Aphrodisiacs are foods, beverages, or medicines that pique sexual desire. Aphrodisiac foods and plant-based therapies have been used throughout history to arouse lust in romantic partners. There are still some chemicals that are known to be effective libido enhancers today, but is there a connection between nutrition and libido?
Pizza is definitely seductive, but sadly it is not known to be an aphrodisiac. There are several items, however, that are allegedly on the hit list, with various degrees of scientific support. Some foods are classified as aphrodisiacs because they have high concentrations of vitamins or minerals that are supposed to support a healthy libido.
Others are known to release neurotransmitters that affect mood; for instance, chocolate increases serotonin production. More foods have earned the reputation of being aphrodisiacs just because of their seductive shapes.
The following is a thorough list of nutrients that could improve your libido and improve your bedroom antics:
Watermelon
According to Dr. Morrison, the phytonutrients lycopene and citrulline found in watermelon help the body produce more nitric acid and relax blood vessels. One study claims that the impact on the body is comparable to that of Viagra. Watermelon is believed to stimulate sex drive in women as well, thus the impact is not just present in men.
Hot chilies
We are aware that endorphins, feel-good neurochemicals, are released in response to capsaicin, the substance that gives chilies their heat. But did you know that it’s also thought to increase libido? Although there isn’t much evidence to support this, it’s still worthwhile to occasionally add chilies to your favorite cuisine considering their numerous, well-established health advantages.
Dark chocolate
Phenylethylamine (PEA), a substance found in dark chocolate, mimics the effects of amphetamines in the brain by causing the production of the feel-good hormones norepinephrine and dopamine. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay in your body for very long, so chocolate probably won’t ever replace Viagra.
Honey
Although there is no proof of its aphrodisiac effects, plain old honey has been utilized as a natural libido enhancer for generations. Nitric oxide, which can boost blood flow during arousal, and boron, which aids in hormone regulation, are however present.
Wine
According to Margo, wine stimulates the hypothalamus, the area of the brain in charge of your sex drive. She adds that the presence of antioxidants and amines in wine, as well as the release of endorphins caused by its consumption, could also be contributing factors. Compared to white wine, “red wine is thought to be a stronger aphrodisiac.”
Ginseng
According to Dr. Warren, this oval-shaped root is a common herb in Chinese medicine that has been used to treat low libido and poor sexual function in both men and women. Red ginseng is at least twice as effective as a placebo at enhancing erectile function, according to research.
Also, Read 8 Most Effective Medicinal Herb
Bananas
In addition to having a seductive shape, bananas contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme that stimulates the creation of testosterone. Additionally, the phallic fruit supplies about 10% of your daily potassium needs and about 35% of your needs for vitamin B6, both of which are essential for energy levels.
Apples
According to research in the journal General Gynecology, eating an apple a day makes women want to dance. Women who consumed an apple daily reported having far better sex lives. A phytoestrogen called phloridzin, which encourages arousal, lubrication, and sexual function, is thought to be responsible for the effects.
Saffron
Antidepressants, which are believed to have the sexual side effect of lowering libido, have been demonstrated to have aphrodisiac qualities in both men and women who take them. Men who consumed 30mg of saffron daily for four weeks saw improvements in their erections, according to one study. A rise in arousal and lubrication was observed in women taking the same amount in follow-up research.
Avocado
Given its shape and the fact that it grows in pairs, the Aztecs gave the avocado the name “huacatl,” which means “testicle,” when they first learned of it. They thought it was such a strong aphrodisiac that virgins were not allowed to leave their homes while the harvest was going on. They were right on the money because avocados are a great source of the libido-enhancing vitamins B9 and B6.
Onion juice
The Jordan University of Science and Technology’s rodent research indicates that drinking fresh onion juice raises the levels of testosterone in the blood. If you’re curious, the recommended amount is 1ml per day or roughly 0.64ml per kilogram of body weight.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also referred to as Indian ginseng, is a distant relative of tomatoes, aubergines, and bell peppers as it belongs to the nightshade family. ‘This prominent Ayurvedic plant is notorious for two things: one, being smelly (its name translates to smells like a horse’) and two, pushing sex urges through the ceiling,’ claims Margo. Additionally, because it is an adaptogen, it lowers stress levels. Capsules and tinctures made with glycerin are two options for avoiding the intense flavor and scent.