Are There Foods That Can Help Lower Your Sex Drive?
While a high libido is generally seen as a good thing, some people may be concerned that theirs might be too high. If you’re feeling a bit more aroused and stimulated recently, then you could always try the following food suggestions to help cool your libido. We’ve listed up certain foods and recipes below that could help in curbing that enthusiasm a little!
However, if your sex drive is too high then it could start affecting your daily life or result in excessive sexual activity which could be a sign of hypersexuality or sex addiction. In these cases, people may want to try to reduce their libido themselves to control these desires. If you feel like this may be the case, then we would always advise speaking to your doctor instead.
With that being said, here are some recommendations on food that may contribute to lowering your sex drive.
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Can You Control Your Libido With Food?
There have been some studies that suggest that there are a few dietary changes you can make that may have an effect on your sex drive. If you do implement any of these changes, these should be considered carefully. This will ensure such a quick change in diet has no adverse effects on your health which may come with a sudden dietary shift.
We covered potential ‘aphrodisiacs foods’ or foods that may help increase your sex drive in our blog here — ‘anaphrodisiacs’ are the opposite of these. They’re foods that may help to lower your libido. Please keep in mind that there is little to no conclusive research on many of these foods outside of a few isolated studies, however, so it’s up to your judgement on if you want to try any of the following suggestions.
Which Foods Are Said to Affect What?
There are certain foods that may help to lower your libido. Here are the ones commonly raised, and some facts behind them:
- Herbs - There have been many herbal remedies that are supposed to reduce libido however most of these are ineffective. One of the only commonly referenced herbs that are purported to work is the chaste tree berry (vitex agnus-castus). Known as “monk’s pepper”, this was purportedly used to dampen libido in the Middle Ages. It is now used to aid a variety of issues surrounding female reproduction and hormones.
- Liquorice - It has been proposed that liquorice is useful in lowering testosterone levels which in turn can lower your sex drive. Research so far is not extensive enough to be conclusive.
- Soy - As with the above, soy is also claimed to be effective in lowering testosterone levels, but so far there is no conclusive correlation between eating soy and these effects.
- Vegetable Oil - Some vegetable oils are high in polyunsaturated fats, which some link to lower testosterone levels and as such, a lower libido. This would, of course, lead to a potentially lower libido but may not be the healthiest option.
- Foods High in GABA - GABA rich foods lower blood pressure and can help to suppress feelings of overstimulation and irritability. They have a calming effect that can also help to reduce stress and aid in getting better sleep, although specific research on the effects on your sex drive is once again limited.
Recipes to Lower Your Libido
Here are some quick, simple recipes that can be prepared in minutes that contain ingredients that may help you calm your libido in a pinch. Plus, even if they don't provide the testosterone lowering benefits, they are all delicious, healthy meals!
Tomato, Cucumber and Mozuku Vinegar Soba Noodles
With the right ingredients, this one can be simple and easy to make. Simply pour soba in a bowl, add mozuku vinegar and okra if available, and preferably pickled cucumber. Cut up and add some tomatoes, then garnish with seaweed flakes. Quick, easy and healthy!
Homemade Black Liquorice
Liquorice is definitely an acquired taste, with some people loving the taste or hating it intensely. With this homemade black liquorice recipe, however, you can make your own and hopefully adjust to your own tastes.
Tofu Avocado Salad
This simple tofu avocado salad combines both the soy element from the above list and avocado which helps increase your GABA levels. Best of all it can be prepared in only 10 minutes if you don’t marinate the tofu. Another quick, healthy meal!
Kimchi, Cucumber and Chicken Salad
If you want a simple snack or a side dish then this one could be perfect for you. Simply cut up the cucumber (again, pickled is best) and the chicken then mix together with a healthy dose of kimchi.
When Is Having a High Sex Drive An Issue?
If you feel like you’re experiencing an excessive level of sexual activity or stimulation and feel it might be a sign of hypersexuality then you should speak to your doctor or mental health therapist. They can help to evaluate you and aid in seeking further treatment if necessary. Otherwise, if you feel your sex drive isn’t that unnaturally high, it couldn’t hurt to try out these healthy food options!
