Introduction
Substances that increase your sexual desire, sexual attraction, sexual pleasure, and sexual performance are aphrodisiacs. Essentially, aphrodisiacs may be food, spices, herbs, supplements, and chemicals. As such, aphrodisiacs can be natural or unnatural substances.
Though most aphrodisiac types work for both sexes, some act as an aphrodisiac for men or women. However, some aphrodisiacs may only help manage erectile dysfunction conditions that only affect men.
Many communities had ways to determine what foods are aphrodisiacs for sexual arousal and performance. However, while some so-called aphrodisiacs are backed by research, some only qualify in folklore and romantic beliefs.
Still, some of the most potent aphrodisiac drugs are Spanish fly[1] and Viagra, plus flibanserin (for women). You must consult your medical doctor before using any sex-enhancing drugs.
What Are Aphrodisiacs?
Aphrodisiac is a Greek word derived from the Greek goddess of love, pleasure, and beauty- “Aphrodite”. Aphrodisiacs are foods and related drugs that improve sexual pleasure or desire and boost your sexual performance.
Different communities have divergent views on what foods are aphrodisiacs, and for a long time, people have used aphrodisiacs to make sex more pleasurable and to attract sexual partners.
Aphrodisiacs[2] are rare to find and mostly constitute herbs such as yohimbine, Maca, and bindii. Fortunately, some foods considered aphrodisiacs are not exotic. Foods like honey, salmon, and dark chocolate are foods you can easily find.
What Foods Are Aphrodisiacs?
Foods that increase sexual desire or pleasure are considered aphrodisiacs. Some aphrodisiac foods are sweet and romantic, making them easy to include in your menu. For instance, you can include foods, such as dark chocolate, strawberries, and some red wine on the menu when going for a date or romantic venture.
However, make sure you take a balanced diet even when you want to include foods that are aphrodisiacs in your diet. As you choose the foods, consider your weight and heart health, such foods include spices, fruits, drinks, vegetables, herbs, and supplements.
How Do Foods That Are Aphrodisiacs Work?
There is no evidence that any given food increases your sexual performance, but some aphrodisiac foods affect the body like Viagra. The foods relax your blood vessels and increase blood flow to the genitals. Still, others contain minerals, vitamins, and energy to improve sexual performance and fertility by stimulating the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
So, if you are wondering how to increase sperm count by food, take foods with aphrodisiac properties. Curiously, there are claims that people with blood flow problems notice improvements when they take aphrodisiac foods.
Many people consider aphrodisiacs like chocolates to increase sexual desire. Such foods have antioxidant qualities that improve blood flow to the genitals making your erections firmer.
Top 20+ Foods To Boost Your Sexual Life
1. Spanish Fly
It is also called cantharidin, Spanish fly is a sexual stimulant used for many years. It’s a chemical supplement derived from blister beetles. Moreover, take it with caution since it may eliminate desire.
2. Maca
Maca is a common aphrodisiac that usually grows in South America. Maca is sweet and comes with many health benefits. South American people use Maca (“the Peruvian Viagra”) to boost fertility. It’s among the foods that increase sperm count. Maca is closely related to kale, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables.
3. Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is also known as bindii. There have been claims that the bindii plant can boost your testosterone levels. Still, studies imply that the bindii might help raise your testosterone levels. So, it’s among the foods that increase sperm count.
4. Red Ginseng
When considering what foods are aphrodisiacs, look no further than Ginseng. It’s a popular herb for improving sexual drive and raising testosterone levels. Red ginseng can even develop sex drive in women already in the menopause stage. However, if you are on medication, consult your doctor before taking foods that boost libido instantly, like ginseng.
5. Ginkgo Biloba
You extract Ginkgo biloba, a traditional Chinese herbal supplement derived from the Ginkgo biloba tree. Ginkgo contains a terpene lactone compound, which helps increase blood flow to the genitals. Again, the terpene lactone compound activates certain chemicals in the brain, making you more sexually aroused.
6. Fenugreek
Among the foods that are aphrodisiacs is fenugreek due to its anti-inflammatory abilities. Again, the fenugreek herb contains compounds essential in making sex hormones such as testosterone.
Research[3] shows that men who take fenugreek supplements may have increased sexual arousal and orgasms during sex.
7. Saffron
Saffron is among the most expensive spices, and it is from the crocus sativus flower. Saffron’s many benefits include treating depression and reducing stress. Also, saffron may increase sex drive in individuals under antidepressant medication.
8. Pistachio Nuts
Pistachio nuts are rich in fiber, proteins, and some healthy fats. The nuts help in weight management, preventing hypertension, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pistachio nuts increase blood flow, making you have harder erections and better sexual function.
9. Tongkat Ali Extract
Tongkat Ali is one of the most powerful natural foods that boost libido instantly and sexual endurance.
10. Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, B12, protein, and calcium. So, they boost male fertility and sexual appeal.
11. Honey
Honey is among foods that are aphrodisiacs. Honey contains boron which regulates testosterone hormone production to boost stamina and energy during sex. Also, it has nitric oxide, which improves blood circulation and may boost sexual arousal.
12. Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in vitamin E that can help boost blood and oxygen levels in the body. Therefore, the genitals receive more blood, making you have firm erections. So, asparagus is a great aphrodisiac for men. Further still, asparagus contains potassium essential in making sex hormones such as testosterone.
13. Coconut
Coconuts are among foods that increase sperm count and boost libido. Also, coconuts help clean the urinary bladder and boost sexual appeal.
14. Dates
Dates have nutritional properties that improve erections and boost the production of sperm and sex hormones.
