If you or your significant other's libido isn't what it used to be, there are two guaranteed ways to put the zing back into your love life: From the inside with the right foods and nutrients, and from the outside with exploration and positive reinforcement.

Below, are 9 foods that can provide the nutritional spark to your lack luster sexual appetite and increase your libido.

1. Celery
   Now, celery may not be the food of choice that you dream of when thinking sex, but it is a great source food for sexual stimulation. Celery contains androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration and turns women on.
   Libido dietary tip: Celery is best eaten raw. Wash well and munch away just before you get down and dirty.
2. Raw oysters
   This is one of the best known aphrodisiacs. Oysters are rich in zinc and help increase sperm and testosterone production. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone that helps to build up libido. Try feeding your partner an oyster during your foreplay routine and have her/him feed you.
   Libido dietary tip: Scrub the shells well to get any dirt or bacteria off. Open and place them on a bed of crushed ice, squeeze some fresh lemon onto them if you like, and then start sucking away.
3. Bananas
   Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, that increases libido and reverses impotence in men. Also, they are potent sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, which increase the body's overall energy levels.
4. Avocado
   The Aztecs referred to the avocado tree ahuacatl as a "testicle tree." Avocados contain high levels of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins, thus giving you more energy. They contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman's thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women.
5. Almonds
   Almonds are a great source of essential fatty acids. These provide the raw material for a man's healthy production of hormones. Additionally, the smell of almonds arouses passion in females. You can add to the sexual ambiance by lighting some almond-scented candles to build up her mood.
   Libido dietary tip: Eat almonds raw (with no added salt or sweetness). Alternately, crush some fresh almonds and sprinkle them on your salad to get the energy you need.
6. Eggs
   Eggs are rich in vitamins B6 and B5. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy libido. Eggs are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Eating raw chicken eggs just prior to sex is said to heighten libido and maximize energy levels. But all bird and fish eggs contain B6 and B5. Libido dietary tip: Partake in some hard-boiled eggs beforehand.
7. Figs
   Figs are excellent sources of amino acids that increase libido. They can also improve sexual stamina.
   Libido dietary tip: Feed her some fresh figs and let the juices run all wild while you're both getting revved up.
8. Garlic
   While you don't want to be stinking of garlic during a passionate lip lock, garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs.
   Libido dietary tip: If the odor just won't work for you -- or you can't stand garlic -- go for garlic capsules instead.
9. Chocolate
   Chocolate contains theobromine -- an alkaloid -- which is very similar to caffeine. It also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that produces the feeling of "being in love." So, when your woman talks about how good chocolate makes her feel, there is some science behind it. In addition, dark chocolate has a massive amount of anti-oxidants, which are great for the body in general, as they help maintain the immune system.
   Libido dietary tip: Feed each other with chocolates during foreplay or lick chocolate sauce off each others' bodies.

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