

The fact that food provides the fuel that our body needs in order to even have sex, that honestly should be enough of a reason to care about the kinds of food that we put into our bodies…right? But when you add to that the fact that foods also play a significant role in balancing our hormones, keeping our moods in check and boosting our libido, you can probably see why I thought it would be a good idea to share what you can eat to make your sex life better. But that's not all. If you're actually feeling more lethargic than usual, you're not in the mood to get some or your sex drive seems lower than it's been in the past, it could be because you're eating some things that work against your sex drive rather than for it.
While this list doesn't cover every food on the planet that is either "for" or "against" you having a happy and consistent sex life, if you pay attention to the following 12 foods—including why some are good for you and some aren't—it can make your next run to the grocery store the kind that can help to either make your sex life even better or to get it back on track.
6 Foods That Improve Your Sex Life
1. Salmon
Salmon is a fish that is high in vitamins A, B, D, potassium, selenium, calcium and antioxidants—all of which are needed in order to stay healthy and strong. But what really makes it a top food for maintaining your libido is it's a fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids; they work to remove plaque build-up in your arteries which can increase the blood flow through your system, making it easier for blood to rush to your genitalia and intensify your orgasms as a direct result.
2. Citrus Fruits
If you like to snack on slices of an orange or a grapefruit that's been cut in half, that's awesome because, whenever you eat citrus fruit, it's like consuming a multi-vitamin per serving. Nutrient-wise, citrus fruits have phosphorus, magnesium, copper, potassium, folate, fiber, antioxidants and several B-vitamins in them.
However, the reason why citrus fruits make this list, specifically, is because they (especially oranges) also contain the phytonutrient hesperidin which increases blood flow through your system. Also, thanks to the fructose (fruit sugar) that citrus fruit has, it can provide a boost of energy, not to mention the fact that the Vitamin C that's in it has the ability to help to improve the sperm quality in your partner.
3. Whole Grains
I could do an entire article on how and why whole grains should be a part of our daily diet. Specifically, as it relates to sex, whole grains can help to raise testosterone levels in a man who may have a low amount of it. Whole grains can also help to promote healthy digestion which can remove toxins and keep your hormone levels balanced. Plus, if you opt for foods that are 100 percent whole grains (like bread that says it's made out of that on the package), you'll be getting a good amount of zinc; having zinc in your system is one of the best things you could have when it comes to maintaining a good and healthy libido.
4. Black-Eyed Peas
Fiber. Folate. Copper. Magnesium. Zinc. Iron. These are just some of the nutrients that black-eyed peas have in them. Well you look at them from a health perspective, it's no wonder why so many folks eat them as a symbol of good luck at the turn of every new year! Actually, it's the folate that's in them that make black-eyed peas one of the best foods that you could add to your diet, if you're looking to take your libido up a few notches. For one thing, folate can help to reduce any depression-related symptoms (if feeling low is keeping you out of the mood). Another benefit is, since folate is also able to regulate the production of histamine in your system—and histamine is a chemical that is naturally released during orgasms—you can probably see how a serving of black-eyed peas could very well help to take your climaxes to the next level!
5. Basil
Believe it or not, the scent of basil alone is enough to get your juices down there flowing. Aside from its fragrance being able to arouse you, basil also has antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties, is able to strengthen your immune system, reduce stress levels and also help to keep your blood vessels in tip-top shape too.
As if that's not enough to keep you and your partner in great sexual shape, basil can also increase blood circulation, boost fertility levels and help your sex drive to last longer as well.
6. Sweet Potatoes
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Sweet potatoes are actually considered to be a perfect food. They are high in vitamins A, C and E, magnesium, choline (which reduces body inflammation) and antimicrobial properties. Thanks to the high amount of Vitamin E that's in them, they can help to keep you in the mood while the magnesium that's in them can help to keep your stress levels at bay. Vitamin A is great at keeping your fertility health in check. Not only that, but all potatoes have potassium in them; potassium also elevates your moods and keeps your blood flowing throughout your system. The better your blood circulation is, the more intense and satisfying your orgasms will be.
6 Foods That Can Wreck Your Sex Life
1. Processed Foods
What is exactly wrong with processed foods? Let me count the ways. More times than not, they are loaded with sugar, filled with preservatives, stripped of fiber, plus they raise your sodium levels, wreck your sleep patterns, can put your moods on a real roller coaster ride and are full of empty calories and very little nutrients—none of these things sound like a boost for your libido, do they? One example of how many processed foods are the enemy of your sex drive is when whole wheat flour is turned into white, it removes 75 percent of the zinc that's in it. Zinc helps to increase arousal in both men and women and can maintain an erection in men. So, if you want to have a strong and consistent sex life, try and avoid eating a ton of food that requires you going through a drive-thru to get it or you need five minutes to try and pronounce the ingredients on the back of its label.
