrodisiacs.

But these foods also provide important vitamins and minerals that can increase blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.

2. Try eating chocolate

Throughout history, chocolate has been a symbol of desire. Not just because of its delicious taste, but because of its power to improve sexual pleasure.

According to one study, chocolate promotes the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin into your body. This can produce some aphrodisiac and mood-lifting effects.

According to another study, the effects of chocolate on sexuality are probably more psychological than biological.

3. Take your daily herbs

Next time you decide to sit down for 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, and increases blood flow.

These effects may help men with erectile dysfunction.

Ginkgo bilobaTrusted Source, an extract derived from the leaf of the Chinese ginkgo tree, is another herb found to treat antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

4. Take a tip from Africa

Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of the West African evergreen, has been known to work as a natural Viagra.

Some studies suggest that Yohimbine bark can help you maintain an erection. It will also enhance the quality of an erection. However, researchers say there is no natural equivalent to match Viagra.

5. Boost your self-confidence

The way you feel about your body affects the way you feel about sex. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise may cause you to have a poor self-image. These things can discourage you from having and enjoying sex.

You can boost your self-esteem and your sex drive by shifting the focus from your flaws to your attributes. You can also focus on the pleasure experienced during sex.

6. Stick to one glass of wine

Two glasses of wine might be one too many. Drinking one glass of wine can put you at ease and increase your interest in becoming intimate. But too much alcohol can ruin your ability to perform by affecting erectile function. Too much alcohol can also inhibit your ability to orgasm.

7. Take time to meditate and relieve stress

No matter how healthy you are, being stressed out is going to affect your sex drive. Women are particularly susceptible to the effects stress can have on one’s sex life.

Men, on the other hand, sometimes use sex to relieve stress. And sometimes differences in the approach to sex may cause conflict.

To relieve stress, participate in sports activities, practice tai chi, or take a yoga class.

8. Get plenty of sleep

Those with a hectic lifestyle don’t always have the time to get the right amount of sleep. Being busy also makes it difficult to make time for sex.

People who balance work with caring for aging parents or young children are often left exhausted, which can lead to a reduced sex drive.

Boost your energy and sex drive by taking naps when you can and eating a healthy diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

9. Keep your relationship in check

After you’ve had an argument with your partner, chances are you’re not in the mood to have sex. For women, sensing emotional closeness is important to sexual intimacy. That means unresolved conflicts can affect your sexual relationship.

Communication is essential for building trust. It’s important to prevent resentments from building up.

Consult a doctor

Even if you’re taking a natural approach to boosting your sex drive, it still might be a good idea to talk with your doctor. They can help you identify underlying problems.

Your doctor may suggest some strategies for enhancing sexual health.

These may include communicating with your partner, making healthy lifestyle choices, and treating underlying medical conditions. Knowing the root of the problem affecting your sex life will make it easier to find a solution.

10. Trial and error

There are a variety of different approaches that may enhance your sex drive naturally. However, it’s important to remember that every couple is different. It may take a little experimentation to find out what works best for you.

If you do decide to turn to prescription drugs, remember that desire is at the core of sex. It’s important to remember that a little blue pill may not be the answer if emotional issues are affecting your libido.

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