Foods that cause an immediate and/or delayed boost in our sexual desires

This post was originally published as The Top 10 Foods to Boost Your Sex Drive by Laurel on Health Food blog.

Have you ever wondered if eating certain foods could actually boost your sex drive? Claims that foods like chocolate and avocados are potent aphrodisiacs date back to ancient Greek and Aztec civilizations. Throughout history aphrodisiacs have been sought out to increase sexual performance, sex drive, and fertility. But in the modern scientific world is there any truth to these claims? While many beliefs about food as an aphrodisiac have been deemed false by the FDA and similar organizations, there is reliable evidence that proves some foods cause an immediate and/or delayed boost in our sexual desires and physical responses. I came up with the following list of foods that promise to give you a natural boost in sex drive. Bon Appétit!

1. Granola – MSNBC reports that granola is rich in L-Arginine, an amino acid that improves circulation and erectile response. Studies show that L-Arginine helps improve sexual function in men. No studies on women have been done yet, but it’s likely they would enjoy the same effects. 

2. Red wine or champagne – Dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot recommends drinking a glass of red wine or champagne because it will awaken your libido and it actually helps keep your arteries open and blood flowing. Of course, avoid drinking too much because excessive alcohol decreases your sexual performance and desire.

3. Celery – Ava Cadell, Ph.D., author of Passion Power, says that “raw celery contains the male hormone androsterone, which can act as a pheromone to trigger female attraction.” Once a guy takes a few bites, the pheromone begins to release from his sweat glands. If women need a mood booster, they can eat celery too. The Journal of Fertility and Sterility says androsterone has mood-elevating effects in women.

4. Bananas – Women’s Health Magazine says bananas are the perfect food to give you endurance in the bedroom. Bananas have B vitamins which convert carbohydrates into energy and may help your body produce sex hormones such as testosterone. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, recommends eating a banana a few hours before sex to keep your energy up.

5. Vanilla – Alan Hirsch, founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, says the smell of food is the most powerful aspect for making men feel “in the mood.” In his study on aromas and their effect on penile blood flow, Hirsch found that smells which remind men of the security and pleasure of their childhood make them turned on. Vanilla seems to work for this reason.

6. Dark Chocolate – Women’s Health reports that a recent Italian study concluded that women who eat chocolate daily have more satisfying sex lives. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, says chocolate contains chemicals that are linked to relaxation, intoxication, and pleasure. Mark’s Daily Apple wrote that the chemical phenylethylamine in chocolate has been found to trigger feelings similar to “falling in love.”

7. Flaxseeds – Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love, says consuming one tablespoon of flaxseeds every day helps to increase testosterone in the body. Flaxseeds are also packed with essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, etc.) which Women’s Health says are “the major building blocks of all sex hormones.” Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, says that failing to get enough fatty acids forces your body’s hormone levels to drop along with your desire. Try walnuts if you don’t like flaxseeds.

8. Ginger – Fresh ginger root stimulates your circulatory system which in turn increases the blood flow to the genital areas.

9. Oysters – Oysters are high in zinc which is a mineral the body needs to produce testosterone. Nurse and holistic health practitioner Ellen Kamhi says that zinc “is often low in men who have sexual dysfunction. Adding foods high in zinc, like oysters, as well as pumpkin seeds and pine nuts, is essential for a healthy sex life.” Also, a recent study found that two types of amino acids in mussels, oysters, and clams induce a rush of sex hormones in the body. In addition, make sure to chew shellfish thoroughly because it helps pull out more of these amino acids.

Can’t stomach oysters? Zinc can also be found in beans, pork, turkey, brown rice, cashews, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

10. Asparagus – Dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot says “asparagus contains folate which is necessary for histamine production and histamine is necessary for both males and females to reach orgasm.” Asparagus is also a finger food which provides visual stimulus for your partner.