8 Aphrodisiac Foods to Get You in the Mood

You are what you eat, and sometimes what you eat can get you in the mood. The bedroom mood. If you fancy a bit of fuel between the sheets, get things going this Valentine’s Day with the help of these aphrodisiac foods. Plenty of these foods have been prized for centuries, eaten and revered since ancient times for their powerful sexual potential. The term ‘aphrodisiac’ derives from Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, highlighting the historical significance and cultural practices surrounding these foods. Best of all, they all taste pretty good.

If you’re planning a little fun this Valentine’s Day – or any day of the year – try some of these aphrodisiac foods to take things to the next level! Cook a romantic meal or a delicious dessert, or just add a little booze to throw together the ultimate sexy aphrodisiac cocktail.

What is an aphrodisiac?

There are typically four things that can make a food an aphrodisiac. The first criterion is food that is suggestive in shape. Think of the classic phallic-shaped bananas, asparagus, or carrots. Sometimes, just seeing something that’s shaped like a sexual organ will bring the thought of sex to mind. And you know what happens next!

The second criterion is foods that pump blood to your organs or nether regions. This kind of aphrodisiac can bring on pleasurable sensations that get your body in the mood for some fun. The third criteria are plants that have hormones that stimulate our hormones and libidos, creating sexual desire in that way.

Finally, super healthy plants that promote health, strength, and vigour are also deemed aphrodisiacs. Good nutrition brings good health and high energy, setting the perfect stage for an active and satisfying sex life. Many of these are scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs favoured for their lower side effects than conventional pharmaceuticals.

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How do aphrodisiacs work?

Aphrodisiac foods can work in two ways: some affect the mind to create sexual desire, while others stimulate the body into feeling good. The aphrodisiac foods in this list will either get the blood pumping down there, produce chemicals or hormones that get us in the mood or relax the mind and lower inhibitions to improve sexual function.

All in all, aphrodisiac foods will either bring on sexual arousal, increase your pleasure during sexy times, or help you perform for longer. They do that by stimulating blood flow, regulating hormones, enhancing libido, increasing lubrication, and more to increase sexual desire.

In addition to these benefits, many natural remedies and foods are known for their sexual enhancement properties.

Nutrients and Compounds that Support Sexual Health

Aphrodisiacs often owe their powers to specific nutrients and compounds that support sexual health. These magical ingredients work behind the scenes to keep your sexual function in top shape. Let’s take a closer look at some of these key players:

• Nitric oxide: This mighty molecule helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, essential for erectile function. Think of it as the body’s natural way of ensuring everything works smoothly.
• Testosterone: Known as the hormone of desire, testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual function and libido. Keeping your testosterone levels in check can help maintain a healthy sex drive.
• Dopamine: Often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, dopamine regulates pleasure and reward. Higher levels of dopamine can enhance sexual desire and pleasure, making those intimate moments even more enjoyable.
• Flavonoids: These powerful antioxidants, found in foods like berries, citrus fruits, and dark chocolate, can improve blood flow and boost libido. A little dark chocolate, anyone?
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, these healthy fats help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health, supporting better blood flow and sexual function.

By incorporating these nutrients into your diet, you can give your sexual health a natural boost and keep things exciting in the bedroom.

Emotional Intimacy and Sexual Desire

While aphrodisiac foods can certainly spice things up, emotional intimacy plays a significant role in sexual desire and pleasure. When we feel deeply connected to our partner, our libido and sexual satisfaction naturally increase. Here are some ways to cultivate that all-important emotional intimacy:

• Communication: Open and honest communication with your partner builds trust and intimacy. Share your thoughts, desires, and feelings to create a deeper connection.
• Emotional vulnerability: Being willing to be vulnerable and open with your partner can strengthen your bond. Letting your guard down and sharing your true self fosters a sense of closeness.
• Shared activities: Engaging in shared activities and hobbies can create a sense of togetherness. Whether cooking a meal together, hiking, or taking a dance class, these moments of connection can enhance your relationship.
• Physical touch: Simple acts of physical touch, like holding hands or cuddling, release oxytocin, the “love hormone.” This promotes feelings of attachment and intimacy, setting the stage for a more fulfilling sexual relationship.

By focusing on emotional intimacy, you can create a strong foundation for a satisfying and passionate sex life.

Our 8 Aphrodisiac Foods list to consider

1. Oysters

If it’s good enough for Casanova, it’s good enough for us! Legend has it that the Italian romancer used to eat dozens of oysters a day. They were Cleopatra’s favourite (and she had her fair share of lovers, too!). According to legend, Casanova once even seduced a virgin by slipping an oyster from his mouth to hers. It sounds like a seriously sloppy seawater kiss, but it worked for him. Still, we don’t suggest surprising your lover with an oyster kiss on Valentine’s Day. Scientifically, oysters boost dopamine levels, which govern libido. They’re also high in zinc, an essential mineral for healthy sperm and testosterone levels, which can enhance sexual performance.

2. Watermelon

This sweet, hydrating fruit is being called the new Viagra, and we’re into it! According to the director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Centre, Bhimu Patil, watermelon has a similar effect on blood vessels as the revered Viagra. Essentially, watermelon increases the amount of nitric acid in the body. This is a chemical that’s responsible for enhancing blood flow, relaxing your blood vessels, and bringing on sexual arousal. Watermelon pumps your blood downwards, right where you want it to be, improving sexual stamina!

