Gentle warmth, abundant light, a slightly slower pace... Summer creates a fertile ground for letting go. And for many women, this can coincide with a surge in desire. Not by magic, but thanks to very concrete factors: improved circulation, increased dopamine secretion, more stable energy, reduced cortisol (the stress hormone)...
What if certain foods could naturally support your sex life , without artifice?
Pauline Gouth, a nutrition expert dietician, has selected 5 natural summer foods for Boome , which are both delicious and stimulating and known for their impact on hormonal balance, circulation and vitality.
1. 🍫 Raw cacao: pleasure, oxygenation, and dopamine
Cacao, especially raw or minimally processed, contains active compounds that promote vasodilation, dopamine secretion, and muscle relaxation—three key elements of sexual pleasure. It's also rich in magnesium, which helps relieve tension, and phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of euphoria.
🔬 A study conducted by Dr. Andrea Salonia at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan evaluated 163 women on their chocolate consumption and sexual satisfaction. The results showed that women who consumed chocolate every day had higher sexual desire and satisfaction than those who did not consume it regularly [1].
Tips:
- Use raw cocoa powder or nibs, or dark chocolate (at least 75%) in porridges, yogurts or smoothies.
- Avoid tablets that are too sweet: sugar slows down the vasodilatory effects.
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Winning combo: raw cacao + ginger or cinnamon for a gentle boost.
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2. 🫐 Red fruits: circulation at its best = sensations on the agenda
Rich in anthocyanins (natural antioxidant pigments) and vitamin C, red fruits support microcirculation, and therefore better oxygenation of tissues, particularly in the intimate area. The result: greater comfort... and better sensations.
🔬 Anthocyanins, thanks to their antioxidant and vasodilatory properties, improve blood flow-mediated dilation, a key marker of microcirculatory health, which logically includes sexual health [2].
Tips:
- Eat raw, very ripe, preferably local and seasonal.
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Combine them with a handful of pumpkin seeds or almonds for the “circulation + minerals” effect.
Looking for more tips on how to increase your libido ? Check out our dedicated article on the topic.
3. 🥬 Arugula: the plant that awakens vitality
Often overlooked, arugula is a powerhouse of sulfur compounds, antioxidants, and natural nitrates. These promote the production of nitric oxide, a key molecule for... vasodilation (again). Better circulation means more oxygen, more responsiveness... and sometimes more fun.
In traditional medicine, arugula was already used as a natural sexual tonic in Mediterranean countries.
🔬 A review article in PMC (2024) highlights the potential of arugula as a traditional aphrodisiac and its impact on sexual function [3].
Tips:
- Eat fresh, in salad or pesto, combined with olive oil (better absorption of phytonutrients).
- Avoid in large quantities in women who are very sensitive to brassicas (possible bloating).
4. 🌶️ Sweet chili or black pepper: micro-heat, maximum effect
In moderate amounts, hot spices stimulate circulation and release adrenaline, which can temporarily increase heart rate, body temperature, and… arousal. They're true aphrodisiac foods that also boost energy thanks to their vasotonic effect —that is, they help tone blood vessels to improve circulation, which can contribute to a feeling of vitality and awakening.
🔬 Both capsaicin and piperine are involved in the stimulation of TRPV1 receptors, sensory receptors present in the tissues, responsible for the perception of heat and better blood circulation [4] [5].
Tips:
- Sprinkle sparingly on dishes (zucchini stir-fry, hummus, etc.).
- No need to set your palate on fire to feel the benefits. A little goes a long way.
5. 🍑 Peach and apricot: hormonal sweetness & beta-carotene
Fruits that symbolize summer, they are not just juicy, they are rich in beta-carotene. However, beta-carotene, once converted into vitamin A in the body, indirectly participates in the production of progesterone, a key hormone for women's libido , especially in the second phase of the cycle.
🔬 A study published in Fertility and Sterility (2013) showed that a high intake of beta-carotene was associated with better hormonal regulation and optimized fertility in women [6]
Tips:
- Eat with the skin (preferably organic) for maximum antioxidants.
- Bonus: mixed with plant-based yogurt + a few flax seeds = a gentle and balancing snack.
💡 And if the libido remains flat despite the summer…
That's okay. Desire isn't a performance, and it varies depending on stress, sleep, mental load, or hormonal fluctuations.
But if you feel that your libido has been low for a while and that it is weighing you down, it may be useful to support your emotional, hormonal and circulatory balance in a more targeted way through a food supplement .
✨ This is where our libido supplement comes in can make the difference:
- Tribulus, maca, schisandra: well-known adaptogenic and toning plants
- Zinc and vitamin B2 for energy and hormonal balance
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Natural formula designed for feminine needs, at all stages of intimate life
In summary
A few adjustments to your diet can be enough to gently (re)awaken your innermost energy, without artifice. And if desire sometimes strikes, remember: listening, kindness, and a little curiosity remain your best allies.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] Salonia, A., Fabbri, F., Zanni, G., Scavini, M., Fantini, GV, Briganti, A., Naspro, R., Parazzini, F., Gori, E., Rigatti, P., & Montorsi, F. (2006). Chocolate and women's sexual health: An intriguing correlation. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 3(3), 476–482. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00236.x
[2] Fairlie-Jones L, Davison K, Fromentin E, Hill AM. The Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Foods or Extracts on Vascular Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 20;9(8):908. doi:10.3390/nu9080908. PMID: 28825651; PMCID: PMC5579701.
[3] Grami D, Selmi S, Rtibi K, Sebai H, De Toni L. Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health. Nutrients. 2024 Jan 14;16(2):253. doi:10.3390/nu16020253. PMID: 38257145; PMCID: PMC10818603.
[4] McNamara FN, Randall A, Gunthorpe MJ. Effects of piperine, the pungent component of black pepper, at the human vanilloid receptor (TRPV1). Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Mar;144(6):781-90. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706040. PMID: 15685214; PMCID: PMC1576058.
[5] Munjuluri S, Wilkerson DA, Sooch G, Chen X, White FA, Obukhov AG. Capsaicin and TRPV1 Channels in the Cardiovascular System: The Role of Inflammation. Cells. 2021 Dec 22;11(1):18. doi:10.3390/cells11010018. PMID: 35011580; PMCID: PMC8750852.
[6] Chavarro, JE, Rich-Edwards, JW, Rosner, BA, Willett, WC (2013). Female dietary antioxidant intake and time to pregnancy among couples treated for unexplained infertility. Fertility and Sterility, 100(3), 729-737.e1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3943921/
