Foods That Are Natural Aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs are foods and herbs believed to create a mood for making love or enhance sexual desire. The word comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Foods considered aphrodisiacs aim to stimulate the senses of love – sight, smell, taste, and touch. While it is not scientifically proven that food stimulates sexual organs, the act of eating and certain foods can trigger thoughts of sex, which, in turn, helps stimulate desire in the body. Here are some foods considered natural aphrodisiacs:

**1. Chocolate**

Compounds in cocoa are often advertised to have aphrodisiac effects, especially in women. Ancient Aztecs considered it a powerful aphrodisiac. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, also known as the “love chemical.”

**2. Berries**

Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are aphrodisiac fruits beneficial for overall health. They may also assist men in maintaining an erection. Studies associate foods rich in flavonoids with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Blackberries, for example, contain zinc, which may play a role in regulating testosterone production.

**3. Avocado**

Avocado is one of the few fruits containing healthy unsaturated fats. It may help maintain hormonal balance and contains folate, a vitamin necessary for histamine production, a compound released during orgasm.

**4. Nuts**

Specifically almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts contribute to better blood circulation in the body. This can improve heart health and blood pressure, aiding in achieving and maintaining an erection. Consuming 100g of pistachios daily may also be beneficial in reducing symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

**5. Saffron**

Saffron is a spice extracted from the flower Crocus sativus. Originating from Southwest Asia, it is one of the most expensive spices by weight. Besides its known use as an alternative treatment for depression and stress reduction, saffron is also popular for its potential aphrodisiac properties, especially in people taking antidepressants.

A study observed that men who took 30 mg of saffron daily for 4 weeks experienced more significant improvements in erectile function than those in the placebo group. A subsequent study in women reported higher arousal levels in the saffron group compared to the placebo group.

**6. Fenugreek**

Fenugreek is a plant cultivated worldwide. Its seeds are commonly used in South Asian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine for their anti-inflammatory and libido-enhancing properties.

This herb contains compounds that the body can use to produce sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. In a small study, men who took 600 mg of fenugreek extract daily for six weeks reported increased sexual arousal and more orgasms.

It’s important to note that while these foods have been traditionally associated with aphrodisiac properties, individual responses can vary, and scientific evidence supporting these claims may be limited. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle overall contribute significantly to sexual health.