Possessing aphrodisiac features has been attributed to certain foods.
However, even though particular foods and their effects on sexual desire and performance have been tested and some positive correlations have been found, it’s not the case for all of the typically presumed aphrodisiac foods.
Rather than being scientifically backed up, their effectiveness might be owed to the placebo effect.
Read on if you’re interested in spicing up your love life by incorporating aphrodisiac foods that boost your libido into your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
A. Popular foods that are considered aphrodisiacs that lack scientific backup
1. Oysters
Among the foods​ that are considered aphrodisiacs, oysters take up one of the top places.
The story of oysters as a powerful aphrodisiac comes from the time when a famous lover from the 18th century, Casanova, seduced women.
The legend has it that he ate oysters every morning to keep up his stamina.
What makes oysters appear sexual is their shape and texture i.e. resemblance to the female genitalia and people have concluded that slurping them can be arousing.
However, there are some other things that make this food highly sexually suggestive.
Oysters are rich in zinc, a mineral important in the production of testosterone, sperm production and immune function, scientists suggest.
Nevertheless, oysters as appetizers in combination with your body’s reaction to them and the appropriate surroundings can come to have a certain romantic effect.
2. Strawberries
The story of strawberries as aphrodisiacs dates back to the ancient Romans.
The red colour and the heart-like shape of this delicious fruit have contributed to the fact that people considered strawberries to be the symbol of Venus, the goddess of love.
The health benefits of strawberries include plenty of vitamin C, which contributes to the enhanced blood flow to all parts of our bodies.
Even though there are some findings that suggest strawberries contain some ingredients such as anthocyanins, flavanones, and flavones – all-important for erectile function, the evidence isn’t scientifically backed up.
Strawberries are commonly used to create a romantic atmosphere, besides the candlelit dinner and soft music – especially when used by lovers to feed each other with them, dipped in chocolate.
There’s something sexy about that.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate contains ingredients such as phenylethylamine, which causes feelings of excitement and general well-being.
Essentially, it can put you in a good mood.
Everything is sensual about the chocolate, from taste to aroma, making it irresistible for us.
However, our brain can’t absorb too much of these ingredients brought upon by chocolate.
We’re also attracted to it because of it’s sweet, sugary smell.
We give chocolate to our loved ones especially during important holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
This is the time of the year when we want to feel especially close.
So, as the holiday season and Christmas is approaching, think about surprising your partner by gifting them a unique chocolate present from Edible Blooms UK.
These thematic gifts feature high-end chocolate placed on Christmas trees and wreaths decorations.
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4. Watermelon
Watermelon is also on the list of foods that are considered an aphrodisiac.
Experts explain that watermelon is a source of non-essential amino acid citrulline.
Citrulline is often found in Viagra and other medications meant to treat erectile dysfunction.
How does it work?
Citrulline relaxes and dilutes our blood vessels, so it increases our blood flow, blood vessel relaxation and sexual arousal.
However, the biggest concentration of citrulline is found in watermelon rind, so you’d have to eat quite a lot of it to see its effects.
Even though it’s concentrated in the rind, people have found a way to use it by making watermelon rind juice as well as watermelon rind pickles.
Surely it sounds fun to try!
5. Asparagus
The reputation of asparagus as an aphrodisiac comes from the French. They believed it had magical powers when it comes to sexual arousal.
They used to serve three portions of asparagus to the groom the day before his wedding in order to increase his sex drive for the upcoming wedding night.
This slightly phallic-shaped veggetable contains ingredients such as vitamin E, B and potassium, which are known to be stimulating.
It’s definitely worth a try since asparagus is also a highly nutritious food, rich in vitamins and minerals.
Nevertheless, we should eat certain foods in moderation as too much of anything can alter our physiology.
So, it’s better not to eat food that makes us feel great on a daily basis, but rather from time to time.
The best thing you can do is to eat a balanced diet and eat various healthy foods.
Experts advise saving watermelon, asparagus and chocolate for special date nights.
6. Chili peppers
Besides the ability of chili peppers to spice up your food, they also have the ability to spice up your sex life as well.
How so?​
As chili peppers contain a colourless and odorless oil-like ingredient capsaicin, it stimulates nerve endings on our tongue.
Since it has a special effect on us by creating a tingling sensation, it increases the release of epinephrine.
Epinephrine also goes by a much more famous name – adrenaline, and together with other chemicals such as endorphins act as natural opiates for our body.
Experts conclude that this spicy veggie is sure to get you going.
It is believed also that chili works well and gives the best results when combined with avocado.
So, the perfect combination for your next date night could be chips, salsa and guacamole dip!
B. Popular foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs that do have some scientific backup behind them
1. Maca
As the previously mentioned foods have little evidence that supports the popular thinking of them being aphrodisiacs, it’s high time to talk about a food that actually has some scientific proofs behind its use.
First of all, what is maca?
Maca is a sweet root vegetable that has many benefits overall.
It grows in South America and it is popular by another name ‘Peruvian Viagra’ – that tells you something!
It is used to boost fertility.
