Six Unexpected Foods to Eat to Boost Libido During Menopause 

By Nutritionist Naomi Newman-Beinart

We all know menopause can bring with it a whole range of symptoms, including hot flushes, brain fog, aches and pains, dry skin, and tiredness. In fact, there are over 30 recognised symptoms of menopause.

Some women can go through menopause without many issues, but studies show that for around 75% of women, it can be a real struggle. One symptom, which is still not widely spoken about, is loss of libido. Due to hormone levels changing during menopause, loss of libido can occur and often continues into post-menopause. Thankfully, there are some natural ways to combat this; after all (sex) life doesn’t stop at menopause! Read on to learn more about how adding healthy foods to your diet may help improve your libido.

ALMONDS

Almonds are a superfood and have strong aphrodisiac qualities and are known as fertility food. A 2019 study found that concluded that including almonds in a regular diet significantly improved auto-reported orgasmic function and sexual desire. Almonds are also rich in healthy fats, protein, fibre, and magnesium. They also contain high levels of omega 3 and vitamin E, which enhances testosterone and sexual desires in both men and women. Aim to eat about 60g a day to boost your libido.  They are a great snack to keep you full or sprinkle in your breakfast or into salads.

BEE POLLEN

Bee pollen is a natural remedy that you don’t hear a lot about nowadays, but it has been noted to offer significant benefits and contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it incredibly good for the libido! Studies have linked bee pollen and its compounds to health benefits such as decreased inflammation, as well as improved immunity, menopausal symptoms and wound healing. Bee pollen can increase sexual activity and boost energy. It contains protein, carotene and flavonoids, which can help remove free radicals from the body. All three major nutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat) and a wide variety of additional nutrients are found in bee pollen. Some of the nutrients include Vitamins B1, B2 and B6, which all help your body turn food into energy to give you a boost in the bedroom. 

You can buy bee pollen from health stores. It can be added to smoothies, sprinkled onto porridge and yoghurt or just added to a juice. 

MUSHROOMS 

Revered as a sexual tonic in Asia for over a thousand years, mushrooms were first recorded as an aphrodisiac in the 15th century. Cordyceps is a mushroom used for centuries by Asian cultures as a natural aphrodisiac and for improving libido in both men and women. In fact, Cordyceps are often known as the ‘Viagra of Nepal’ of its ability to improve energy levels and physical stamina. It has been suggested that highly concentrated cordyceps could be used as a type of natural Viagra. Cordyceps is recommended as a natural and powerful alternative to libido-enhancing pharmaceutical drugs and has been used to increase sexual arousal in both men and women.  You can buy Cordyceps mushroom powder in your local health stores and add it to smoothies, soups, hot drinks, and so much more. 

SEAWEED

When people think of libido boosting, seaweed is probably far from anyone’s mind! However, studies have shown that a regular intake of seaweed can improve sexual function and energy and boost your sex drive. Seaweed is packed with the mineral iodine and having adequate iodine levels could make all the difference in getting in the mood. This is because iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency is a leading cause of low thyroid hormone levels, which often lead to problems such as low energy and low libido. Additionally, women with thyroid problems have also reported difficulties with vaginal dryness and having orgasms, which can make it really challenging to feel ready for sex. The study also found that these sexual difficulties became far less of a problem once thyroid function was treated.  Try adding seaweed to soups such as miso soup or using it in salads. Or try making your own sushi rolls for lunch.  

GARLIC

Garlic breath might not be the sexiest thing to eat on date night, but it contains high amounts of the compound allicin, which can improve blood flow and selenium, which also increases iron absorption. This can have a knock-on effect on your sexual arousal. Not to mention, increased blood flow may lead to better orgasms.

COLLAGEN

Low collagen levels and collagen deficiencies may be a factor that causes vaginal dryness in women, resulting in painful sexual experiences. For women (who produce far less oestrogen after 30), painful intercourse as a result of vaginal dryness can inhibit your natural sexuality and make you want to skip the whole thing altogether. To adapt to these hormonal changes, vaginal walls need collagen to retain their natural firmness and moisture levels. Collagen can be a great food to ensure a happier and healthier sex life. I suggest adding a couple of tablespoons of unsweetened natural collagen powder to smoothies, coffee, porridge, soups, cereal, and so much more.

Find out how easy it is to add collagen to your every day here.