10 Foods that Ruin your Libido

Just like some foods serve to heighten sexual desire, some work in an opposite manner. Sometimes known as anaphrodisiacs , these foods either lower the levels of certain hormones like testosterone in the body or induce physiological symptoms like low circulation and slow heartbeat which put the body at rest instead of priming it up for erotic action. Then again foods which are bad for overall health may also interfere with the smooth functioning of the sex organs and thus dampen the libido. Here are thus ten foods that you may want to steer clear of, if you are planning on an intimate night with your partner.

1. Fatty meat
   
   Foods which are rich in saturated fats like beef and bacon are already known to be bad for cardio-vascular health. However the same choking action that saturated fats have on the arteries of the heart is also true of the penal and vaginal arteries. They're small, which means they quickly collect plaque-so even if you have not yet put on pounds despite the ever so often bacon cheese-burger, you may find it increasingly difficult to get into the mood. Not to mention, a humongous meal made up of a giant burger and fries can leave you too enervated to think of anything else but sleep.
    
2. Store-bought cookies
   
   Like saturated fats, trans-fats are another enemy of healthy cardiovascular function. But then it is the heart which is responsible for pumping blood to down south, without which sexual arousal is well nigh impossible. This is because only when blood flows unrestricted to the pelvic and genital regions, that the sex organs are engorged which is felt as signs of arousal and erection. So all foods which are far from heart-friendly should put you on alert, if you wish to have a rocking love life.
    
3. Soy
   
   In recent times, few foods have stirred up as much controversy as over soy. While soy seems to be beneficial for women  dealing with PMS or menopausal problems, its hormonal properties appear to dampen the libido, especially for men. The main reason for soy’s reputation as a libido-killer for men is because of the estrogenic properties of some of its compounds. Excess amounts of soy derived products can drastically reduce levels of testosterone in the blood, according to a study in the European journal of clinical nutrition. Researchers found that men who consumed more than 120 mg of soy per day experienced a fall in testosterone levels in their bodies. The main compounds in soy protein are known as isoflavones which work to raise the level of another sex hormone estrogen in the male body. Though some amount of estrogen in naturally present in men, too much of it can lower levels of testosterone in the body, thus dampening sexual desire.
    
4. Hops
   
   Hops has a long reputation of being a party pooper where boys’ night out is concerned. It acts like a libido-buster for men, both because of its high estrogen content as well as because of its narcotic properties. The estrogenic properties of hops could be the real cause behind unsightly traits like beer-bellies and man-boobs in guys which further reduce any chances of making a hit with the fairer sex. Apart from this the narcotic effect of hops is partially responsible for the beer-induced snoring which is a complete put-downer when it comes to sex. In fact it is because of the presence of hops in beer rather than its modest alcohol content that the beverage is suspected of causing erectile dysfunction when consumed in large quantities. So strong is the belief in sedative properties of hops that according to European folklore, pillows would be stuffed with hops flowers to help people suffering from sleep disorders. So if you are a guy and planning on some fireworks with your partner this Saturday night, it would be best to steer away from foods and drinks containing hops which could deflate your desire in more ways than one.
    
5. Cheese
   
   While growing up, you may have been told to drink up your milk if you wanted strong bones and teeth. While dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium, those that are high in fats might have an adverse effect on hormones, especially in women. High fat dairy products could affect the menstrual cycle by exacerbating cramps and bloating and further depleting energy levels so that these women would be too pooped to think about sex.
    
6. White flour
   
   Excess refined carbohydrates like found in bleached white flour can wreak havoc with normal testosterone levels. Sugars from refined carbs will not only make a person gain weight but can raise the level of estrogen and deplete testosterone levels, thus dampening the libido. Incidentally when Dr. Sylvester graham created Dr. Graham's Honey Biskets in 1829, he touted it as the snack that would suppress any carnal desires – in other  words ‘cure’  masturbation. Although this was never proven scientifically at the time, graham may have stumbled on the testosterone zapping quality of refined flour which was a major ingredient of the crackers.
    
7. Cornflakes
   
   John Harvey Kellogg, a Seventh - day Adventist of the nineteenth century America, is today more famous as the founder of the Kellogg cereal company. Before becoming the breakfast king he worked as a doctor at a sanatorium where his primary research revolved around the suppression of carnal stimulation. He found corn worked quite well and dried, flattened flakes concentrated the effect. In this way, a staple of breakfasts almost across the world was born out of one man’s attempts to preach sexual abstinence.
    
8. Smelly foods
   
   Certain foods can affect secretions like semen, sweat, urine and breath because of their strong pungent tastes. Asparagus, garlic, certain spice and dairy products are among foods which can lead to not-so-pleasant scents and tastes. These could act as a major turn-off for a partner and thus banish any chances of an enjoyable romp between the sheets.
    
9. Syrupy doughnuts
   
   Foods that pile on weight are to be avoided like the plague if you wish to feel fit and ready for an all-night love marathon. The high number of calories contained in doughnuts, cakes, pastries and other sweet stuff will inevitably lead you to pile on pounds around your waist and thighs. Apart from looking and making you feel unattractive, this will make you too lethargic and unfit for some hectic amorous action.
    
10. Alcohol
    
    Though not technically a food, alcohol is frequently portrayed in popular media as a love aid. An evening of overflowing bubbly is again widely thought to usher in a night of inhibited love-making. While it is true that alcohol does loosen inhibitions, making a guy and even his partner, more open to intimacy, it might have a negative effect where it most counts – in other words, alcohol might set the mood but take away the performance. A drink too many will not only hamper the brain-body co-ordination necessary for sexual performance, but its depressant qualities will actually slow down your responses, making it harder to have an orgasm. Apart from this getting drunk might even put off your partner and you might end up having lousy sex. The same goes for recreational drugs and other so-called libido boosters.