Ancient aphrodisiac foods do in fact contain certain vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy reproductive system and perhaps even a healthy libido.

See how these everyday foods may enhance your love life . . .

1. Almonds

Almonds are a major source of essential fatty acids which provide the raw material for a man’s healthy production of hormones.
The smell of almonds has also been reported to arouse passion in females. Almonds enhance phenylethylamine (PEA) production, as does chocolate, to increase brain stem activity, enhancing alertness.

Try our Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Bars

2. Apples

Apples belong to the Rose family and have been used in Yuletide rituals to symbolize fertility in nature. Apples not only clean the teeth and inspire the flow of saliva, but they also sweeten the breath, a wonderful stimulus for kissing.

Try our Apple Hazelnut Crumble

3. Artichokes

Traditionally used by the French as aphrodisiacs, artichokes contain a substance by the name of cynarin, which helps to strengthen the liver.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in vitamin E, a vitamin considered to stimulate production of our sex hormones and that may be essential for a healthy sex life.

Try our Arborio Rice with Peas and Asparagus

5. Avocados

Avocados contain high levels of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins, thus giving you more energy.
Avocados contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland), two elements that help enhance both male and female libido.
Avocados are loaded with phenylethylamines, even more so than chocolate. Plus, they have omega-3 fatty acids that help the brain work better.

Try our Salted Chocolate Mousse (made with avocados)

6. Bananas

Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, which is believed to improve male libido.
Bananas are good sources of potassium and B vitamins such as riboflavin, which increase the body’s overall energy levels.

Try our Banana Date Shake

7. Cabbage

Cabbage is wonderful for helping to increase circulation, therefore stimulating sexual energy.

Try our Cabbage and Apple Salad (with or without the brisket)

8. Celery

Celery contains androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration that turns women on.

Try our Lentil Salad with Celery

9. Chili Peppers

Chilies may heat up your love life due to capsaicin—the substance that gives kick to peppers, curries, and other spicy foods.
Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate, making us sweat, and possibly triggering the release of endorphins. This gives you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high that is conducive to love-making.

Try our Kale Salad with Crushed Red Chili Peppers

10. Chocolate and Cheese

Chocolate contains PEA in the cocoa-solids content.
Chocolate imparts a feeling of well-being and excitement, like endorphins giving a natural high—and theobromine, a substance very similar to caffeine.
Just enough dark chocolate (higher cocoa-solids content, more feel good chemicals) will do the trick. A little helps your partner focus, a lot gives him or her low blood sugar, which may put them to sleep.
Cheese contains more PEA than chocolate.

Try our Dark Chocolate Pomegranate + Nutella Cups

11. Damiana

Damiana, or wild yam, has a traditional use as an aphrodisiac. Chemical analysis shows that it contains chemicals that can increase sensitivity in the genitals.

Try our Spicy Lentil Soup with Wild Yams (instead of red potatoes)

12. Eggs

Eggs are high in vitamins B5 and B6. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy libido. Eggs are traditionally a symbol of fertility and rebirth.

Try our Quinoa Breakfast Tacos

13. Figs

High in amino acids, figs are believed to increase libido and improve sexual stamina.

Try our Apple, Brie, and Fig Bruschetta

14. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs.

15. Nutmeg

Nutmeg has been mentioned in Indian Unani medicine for enhancing desire.

Try our Chocolate Nutmeg Cake Donuts

16. Oysters

Oysters are high in zinc, a mineral used in the production of testosterone. Not only the hormone behind the male sex drive, testosterone is believed to stimulate the female libido as well. Oysters also contain dopamine, a chemical that increases focus and motivation for fun.

17. Sea Vegetables

Sea vegetables such as dulse, kelp, and nori are all aphrodisiacs.
They are chock-full of minerals such as calcium, iodine, and iron, which help in balancing the thyroid gland and endocrine system, thus strengthening libido.

Resources:

Daniel G. Amen, M.D. “The Brain in Love.” iBooks. https://itun.es/us/0RBdz.l