Have you noticed a decrease in your libido? Adding dates to your diet can help improve your sex life. Let us tell you how dates are good for your libido.
Sex drive, also known as libido, refers to a person’s desire for sexual activity and the activities associated with it. Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen play a major role in regulating sexual desire. There is no right or wrong libido because it varies from person to person. Some people like to have sex every day, while others may only have sex a few times a week or a month. However, if you are struggling with low libido, include dates in your diet. The sweet fruit of the date palm tree can help you feel more aroused in the bedroom. Read on to find out if eating dates is good for your libido.
Causes of decreased libido in women
Low libido in women is more common than you might think and can be caused by a variety of factors.
1. Biological factors
- menopause: Dr. Vinata Puli, an obstetrician and gynecologist, says that when estrogen levels drop during menopause, the vagina can become dry and uncomfortable during sex, which can lead to a decrease in libido.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy, as well as the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn, can cause a decrease in libido.
- Menstrual cycle: Hormone levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, which affects your sex drive.
![Women with low libido Women with low libido](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2024/04/19225103/New-Project-42-370x207.jpg)
2. Health condition
- Thyroid disease: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect your energy levels and mood, which can affect your sex drive.
- Chronic disease: Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can affect your overall health and reduce your libido.
- Chronic pain: Persistent pain from conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia can reduce interest in sex.
3. Drugs
- Antidepressant: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants can decrease libido.
- Antihypertensives: Blood pressure medications can have the side effect of decreasing your libido.
- Birth control pill: Hormonal contraceptives can affect your sex drive.
4. Psychological factors
- depression: Depression can decrease interest in many activities, including sex.
- unrest: Anxiety disorders can cause excessive worry and stress, which can affect your sex drive.
- stress: High levels of stress due to work, family responsibilities, or other causes can decrease your libido.
- Self-esteem and body image: Low self-esteem and negative body image can decrease sexual confidence and desire.
5. Social and relational factors
- emotional distance: A lack of emotional intimacy or unresolved conflicts may lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
- Poor communication: Difficulty discussing sexual needs and preferences can lead to frustration and decreased interest.
6. Lifestyle factors
- fatigue: When you're exhausted from work, childcare, or other responsibilities, you may have little energy left for sex.
- Poor diet and lack of exercise: An unhealthy lifestyle can affect your overall health and libido.
How do dates help increase libido?
A 2022 study published in BMC Research Notes found that compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids present in dates can increase sexual desire in both men and women. Here are some ways dates can help increase libido.
1. Increase energy
Dates contain natural sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which provide fast and sustained energy. According to the USDA, 100 grams of dates contain 66.5 grams of total sugar. Experts say that increased energy levels can improve overall endurance, which can have a positive effect on libido.
2. Rich in vitamins and minerals
Dates contain vitamin A, which supports the health of the mucous membranes, including vaginal tissue, which can improve comfort during sexual activity. The fruit also contains magnesium, which plays a role in hormonal regulation and relaxation. This can reduce stress and improve libido, says Dr. Pulley. Dates also contain arginine, which relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially improving sexual function and arousal.
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3. Balances hormones
The nutrients in dates help maintain hormonal balance, which is essential for a healthy libido. Magnesium, for example, plays a role in regulating cortisol, a stress hormone that can negatively affect libido, experts say.
4. Feel better
Dates contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can increase serotonin production in the brain. Higher serotonin levels can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase sexual desire.
How to include dates in your diet?
Incorporating dates into your diet is easy. Here are some tips:
- Dates have many health benefits, so eat them as a simple snack.
- Adding dates to your smoothie instead of sugar will give you natural sweetness and nutrition.
- Use dates as a sweetener in baking recipes, such as cakes or cookies.
- For a nutritious snack, try adding nuts or peanut butter to your dates.
Also read: 8 Reasons Why You Should Include Dates in Your Diet
What are the side effects of dates?
Before consuming dates, learn about their side effects and who should avoid them.
- Dates are high in natural sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike, especially in people with diabetes.
- The natural sugars in dates can cause cavities if oral hygiene is not maintained properly.
- Because dates are high in calories, eating them in large quantities can lead to weight gain, especially if not balanced with physical activity.
- Dates are rich in fiber, which generally aids digestion, but eating too many can cause gas and bloating.
Incorporating dates into your diet can be good for your libido, but moderation is important to avoid potential side effects. Also, dates alone will not completely resolve low libido. The nutritional benefits of dates can help support your overall health and improve your libido. So consider them as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. If low libido persists, consult your doctor to determine the root cause and appropriate treatment.