People have been saying that certain foods act as aphrodisiac for centuries, so is it all just a myth? It turns out that some of the myths about food that can boost sexual desire are founded on scientific fact. Some foods do indeed contain ingredients that can affect the sex hormones in the body, while others might relax you, or increase the flow of blood around the body. If the stresses and strains of modern life are getting to you and you, or your partner needs a little help relaxing and getting into the mood, here are ten of the foods that are said to have aphrodisiac properties.
1. Avocado
Traditional avocados look like eggs, hence their association with fertility, but there is more behind reputation that avocado has an aphrodisiac than just their shape. The creamy, smooth, texture of avocado flesh is said to have an erotic effect and the fruit also contains Vitamins B6 and E, which help to relax the body.
2. Truffles
Truffles also deserve their place in our list of aphrodisiac foods. The power of truffles to arouse the senses of both men and women has been proven to be a scientific fact. When ripe, the scent of truffles is very similar to that of androstenone, a male pheromone. The underground fungus produces this scent to attract animals, so that they will carry the spores away with them. In a study carried out by a British university, subjects who were exposed to the scent of truffles found pictures of other people’s naked bodies far more attractive.
3. Figs
Some people say that it was a fig that tempted Eve and not an apple at all. It is said that the ripe, red flesh of a fig is a sensual sight and figs do contain certain flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which have been shown to be capable of enhancing sexual stamina.
4. Red wine
Red wine is believed by some people to be one of the best aphrodisiacs that there is. A little bit of alcohol will lesson anyone’s inhibitions, but red wine in particular, also contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which relaxes he body. Resveratrol will also improve the circulation of blood around the body, and so heighten arousal.
5. Almonds
Throughout history, almonds have been thought to have aphrodisiac properties. Even in the Bible, there is mention of the scent of almonds having a positive effect on people’s sexual desire, and studies have shown that it has a particular powerful effect on women. The nut also contains Vitamin E and magnesium, which will make the blood pump faster around the body.
6. Asparagus
Another one of great aphrodisiac foods is asparagus. High quality asparagus is said to have a honeymoon scent and the velvety texture of the vegetable, along with its vaguely phallic shape, is said to put amorous thoughts into people’s minds. The reputation that asparagus has as an aphrodisiac could also be due to the folic acid that it contains, which does have a role to play in heightening sexual pleasure.
7. Bananas
The mere shape of a banana, of course, has sexual connotations, but bananas also contain a chemical cocktail that would explain their aphrodisiac properties. Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is known to make a man last for longer, and they are also a source of tryptophan, which the body turns into the feel-good hormone serotonin.
8. Oysters
Oysters are one of the best known aphrodisiac foods and that is partly down to their creamy texture and their slightly salty flavour. They also contain zinc, which is essential for the production of sperm, and tyrosine, which the body turns into dopamine. You only get the full aphrodisiac effect of oysters if you eat them raw, though; the deep fried variety apparently won’t have the same effect.
9. Honey
Honey is another one of great aphrodisiac foods. There is a mineral contained in honey called boron, which has an effect on both men and in women. Boron can spice up your sex life by increasing the levels of testosterone in the male and it is also used in the female body to metabolise the female sex hormones. There is also the sticky sweet nature of honey, which somehow, seems to make it sensuous.
10. Chili
It’s the capsicum in chili that gives chillies their aphrodisiac powers. Capsicum which is what makes chillies hot, irritates the palate, causing mild pain and that makes the body release pain giving endorphins that can you give you a very mild high. The heat of chillies also dilates the blood vessels and make the heart beat faster, which further enhances sexual arousal and performance. In Mexico, chillies are well known for their aphrodisiac properties.
