Be a Greek god in the bedroom and eat your way to better sex with our guide
IF you want to be a Greek god in the bedroom, follow the Mediterranean diet.
For years it has been hailed as the healthiest lifestyle.
But as we reported yesterday, research by Athens University has found men who eat fish, veg and olive oil are better lovers too.
Greek sexpert Stella Ralfini says it is no surprise that those who favour the sun-drenched cuisine make the best partners.
She explains: “If you want to be an Adonis between the sheets then you need to eat natural foods to stabilise your blood sugar levels so you are always up for it. The Mediterranean diet is guaranteed to increase libido, testosterone and endurance.”
The good news is you don’t have to hop on a plane to find your sexy-food fix.
Here Stella serves up her better-in-bed nutrition guide.
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EXTRA VIRGIN OIL
THE Med’s biggest secret is extra virgin olive oil, which is said to be better than Viagra at boosting a man’s performance, reducing impotence by up to 40 per cent.
OYSTERS
THE low-calorie shellfish is packed with zinc, which is essential for testosterone production and healthy sperm. It is also key for female libido.
PRAWNS
THE small shellfish provide iodine, which is essential for the thyroid gland – low levels can lead to a loss of your sex drive.
TOMATOES
RICH in antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes relax blood vessels and are linked to healthier sperm. They also stimulate blood flow to the lips and mouth.
ALMONDS
RESEARCH shows that vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds encourage the production of sex hormones. They are also full of protein, to build stamina.
CHOCOLATE
SNACKING on dark choccie increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain to make you feel happier and reduce stress levels, helping put you in the mood.
ASPARAGUS
THE aphrodisiac veg has long been hailed as a natural libido-booster, with experts saying it can increase blood and oxygen flow to the genital area.
BANANAS
A GREAT source of magnesium, which is useful for sexual stamina, they also contain potassium, which increases testosterone and, in turn, improves levels of libido.
FENUGREEK
MEN who eat this herb could improve their sex drive by a quarter, thanks to testosterone-boosting compounds called furostanolic saponins. Try adding fenugreek to a homemade curry.
CRAB
CRAB legs are high in zinc – an essential mineral for the male reproductive system.
One US study found couples were 39 per cent more likely to have sex on days they ate seafood.
FIGS
DRIED or fresh, the fruit has been used as a sexual enhancer for centuries. It is said to be seductive because it resembles a female’s sexual organs which, scientists say, helps arousal.
POMEGRANATE
A DAILY pomegranate juice increases sexual desire in both sexes, say experts. The polyphenols can lift your mood and increase blood flow to your organs.
EGGS
A SYMBOL of fertility and rebirth, eggs are rich in energy-boosting protein and vitamins B6 and B5, which help balance hormone levels and fight stress – crucial for your sex drive.
WATERMELON
THE fruit is rich in amino acid citrulline and nutrient lycopene, which rival Viagra in their ability to relax vessels and improve the blood flow to men’s genitals.
HONEY
HAVE a spoonful a day because it contains phytonutrients and boron which regulate hormones oestrogen and testosterone – important for sexual function.
BASIL
THIS tasty herb is good for blood circulation and therefore your libido. Best used fresh but dried can work.
YOGHURT
A US study on mice suggests the probiotic microbes can boost male sex drive and enhance levels of fertility.
BEER
SCIENTISTS say dark beer can act as an aphrodisiac by boosting blood circulation to the genitals. The key is not to gulp but take regular sips from a chilled bottle.
SAFFRON
IT may be more expensive than other spices because of the difficulty in harvesting it, but when eaten it can have a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and overall sex drive in men.
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GINGER
THIS super sex food pairs well with sweet and savoury treats and has been linked to increased arousal and sexual stimulation by aiding blood flow to the nether regions.