3. Chocolate

There’s no better gift you can give yourself (or your lover) than chocolate, and there’s a reason why it’s a favourite on Valentine’s Day! Cocoa was considered one of the most sacred foods during Aztec times, and it was thought to be a source of nourishment directly from the Gods. Cocoa is packed with more antioxidants than both green tea and red wine and contains the chemical phenylethylamine, which helps stimulate excitement and wellbeing in the body.

And according to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, women who eat chocolate every day enjoy a more active sex life than those who don’t. So next time you think twice about reaching for that chocolate, give yourself permission – make sure it’s at least 75% cocoa to enhance your sexual pleasure!

4. Maca

This sweet root vegetable is one of the few natural aphrodisiacs backed by solid scientific research. Known as Peruvian Viagra, maca is a libido-boosting vegetable that also helps to increase fertility in women. It has also been shown to help counter the low libido side effects of certain types of antidepressants. Scientific studies have found that feeding maca to rats and mice helped to increase their libido and improve erectile function. A similar study done on adult healthy men gave identical results, helping to enhance their sexual desire and libido.

5. Bindis

These sneaky summer pests are a precious therapeutic herb used since ancient times! Think twice before you swear at a bindi next time, for these weeds are a herb revered in ancient Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines. Also known as Tribulus Terrestris, bindis have a tremendous impact on women’s sexual health and libido.

In a study, 88% of women who were given an extract of the plant experienced significantly higher levels of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm satisfaction. They’re a one-stop shop for enhancing any sexual dysfunction. Studies have also found that bindis can increase sperm production in rats, so they’re not just a women’s aphrodisiac. Bindis can also improve sexual potency by addressing both psychological and physiological aspects of sexual health.

6. Pistachios

Pistachios are another ancient favourite that people have snacked on since 6,000 BC. These nuts are delicious, healthy, and stimulating and have been shown to help ease the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. If you’re having trouble getting your blood to that area, try consuming 100 grams of pistachios daily for three weeks. It has been done in a previous study, and men experienced increased blood flow and firmer erections. Who could say no to treating erectile dysfunction with such a tasty option?

7. Saffron

Saffron is another of Cleopatra’s favourites that has long been recognised for its effects on sex drive. While Cleopatra chose to bathe in saffron-infused milk to get her dose of this aphrodisiac, you don’t have to resort to such methods. Just a sprig or two will do just fine!

Saffron has been shown to help women experience higher levels of arousal and lubrication. Studies have found that saffron also helps to increase sperm motility in men and can even counter the low libido effects of certain antidepressants. One of the most expensive spices by weight, add a sprig or two to your Valentine’s Day romantic dinners, and you’ll be going all night!

8. Honey

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used to prescribe honey in Ancient Greece to help. Honey is a symbol of procreation, made during the pollination process (read: birds & the bees, honeymoons – there’s something about honey). Honey also contains boron, which helps increase blood flow during sexual arousal. Eat some honey, and your blood will be pumped straight to your nether regions, making them nice and full when you want them to be.

Feeling a little romantic? Why not impress your hot date with a Romantic Dinner experience, complete with flowers, champagne, and a full-course meal packed with aphrodisiac foods?

Aphrodisiacs in Ancient Cultures and Modern Times

Aphrodisiacs have been celebrated for centuries across various cultures, each with its unique take on these love-enhancing foods. Let’s take a journey through time to see how different societies have used aphrodisiacs to boost sexual desire and pleasure:

• Ancient Greece: The Greeks were all about oysters and honey. They believed these foods had powerful aphrodisiac properties, and who are we to argue with the wisdom of the ancients?
• Ancient Rome: The Romans had their favourites, including garlic and onions. These spicy foods were thought to ignite passion and enhance sexual function.
• Traditional Chinese medicine: For centuries, herbs like ginseng and maca have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance sexual function and libido. These natural aphrodisiacs are still popular today for their proven benefits.
• Modern times: Today, we have a plethora of natural aphrodisiacs at our disposal, from supplements to delicious foods. Whether it’s a sprinkle of saffron in your dish or a handful of pistachios, these modern-day aphrodisiacs continue to help us enhance sexual desire and pleasure.

By exploring the rich history of aphrodisiacs, we can appreciate their timeless appeal and incorporate these natural enhancers into our lives.

Tips for Incorporating Aphrodisiacs into Your Diet

Ready to add some aphrodisiac magic to your meals? Here are some tips to help you incorporate these love-boosting foods into your diet:

• Start with small amounts: Begin with small amounts of aphrodisiac foods and gradually increase the quantity as needed. This allows you to gauge their effects and enjoy them without overwhelming your palate.
• Combine with other foods: Pair aphrodisiac foods with other nutrient-rich and antioxidant-packed ingredients. For example, add dark chocolate to your berries or mix chia seeds into your yogurt.
• Choose whole foods: Whenever possible, opt for whole foods over supplements. Whole foods provide a range of nutrients and are often more enjoyable.
• Please consult with a healthcare professional: Before making any significant changes to your diet, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and ensure your dietary choices support your overall health.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of aphrodisiac foods while also nourishing your body and enhancing your sexual desire.

Conclusion

Aphrodisiacs can be a fun and delicious way to enhance sexual desire and pleasure. By incorporating aphrodisiac foods into your diet and cultivating emotional intimacy with your partner, you can experience increased libido and sexual satisfaction. So indulge in some oysters, chocolate, or a sprinkle of saffron, and let the magic of these natural enhancers work their wonders.