2. Edamame
Soy isn't good for us. That's a full on, full stop sentence. You can click here to read a study on how soy can totally tank your partner's libido (thanks-but-no-thanks to the phytoestrogens that soy contains).
Soy also has isoflavones which also mimics estrogen in your system. Too much estrogen not only increases your breast cancer risk, it can lead to bloating, nausea, thyroid dysfunction, extreme fatigue and a sluggish sex drive. And since edamame is quite high in isoflavones, you can see why I placed it on the no-no side of this food list.
3. “Edible Skin” Produce
Strawberries. Blueberries. Cherries. Tomatoes. Zucchini. Peaches. Apples. All of these are kinds of produce that have the type of skin that you can eat. Especially when it comes to the fiber than they all contain, eating the skin can actually be good for you. The reason why they are on the bad list, though, is they oftentimes contain some pretty off-the-charts levels of estrogen-mimicking pesticides in order to keep them on the produce aisles for longer. As I've already shared, too much estrogen isn't good for you or your partner, as far as your sex drive goes. Does this mean avoid these edible skin foods altogether? Of course not. But it's wiser to look for organic produce. Better yet, pick some up from a farmer's market or grow some of these "edible skin" foods in your own backyard. That will ensure that you're getting less of those nasty pesticides into your system.
4. Coffee
Coffee—and by coffee, I'm more specifically speaking of caffeine—is a bit of a wild card; not just when it comes to overall health benefits but what it can (and can't) do to your sex drive as well. While, on one hand, coffee can help to protect your heart, actually lower your risk of getting type 2 diabetes (so long as you're not adding a ton of sugar or creamer), it can also increase the flow of blood to your genitalia while also reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction in your partner. All of that is good stuff. The challenge is, if you take in too much caffeine, it can also cause your estrogen levels to spike (which, as you already know, can actually cause your sex drive to tank). Also, if you drink some of it within 1-2 hours of having sex, coffee can make you too anxious and jittery to fully enjoy it. Basically, when it comes to java, extreme moderation (no more than 1-2 cups a day) is key. Oh, and if you do want to consume coffee in a way that will help and not hurt your libido, I happened up on a "sex coffee" recipe that contains a few extra ingredients (like cinnamon and cocoa) that can do wonders for your libido. Again, if it's consumed in moderation.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables
It might seem odd that veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts are on a list of foods that aren't exactly great for your sex life; still, hear me out for a sec and it'll make perfect sense.
While cruciferous vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals, consuming too many of them in one sitting can not only make you bloated and gassy (which can be a total turn-off to your partner, for obvious reasons), they can also cause semen, vaginal fluids and even sweat to lean towards the unpleasant-tasting side.
So, if broccoli or cabbage is your absolute fave, try and eat it on the days when you're not planning on having sex. Your body—and your partner's sense of smell—will be glad that you did.
6. Sugar
Sugar might taste great (clearly, being that sugar addiction is actually considered to be an epidemic in this country) but there are a billion reasons why too much of it really isn't good for us. Since we're focusing on sex drives, I'll just stick to that (for now). If a man consistently gets more than nine teaspoons a day and we take in more than six teaspoons a day, a consequence of that can be that could be testosterone and estrogen levels being all over the place, not to mention weight gain and a loss of muscle mass. One way to test if sugar is indeed infecting your sex life is to eat considerably less of it over the next seven days. If you notice that you've got more energy and a stronger desire to get it in—well, there you have it. More salads and less shakes might be all that you need to have a more fulfilling sex life. Enjoy, sis!
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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In 2025, the representation of Black mothers on the silver screen is much more commonplace than it was 10 or even five years ago. And if you could remember further back than that, they were practically non-existent. Yes, there’s still work to be done, but it’s amazing to see different portrayals of the Black matriarch and the stamp they’ve left on TV.
Speaking of leaving a stamp, this Mother’s Day, we wanted to pay homage to television’s most iconic Black moms. For many of us, these on-screen mothers were the blueprint for our own dreams of motherhood—and a reminder of what it really means to show up for your family with love, resilience, and style.
Below, find our favorite Black TV moms that “raised us” and why we’ll always ride for them.
Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)
Graceful, brilliant, and uncompromising, Clair was the archetype of the accomplished Black mother, shattering stereotypes as a high-powered attorney raising five kids with warmth and wit. Phylicia Rashad’s portrayal of Clair from 1984 to 1992 earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations (and fun fact: she was the first Black actress ever nominated in that category!).
Beyond her career moves and fabulous wardrobe, Clair Huxtable was that mom who listened, who read you for filth when necessary, and who loved you out loud with elegance and humor. She taught us that you could be nurturing and a boss at the same time—and you didn’t have to apologize for it.