Research done on mice and rats suggests increases in libido and erectile function in these animals.
Similar effects have been reported for humans as well since they have reported increased sexual desire after consuming maca.
2. Pistachio nuts
Pistachio nuts have been in use as food since 6,000 BC and they are abundant in protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Some general health benefits include lowering blood pressure, controlling weight and reducing the risk of heart disease, while at the same time reducing symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
A study was conducted and men consumed 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of pistachio nuts per day for three weeks – the results have shown increased blood flow to the penis and firmer erections.
The explanation behind this phenomenon is that pistachios improve blood cholesterol and stimulate better blood flow throughout our whole body.
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3. Ginkgo Biloba
The Ginkgo Biloba tree is one of the oldest species in the world and herbal supplement is derived from it.
It has been a popular way of treating depression and poor sexual function for a long time in Chinese medicine.
How does it act as an aphrodisiac?
Well, it relaxes our blood vessels and increases blood flow.
The results of the conducted studies are mixed – some show a positive while some show a negative correlation.
4. Tribulus
Tribulus is a plant that is also known by another name, bindii, and it grows in dry climates.
It is often used as an ingredient that helps improve athletic performance, infertility and loss of libido.
This is one of the rare foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs that are also backed up by science.
Studies were conducted where Tribulus supplements were given to rats and the findings suggest increased sperm production.
Another study involved women taking a Tribulus supplement.
The study reports that 88% of women with sexual dysfunction who were taking 250mg of Tribulus for 90 days experienced increased sexual satisfaction.
Another study also has positive results by concluding that women with sexual dysfunction who took 7.5 mg of the extract each day, reported higher levels of desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm satisfaction after four weeks of the research period.
All of this leads us to the conclusion that the plant Tribulus might be effective as an aphrodisiac for women, while there aren't any studies researching the effects of Tribulus on men.
Also, the dosing is not clearly determined yet.
5. Red Ginseng
Chinese medicine involves many plants and ginseng is one of them.
There are a few types of ginseng, and particularly red ginseng has been used to treat low libido and sexual function both in men and women.
Studies that were conducted conclude that red ginseng was twice as effective when used as a placebo when it comes to improving erectile function.
Another study that involved women in menopause reports improved sexual arousal after taking red ginseng.
However, these studies and their conclusions are not universal and strong, so they should be definitely taken with precaution.
On the other hand, some studies report that taking certain amounts of red ginseng can interfere with blood-thinning medications and the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers.
It has also been found that ginseng might also cause headaches, constipation or minor stomach upset.
Even though some positive conclusions have been made by using this plant and the effect on men’s erectile function and sexual arousal in women, more studies are needed to confirm its effects.
6. Fenugreek
This plant is an annual type and it is cultivated throughout the whole world. It found its biggest use in South Asian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory, libido-boosting treatment.
This herb includes ingredients that aid in making sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
A study was conducted where men were given 600 mg of fenugreek extract per day over the period of six weeks and the results report increased sexual arousal and more orgasms.
Similarly, another study was conducted investigating women who reported low sexual drive.
They were also given 600 mg of fenugreek extract per day over a period of eight weeks.
The study reported a significant increase in sexual desire and arousal in the fenugreek group, compared to the placebo group.
Our body tolerates fenugreek well but it is found that it can also interfere with some medication, such as blood-thinning ones and it can cause minor stomach upset.
Since it also affects our sex hormones, it can also interfere with the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers.
All in all, this herb can help in boosting sexual desire in both men and women, and it might not be convenient for those taking blood-thinning medication.
FAQ About Aphrodisiac Foods
Which Foods are Natural Aphrodisiacs?
The foods that are natural aphrodisiacs can be divided into two different groups:
1. Those that lack scientific backed data such as: Oysters, Strawberries, Chocolate, Watermelon, Asparagus & Chili Peppers.
2. Those that have some scientific backed data behind them such as: Maca, Pistachio Nuts, Ginkgo Bilobaj, Tribulusk, Red Ginseng & Fenugreek.
What are Aphrodisiac Foods?
Possessing aphrodisiac features has been attributed to certain foods.
However, even though particular foods and their effects on sexual desire and performance have been tested and some positive correlations have been found, it’s not the case for all of the typically presumed aphrodisiac foods.
Rather than being scientifically backed up, their effectiveness might be owed to the placebo effect.
How do Aphrodisiac Foods Work?
Aphrodisiac Foods work in different ways, some, which are the ones that lack scientific backup may work as placebo.
However, other foods do generate an increase of testosterone, sperm production, feelings of excitement, arousal and sexual desire.
Also, some aphrodisiac foods contribute to the enhancement of blood flow which helps with erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Due to the busy and hectic lifestyle we lead and the stressful job we have, our sex life suffers as we don’t have enough time, will and desire due to being constantly tired, exhausted and under pressure.
That’s why we need to take some steps to change that.
And one way to spicing up our love lives is by introducing aphrodisiacs to it.
It might take some time, but you’ll eventually manage to find the food that acts as an aphrodisiac for you!