15. Oysters
Are you still lost on what foods are aphrodisiacs? Take raw oysters rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc. Still, raw oysters help boost men’s testosterone levels and increase sex drive.
16. Okra
People have used Okra for many years for its aphrodisiac and medicinal qualities like increasing appetite and cleansing the body. Notably, Okra is rich in nutrients such as zinc, fiber, magnesium, and folate.
17. Pomegranate
Pomegranate has wonderful antioxidant qualities[4] to improve blood flow to your genitals. By reducing inflammation, pomegranates help prevent high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Also, some studies say pomegranate helps prevent erectile dysfunction by increasing testosterone levels in the body.
18. Watermelon
Watermelon fruit is sweet and watery. Watermelons are said to have Viagra-like effects since they are rich in citrulline, which increases the amount of nitric acid in the body. The high nitric acid levels increase blood flow for sexual arousal.
19. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a natural herb extracted from the ashwagandha shrub used as an aphrodisiac. Studies show that ashwagandha can boost testosterone levels[5], low sperm count and sex drive.
20. Yohimbe
The bark of the Yohimbe tree makes the active supplement yohimbine. Yohimbe is known for its aphrodisiac properties and boosts sex drive. Besides, studies claim that Yohimbe is one of the foods that boost libido instantly and may cure erectile dysfunction.
Other Foods That Are Aphrodisiacs
21. Avocados
Avocados contain large amounts of healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidant qualities. So, avocados can help increase sex drive.
22. Red Wine
Red wine is a great way to put you in the mood before sex. Still, it carries antioxidant properties that get your blood circulating, effectively giving you firmer erections and desires.
23. Hot Chilies
There are claims that the compound that makes hot chilies so spicy stimulates nerves on the tongue to release chemicals that boost your sex drive.
24. Olive oil
Olive oil is a good source of natural fats, which prevent cardiovascular diseases due to low cholesterol levels. Also, olive oil has antioxidant qualities, which help improve blood circulation.
25. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate carries antioxidant qualities that help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow for firmer erections and increased sexual pleasure.
26. Brazil Nuts
Studies claim that brazil nuts reduce the chances of suffering from prostate cancer in men. So, if you are wondering how to increase sperm count by food, try Brazil nuts. The nuts stimulate the production of sperms and ova.
27. Kiwis
Kiwis are rich in vitamin C. Include kiwis in your foods that increase sperm count and fertility or as an aphrodisiac.
28. Bananas
Bananas carry an enzyme known as bromelain, which stimulates the production of the testosterone hormone. Also, bananas are rich in potassium, essential in making sex hormones.
29. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in potassium and are great as an aphrodisiac for men. Reportedly, pumpkin seeds boost the production of testosterone and increase libido.
30. Artichokes
Supposedly, if lost on what foods are aphrodisiacs, then include artichokes. Artichokes contain fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and are low in fat. In particular, they help blood flow since they contain potassium, sodium salt, and vitamin k. But, the effects are more romantic folklore than factual.
31. Wine And Spirits
Alcohol acts as an aphrodisiac by helping you get in the mood. Nevertheless, too much consumption of alcohol reduces your sex drive. So, take moderate alcohol amounts only.
32. Hemp Seeds
These seeds contain nitric oxide that improves blood flow and manages erectile dysfunction. Traditionally, they are said to help increase sexual arousal and orgasm.
33. Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C for the production of sex hormones. Also, vitamin C helps stimulate the production of some chemicals in the brain that causes an increase in libido.
34. Pine Nuts
Pine nuts carry a high zinc amount. Studies[6] show that zinc improves your sex drive.
35. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve your libido and the production of estrogen and testosterone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foods like chocolate, raw oysters, coffee, honey, saw palmetto, strawberries, celery, avocados, almonds, walnuts, red grapes, pumpkin seeds, watermelon, asparagus, truffles, garlic, figs, pomegranate, and bananas act as anecdotes to turn you on sexually.
Natural aphrodisiac foods include pistachio nuts, red ginseng, figs, Yohimbe, oysters, fenugreek, chocolate, artichokes, asparagus, pomegranate, watermelon, Okra, ginkgo, Maca, Avocados, and Bananas, among many.
Certain aphrodisiac foods might make you warm and moist. Besides, some are foods that increase sperm count. Others increase blood flow to the genitals and act as stimulants, and some contain minerals and vitamins that boost testosterone production for better sexual function. In addition, some foods resemble sexual genitalia. So, they stimulate the mind and make you horny.
The best aphrodisiac for men include oysters, ginkgo, Maca, pistachio nuts, red Ginseng, and Tribulus.
Debate continues about what foods are aphrodisiacs and the strongest aphrodisiac. However, reliable research says raw oysters are very rich in zinc which boosts libido and increases sperm and testosterone production.
A man may increase horniness by eating libido-boosting foods[7], such as bananas, red ginseng, avocados, oysters, Spanish fly, and figs. These foods contain minerals and vitamins that increase blood flow to the genitals, and you can also take libido-boosting supplements if your doctor advises so.
Conclusion
Debate rages on how to increase sperm count by food and improve sexual arousal. Unfortunately, there is little research to prove several foods are aphrodisiacs.
Still, some so-called aphrodisiacs contain minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants necessary for increased blood flow to the genitals. As such, increased blood flow boosts erections and sexual arousal, plus sexual performance.
Aphrodisiac foods that boost libido instantly exist in many forms, such as plants, herbs, supplements, and foods, but you can take herbal or natural aphrodisiacs. Therefore, always consult your physician before taking chemical aphrodisiacs and some herbs if on medication.
