HAS your sex life got a bit dry?

If you, or your partners libido has shrived like a raisin, the cure could be found in your shopping trolley.

While we've all heard of the sex drive-boosting powers of oysters, there are several other (less stinky) foods than can rekindle your sexual appetite.

Your diet can play a role in your sex drive, and stocking up on a few cheap snacks can give it the boost it needs.

So, what quick fixes really can fire up desire on demand? 

We enlisted a leading qualified nutritionist Kristen Stavridis (@nutrionistkristen) to find out. 

1. Chilli peppers

A few chilli flakes can do more than make your romantic meal for two meal tasty.

According to Kristen, a kick of spice has many benefits when it comes to helping with sex drive.

"Chilli has been shown to be beneficial for improving our circulation which helps stimulate us for pleasure," she said.

This is because arousal and orgasms are largely based on the amount of blood flowing to the sex organs.

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"[Chilli] can also help when it comes to releasing good-feeling hormones before and during sex," she added.

2. Dark chocolate

Thanks to valentines day, chocolates (usually wrapped up in a heart shaped box) have become synonymous with sex and romance.

So perhaps it's unsurprising that the sweet treat is linked to increased sexual desire.

"This is likely because of it's high caffeine quantity ," Kristen explained.

At high levels, caffeine widens the blood vessels and increases blood flow to genitalia, which makes orgasm easier.

In fact, a 2005 study found a correlation between caffeine and increased sex activity among rodents.

However, we can't be entirely sure caffeine has same effect on the sex organs of humans.

Kirsten added: "Dark chocolate also contain high amounts of the amino acid L-arginine that has been shown to boost blood flow and potentially increase satisfaction and desire."

3. Black pepper

Sprinkling a bit of black pepper on your dinner can make your steak taste better – and potentially your orgasms wilder.

"Pepper contains something called capsaicin, which has been
shown to dilate the blood vessels and releasing endorphins," the nutritionist said.

One 2016 study showed when taken in very high doses, black pepper helps increase testosterone levels and overall sexual performance.

It also discovered the spice to have erotogenic properties, meaning it increased sensitivity to sexual stimulation.

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are often associated with fun in the bedroom – and for good reason!

"These berries contain high levels of vitamin C which is an important nutrient for supporting healthy sex hormones, energy levels and supporting our circulation," the expert said.

A study, conducted for for British Summer Fruits, found high levels of zinc in the fruits’ seeds helps men when it comes to sex by increasing sperm levels.

And for women, it helped speed up arousal.

Patrick Holford, the founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, went as far as to say people should be eating berries before every sexual encounter.

"My message is simple: every time you have sex, or simply want to ready yourself or your partner for sex you should consume a handful of raspberries or strawberries," he said.

Try the classic combination of strawbs dipped in dark chocolate for the "ultimate sex-boosting snack", Kristen added.

Foods to avoid

1. Salted popcorn

While popcorn may be the perfect accompaniment to your Netflix and chill, this snack can cause damage to the sex drive, Kristen warns.

"Very salty foods like salted popcorn dehydrates your body and can cause issues with sexual arousal and performance," she said.

The popular snack can do long term damage too.

"Lots of salty foods in your diet can cause high blood pressure which negatively impacts libido," the expert added.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the pressure in your blood vessels is unusually high.

It can be serious if not treated, and is also a risk factor for erectile dysfunction.

2. Cheeses

It's time to ditch your romantic wine and cheese night because the stinky snack can also kill your sex drive.

Kristen said: "The lactic acid in heavy dairy products like these can negatively impact libido.

"For many people heavy dairy products can lead to bloating and an upset stomach which many lower sex drive and performance."

Cheese is also high in saturated fat, which if eaten in high quantities can lead to high cholesterol and obesity.

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The NHS recommends cutting back on saturated fat, and including more unsaturated fat in the diet.

It means swapping fatty meats, hard cheeses, cream, biscuits, cakes and pastries for olive oil, avocados and nuts.

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