Aphrodisiacs: Can Foods Kick Your Libido into Hyperdrive?

Aphrodisiacs have been used since ancient times as a natural means of enhancing sexual desire. There are more than 500 substances that supposedly stimulate the human libido. While many people swear by oysters, the most famous aphrodisiac, others rely on asparagus. But how much truth is there to the myth surrounding aphrodisiacs and their lustful effect?

Did you know: The word aphrodisiac comes from Ancient Greek and is named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

How aphrodisiacs work:

• Numerous substances are said to increase sexual desire by lighting up the nerves in the genital area.
• Many aphrodisiacs increase heart rate, raise blood pressure and improve blood flow. This makes you feel fitter and stronger, which in turn has a positive effect on your sex drive.
• The relaxing effect of many plants, spices and foods can also be good for your sex life.
• Aphrodisiacs contain vitamins, minerals and essential trace elements. The high nutritional value of these substances gives you strength and invigorates your body.
• Many foods also contain substances that influence your hormone levels. If taken for a long period of time, the right foods can lead to an increase in sexual behavior.

Are you longing for more? 😉 These foods can really stoke your libido:

Oysters

The oyster is known as the “queen of aphrodisiacs.” Why? Because the shellfish, especially when enjoyed raw, can boost semen production in the testicles. Oysters contain a lot of zinc, which improves sexual potency in men. The production of semen is also increased by vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid.

Fun Fact: According to legend, the famous Venetian lover and author Casanova is said to have eaten 50 oysters a day.

Cilantro

Cilantro has long been known to be not only a spice but also a medicinal plant. The plant contains phytoestrogens. If you regularly season your food with cilantro, you can boost the female libido.

Vanilla

The way to someone’s heart is not only through their stomach, but also their nose. This is literally true in the case of vanilla: the aroma of the spice contains pheromones, or sexual scents, which are supposed to make you hungry for more.

Cloves

And another spice also has an aphrodisiac effect: cloves. The eugenol contained within them boosts your entire cardiovascular system and is also supposed to help with overcoming shyness.

Celery

Did you know that celery is considered to be an aphrodisiac? Celery seeds are supposed to be especially potent. You can add them to salads or dishes containing vegetables or fish.
Did you know: Celery sparks the production of the pheromone androstenol, which mimics the scent of the male hormone testosterone. Thus, androstenol is a natural steroid.

Chili powder

The spiciness of chili powder really heats us up and increases blood flow in the genital area.  Chili powder contains the ethereal oil capsaicin: what the body at first registers as pain, later stimulates it, causing it to release endorphins, the happy hormones.

Asparagus

While eating asparagus tends to decrease sexual appetite in women, it is said to help men with potency problems.
A word of caution: None of this has been proven scientifically. Who knows, maybe it’s just the vegetable’s phallic shape that makes asparagus an aphrodisiac.

Truffles

Do you know why the famous truffle hog finds truffles so quickly? Because the odor of truffles is similar to the natural sex hormone of the male pig. Many people find the smell of truffles revolting. Whether this mushroom really has an aphrodisiac effect remains to be seen.

Cinnamon

As far back as Ancient Egypt, cinnamon has been used to enhance sexual desire. And this one’s no myth: this spice, long known as a natural remedy, has been scientifically proven to stimulate the gonads.

Thyme

The medicinal and spice plant thyme also stimulates the body and gets the libido going. The Romans were big believers in the power of thyme. They took thyme baths regularly to increase their sex drive.

Strawberries

The red berries are full of vitamin C and zinc, which boosts the production of the hormone testosterone. But quantity matters when it comes to strawberries: you have to eat more than a mere handful if you want to achieve an aphrodisiac effect.

The following also have an aphrodisiac effect…

… honey
… figs
… cacao
… ginger
… ramps
… fennel
… lamb’s lettuce
… endive
… pomegranate

Takeaway:
The foods mentioned above can produce an aphrodisiac effect and increase your sex drive. However, it all depends on how much and how often you eat them. Tip: Ideally, you should consume the sexually stimulating herbs, spices and foods on a daily basis if you want to enhance your libido.

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