Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and to help you boost your libido ahead of the most romantic day of the year, Dr Michael Mosley has shared the six best foods to eat. The TV doctor and the team at The Fast 800 regularly share ways you can improve your health and lifestyle by swapping your usual diet to one more nutrient-packed, without compromising on flavour.

Eating nutritious foods is key for our bodies to keep ticking along, bolstering both your physical and mental health. Dr Mosley stands by a balanced Mediterranean-style diet, which is full of healthy fats, fresh veg and fish, to benefit your mood and quality of sleep.

But some of these foods can also help your sex drive too. According to his site: “There are several ways that a nutritious diet can benefit your sex life: it can boost your libido, improve blood flow and heart health, improve stamina, and can raise the levels of hormones that cause arousal.”

Over the centuries several foods have been given a reputation for improving sexual arousal (oysters, chocolate – to name a couple), also known as aphrodisiacs. However, scientific research has found that other foods, which are included in the Mediterranean diet, can benefit your sex life too.

A 2007 study found that women who consistently ate a Mediterranean diet had a 22% lower chance of developing sexual dysfunction. The study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, also found that the diet improved sexual function in women by 35%. The Mediterranean diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which are all beneficial for heart health and blood circulation.

So, what are the six best foods Dr Mosley recommends for improving your sex life? He suggests consuming more nuts, seeds, and olive oil, as they are high in healthy fats and can improve blood flow. Additionally, he recommends eating more fish, specifically oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can benefit heart health and circulation. Dr Mosley also advises incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, as they are rich in antioxidants and can improve overall health, including sexual function. Lastly, he suggests consuming more whole grains and legumes, as they are high in fiber and can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for maintaining energy and stamina.

By following Dr Mosley’s recommendations and incorporating these nutrient-packed foods into your diet, you can not only improve your overall health and well-being, but also enhance your sexual function and libido, just in time for Valentine’s Day.