Summer & Female Libido: Foods That Increase Temperature (In the Right Place)

Gentle warmth, abundant light, a rhythm that slows down a bit... Summer creates a favorable environment for letting go. And for many women, this can coincide with a resurgence of desire. Not by magic, but thanks to very concrete factors: improved circulation, increased dopamine secretion, more stable energy, reduced cortisol (stress hormone), etc.

What if certain foods could naturally support your sex life, without artificial means?

Pauline Gouth, a dietitian and nutrition expert, has selected for Boome, 5 natural summer foods, that are both delicious, stimulating, and recognized 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 is also rich in magnesium, which helps release tension, and phenylethylamine, a neuromediator linked to feelings of euphoria.

🔬 A study conducted by Dr. Andrea Salonia at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan evaluated 163 women on their chocolate consumption and sexual satisfaction. The results showed that women who consumed chocolate daily had higher sexual desire and satisfaction than those who did not consume it regularly [1].

Tips:

• Opt for raw cocoa powder or nibs, or dark chocolate with at least 75% cacao, in porridges, yogurts, or smoothies.
• Avoid overly sweet bars: sugar inhibits vasodilatory effects.
• Winning combo: raw cacao + ginger or cinnamon for gentle stimulation.
  

 

 

2. 🫐 Red Berries: optimal circulation = enhanced sensations

Rich in anthocyanins (natural antioxidant pigments) and vitamin C, red berries support microcirculation, and thus better oxygenation of tissues, particularly in the intimate area. Result: better 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:

• Consume them raw, ripe, preferably local and in season.
• 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 subject.

 

3. 🥬 Arugula: the plant that awakens vitality

Often overlooked, arugula is a bomb 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 pleasure.

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:

• Consume fresh, in salads or pesto, combined with olive oil (better absorption of phytonutrients).
• Avoid in large quantities for women very sensitive to brassicas (possible bloating).

4. 🌶️ Sweet pepper or black pepper: micro-heat, maxi effect

In moderate quantities, spicy spices stimulate circulation and release adrenaline, which can temporarily increase heart rate, body temperature, and… excitement. These are true aphrodisiac foods that also stimulate energy thanks to their vasotonic effect — meaning they help tone blood vessels to improve circulation, which can contribute to a feeling of vitality and bodily awakening.

🔬 Capsaicin and piperine are both involved in stimulating TRPV1 receptors,  sensory receptors present in tissues, responsible for the perception of heat and improved 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 hint is enough.

5. 🍑 Peach and Apricot: hormonal sweetness & beta-carotene

Summer symbols, these fruits are not just juicy, they are rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, once converted to 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:

• Consume with the skin (organic preferably) for maximum antioxidants.
• Bonus: blended with plant-based yogurt + a few flax seeds = a sweet and balancing snack.

 

💡 And if libido remains flat despite summer…

That's okay. Desire is not a performance, and it varies depending on stress, sleep, mental load, or hormonal fluctuations.

But if you feel that your libido has been down for a while and it's bothering you, it may be helpful to support your emotional, hormonal, and circulatory balance in a more targeted way via a dietary supplement.

✨ This is where our libido supplement can make a difference:

• Tribulus, maca, schisandra: well-known adaptogenic and toning plants
• Zinc and vitamin B2 for energy and hormonal balance
• Natural formula designed for women's needs, at all stages of intimate life
  
  

In summary

A few adjustments to your diet can be enough to gently (re)awaken intimate energy, without artificial means. And if desire sometimes goes on strike, remember: listening, kindness, and a little curiosity remain your best allies.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Salonia, A., Fabbri, F., Zanni, G., Scavini, M., Fantini, G. V., 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 Randomised 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, J. E., Rich-Edwards, J. W., Rosner, B. A., Willett, W. C. (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/