Having a healthy sex drive is linked to feeling physically and emotionally healthy. So it’s no surprise that food can play a role in helping you get your groove back. If you’ve hit a slump in the bedroom, it may be time to take a closer look at your diet. These eleven foods are packed with nutrients that can perk up your libido and may improve your overall health, too. Any healthy food is good for sex. However, there are certain items that are particularly beneficial

1) Watermelon:

Watermelon is one of the richest natural sources of L-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that your body converts to L-arginine in your body. And it’s the L-arginine that can help make your erection harder. Like that little blue pill, L-arginine stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the penis, strengthening erections.

2) Apples:

An apple a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away; it may also help to extend your sexual stamina. It’s all thanks to apples’ high levels of quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid that has been found to play a role in improving endurance. And since your body goes through many of the same physical changes during sex as it does during exercise—elevated heart rate, increased metabolism, burned calories, and muscle contractions—you can equate endurance with extending your time in bed.

3) Ginger:

Ginger is another food that can improve your sex life by aiding blood flow and improving artery health. According to a study in the International Journal, consuming a mere teaspoon of the stuff a few times a week is all you need to reap the heart-healthy benefits. So, go ahead and place that second order of sushi this week—just don’t leave the ginger on your plate.

4) Bananas:

Banana fruit is full of simple carbs to provide you with energy and potassium to help you keep going. The muscle-relaxing mineral prevents cramps and muscle spasms that may impede your sexy time. Plus, the American Heart Association says that potassium can help lower blood pressure, which can boost sexual performance by ensuring proper blood flow to certain parts of the body, including the genitals.

5) Garlic:

According to historians, ancient Egyptians used garlic to boost their stamina. A Journal of Nutrition study confirmed that consuming garlic extract can help stop the formation of new fatty deposits, called plaque, inside arterial walls. Yes, that includes the arteries leading to your penis, too. Keep your heart healthy and your erections strong by adding some garlic to your weekly dishes.

6) Pomegranate Juice:

A recent study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research discovered that pomegranate juice, rich in antioxidants that support blood flow, can help improve erectile dysfunction. Though this study was funded by POM Wonderful, animal studies have also shown that the elixir improves long-term erectile response.

7) Beets:

It helps increase overall blood flow—which is also good for your mind. In a recent Physiology & Behavior study, adult participants were given a dose of beet juice and then performed a selection of cognitive tasks. The researchers discovered that the beet juice measurably improved blood flow to their brains and improved cognitive performance. The secret power of these roots? Nitrates, which are found in beets and converted into nitrite in the body & hence improves Sexual Power.

8) Avocado:

A lack of B-vitamins—nutrients that keep nerves and brain cells healthy—could also be exaggerating your stress even further, says a Nutrition Journal study. The solution? Not only are avocados rich in stress-relieving B vitamins, but they’re also a source of monounsaturated fat, which has been shown to aid blood flow to the entire body—including the penis

9) Meat:

Include a variety of meats in your diet to improve your sex life. Beef, chicken, and pork contain carnitine, L-arginine, and zinc. Carnitine and L-arginine are amino acids that improve blood flow. Uninterrupted blood flow is crucial to sexual response in both men and women. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, these two nutrients may effectively treat erectile dysfunction in some men.

10) Oysters:

You’ve probably heard about the aphrodisiac properties of oysters. Research shared at a 2005 conference of the American Chemical Society that oysters, clams, and scallops contain compounds that raise testosterone and estrogen levels. A boost in hormone production translates into heightened sexual desire in many cases. Oysters are also an excellent source of zinc, which aids blood flow to sexual organs in both genders.

11)Eggs:

Consume eggs for a healthy erection. Eggs contain amino acid L-arginine that can improve erectile dysfunction. While certain foods can keep your blood pumping and boost hormone levels, diet alone isn’t always enough to improve your sex life. Speak to your doctor if a lack of desire, pain during intercourse, or impotence is holding you back from enjoying an intimate relationship with your partner.