Vivian Banks aka Aunt Viv (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Bel-Air)
Whether it was Janet Hubert’s sharp-tongued sophistication or Daphne Maxwell Reid’s calm, nurturing energy, Aunt Viv was—and still is—the heart and soul of the Banks family. She was the type of woman who could shut down a whole dinner party with just one raised eyebrow and make you feel wrapped in love two minutes later.
Let’s not forget: Aunt Viv took Will into her home like he was her own, showing us what unconditional love and family really look like. And can we talk about her iconic dance moves during that one unforgettable audition scene? Legendary!
In Bel-Air, actress Cassandra Freeman continues Aunt Viv’s legacy, bringing her own strength, softness, and modern-day brilliance to the role.
Rainbow Johnson (Black-ish)
Played by Tracee Ellis Ross, Bow navigates modern motherhood with heart, humor, and a strong sense of cultural pride while balancing a medical career and a quirky family.
Bow's hair alone could have its own spin-off show—from box braids to silk presses to natural curls, every style, crafted by department head Araxi Lindsey (who is also Ross’ personal stylist), was a love letter to Black hair’s versatility.
As a biracial woman raising Black children, Bow also gave voice to the complexities of identity in a way that felt authentic and overdue. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her so real and so beloved.
Dr. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy)
There’s tough love, and then there’s Dr. Bailey love. Portrayed by Chandra Wilson, Miranda Bailey has long been the no-nonsense moral compass of Grey Sloan Memorial. But her journey as a mother, especially raising a Black son in today’s America, brought even deeper layers to her character.
She’s not just a mom biologically; she's a mentor, protector, and guiding light for countless young doctors who came through those hospital doors. Bailey showed us that nurturing leadership isn't soft, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. She’s a true Grey’s Anatomy legend and has been right alongside Meredith Grey throughout all 20 seasons of the show.
Nikki Parker (The Parkers)
Where do we even begin with Nikki Parker? Played to hilarious perfection by Mo’Nique, Nikki was a bold, extra, and fiercely loving single mom who decided to go back to college so she could better herself and stay close to her daughter, Kim. (Bestie energy, but make it maternal.)
Their mother-daughter bond was pure magic—equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and relatable. Nikki taught us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, especially when the people you love are counting on you.
Rochelle Rock (Everybody Hates Chris)
As the matriarch of a working-class Brooklyn family, Rochelle, played by the forever-legendary Tichina Arnold, was tough, protective, and endlessly quotable. Her “I don’t need this, my man has two jobs” became an anthem for fed-up moms everywhere.
Inspired by Chris Rock’s own mother, Rochelle was a love letter to the fierce, funny, over-it Black moms who held it down with limited resources and unlimited love. She was a reminder that sometimes, love looks like keeping the lights on and dragging you by the ear when you got out of line.
Tasha Mack (The Game)
Wendy Raquel Robinson’s portrayal of Tasha Mack gave us one of TV’s most unapologetic portrayals of a working Black mom. Loud, loyal, and unapologetically herself, Tasha was both a top-tier sports manager and a ride-or-die mom to her son, Malik.
Their bond was messy, complicated, and so real. It showed the challenges of balancing ambition with motherhood, especially when you’re trying to break barriers in a male-dominated industry. Tasha raised Malik with tough love, but at the end of the day, it was always clear: nobody had his back like his mama.
Trudy Proud (The Proud Family)
Trudy Proud, voiced by Paula Jai Parker, was that mom who balanced her career as a veterinarian, Oscar’s chaotic get-rich-quick schemes, and being a mom of three with a whole lot of love (and side-eye when necessary).
With a perfect blend of patience, real talk, and "don't play with me" energy, Trudy raised Penny and her siblings with love, culture, and plenty of teachable moments. And let's not forget: when The Proud Family first dropped in 2001, it was one of the few animated shows centered on a Black family, giving an entire generation the representation we deserved—colorful, complicated, and full of heart.
Dee Mitchell aka Aunt Dee (Moesha)
Dee Mitchell (affectionately known as Aunt Dee) was that steady, loving force who knew how to keep it real without ever raising her voice. Played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dee stepped into the Mitchell household after marrying Moesha’s father and brought a much-needed dose of patience, structure, and heart to the family.
Navigating the complexities of blending a family, especially with a headstrong teenager like Moesha, was no small feat. She showed us that bonus moms are real moms too, and that sometimes, love is about showing up even when it’s not easy.
Honorable Mention: Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)
Sheryl Lee Ralph has a knack for this TV moms stuff, and we couldn’t wrap this list without tipping our hat to another maternal role she’s played: thee Barbara Howard. While Barb is technically a mom, the show focuses on her role as a teacher at Abbott. But let’s be real, she's a full-on work mom to every kid (and adult—we’re talking to you, Janine) who crosses her path.
With wisdom, warmth, and a healthy dose of “baby, please,” Barbara shows up every day modeling excellence and patience. A true matriarch in the halls of Abbott Elementary and in our hearts.
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