From swigging a shiraz to sniffing your man’s armpits, eight unexpected ways to boost your libido
OYSTERS and champagne are all well and good as aphrodisiacs – but a cheaper bet may be smelling an armpit.
We told yesterday how 13 per cent of us reckon chomping on a bacon sarnie can put us in the mood for love.
But what other lesser-known stimulants can do the trick?
Laura Stott takes a look at some of the thrillers, from beetroot and oats to, er, a whiff of petrol . . .
CAN’T BEAT BACON
THE best brekkie to light your fire, said 13 per cent of respondents to a survey, is a trusty bacon sarnie.
Not only does it taste great, two to three rashers will give your body up to a quarter of its recommended daily allowance of the mineral selenium – shown to help men laster longer between the sheets.
But grill bacon instead of frying, as too much dietary fat may decrease arousal levels.
Then add tomato ketchup for a hit of vitamin C – proven to aid sperm concentration.
SNIFF AN ARMPIT
BLOKES tend to reach for their best aftershave before a date night but what can really drive a woman wild is a whiff of unwashed underarm.
The scent of androstanol, a pheromone found in fresh male sweat, has been shown to increase female desire for up to an hour, say scientists at the University of California.
It was found to raise their level of “stress hormone” cortisol, which in turn helps to jumpstart feelings of sexual arousal.
So down and dirty it truly is, lads.
FLICK THROUGH PICS
LIGHTS, camera, action! Sometimes all you need do to get amorous is call up photos of your loved one on your phone.
A study found that admiring just one such picture for 30 seconds can jack up your “feelgood hormone” dopamine.
Researchers reckon this can bump up libido by increasing desire for motivation, attachment and even marital satisfaction.
No need for saucy snaps – any shot will do and you can save the X-rated action for later.
GET BEETROOT BOOST
THIS root vegetable may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you fancy getting randy – but the purple salad favourite has been shown to pack an erotic punch by boosting blood circulation.
The veggie Viagra is rich in nitrates and antioxidants which the body converts to nitric oxide, dilating arteries and veins and increasing blood flow to the genitals.
This then pumps up lust, and potentially gives men greater staying power while in the throes.
EAU DE GARAGE
YOU do not necessarily need to splash out on the most expensive cologne or aftershave to get youreself noticed and desired by the opposite sex, fellas.
All sorts of everyday aromas have been found to set women off.
Petrol, paint, ink, leather, and strawberries are all good ones, research has revealed.
For blokes, on the other hand, whiffs of vanilla, black pepper or roast dinner can be far more than just gastronomic delights.
EAT YOUR OATS
OOH, aah, granola!
If you want to sow your oats, first eat them.
Tuck into a bowl of porridge or granola each morning, or grab a flapjack on the go, for a surprisingly sexy start to the day.
The oats these foods contain are rich in amino acid L-arginine which increases blood flow to the genital areas of both men and women and also boosts testosterone levels which can increase female libido and help men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
SWIG A SHIRAZ
CORKING good sex can be had after a glass or two of red, scientists will have you know.
The moderate tipple is linked to higher sexual desire and better overall sexual function, a 2009 study revealed.
Antioxidants in the wine can help men go on for longer, the research found, while women with a liking for red wine had higher libidos than those who preferred other booze.
Just remember to drink sensibly, and in moderation, or you may find yourself just falling asleep.
TUCK INTO TAKEAWAY
IT’S not just bacon butties or a Full English brekkie that makes us saucy.
Other favourite nosh including fish and chips, and curry, has also been shown to work similar magic.
Desire was found to perk up by eight per cent, in results out this week, while previous research found couples who ate fish twice a week or more had sex 22 per cent more often.
To spice things up with a curry, look out for dishes containing methi leaves, found to increase arousal in both sexes by as much as 26 per cent