"It’s May, it’s May, the lusty month of May." That line in a song from Camelot portrays our springtime surge of passion and explains why June is the number one month for weddings in America. But all is not well with American libido. Low sexual desire has become a common complaint for both men and women in the recent decades. While there may be many reasons for this, including cultural and psychological, the modern diet may play a large role as well.

One view holds that sexuality manifests as a certain flow of energy in the body. Certain foods can either block or enhance that flow. The energy flow is opposite and complementary in men and women, so the foods that enhance or encumber the flow for each are not always the same.

For women, energy flow is retarded by stagnating foods such as hard, salty cheeses and hard baked flour products such as chips. Excess salt itself also has a diminishing effect. It should come as no surprise that dark chocolate has an enhancing effect on desire, and those expensive truffles have a scent that mimics pheromones, hormones that spark attraction. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas, increases secretion of serotonin, which is known to be mood lifting. Small amounts of red wine or ginger can increase circulation, and foods that contain capsaicin, such as chili, heat up the body. Edamame is known to improve lubrication.

For men, it is common knowledge that excess alcohol can deplete sexual energy, but the consistent consumption of simple sugar over a long period of time can have a similar effect, and one that doesn"t go away by the next day, especially if combined with inactivity. Fish and seafood can be stimulating for men, especially salmon. Combined with salty condiments such as miso or tamari soy sauce, this effect can be felt almost immediately. Like salmon, almonds are high in zinc, which enhances libido. Important also is to focus on foods that provide good quality unsaturated fat, such as avocados, while limiting or avoiding saturated fats.

Some foods are enhancing for both men and women. These include leafy greens that are high in antioxidants and therefore help block the absorption of environmental toxins. Brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, which is necessary for muscle contraction, and whole grains in general assist the body in the production of testosterone, which is required for desire in both men and women.

Even if you are not one of those Americans who has experienced low desire, pay attention to the foods you choose and how it affects you. Then you may be able to experience the lustiness of May every month of the year.

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