Sometimes it’s a particularly well-timed Instagram post. At other times, a steamy paragraph from a romantic novel. Anything can be sexy and a turn on, but it certainly helps to have that extra nudge. That’s where aphrodisiacs come in. Aphrodisiacs are substances that increase your sexual desire and libido making your experience all the more pleasurable. Eating sloppy burgers and an extra creamy pasta might be deeply satisfying and make you look cute but maybe not the best idea right before you get steamy with your partner. Because while a food coma might be wonderful, burps could certainly kill the mood. But all foods are not made equal and these few nutrient-rich foods come with libido-boosting properties that are perfect for a romp in the sheets.
Derived from ‘Aphrodite’, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and passion, the belief in aphrodisiac foods dates back to ancient times. Research conducted by Martha Hopkins for her book Intercourses revealed that almost every food was considered to be an aphrodisiac. Plenty of ancient folklore is rife with tales of foods being treated as an aphrodisiac. For instance, Greek priests and pharaohs weren’t permitted to eat onions because they were worried that it would lead to an extra temptation to have sex. It gets weirder when you find out that cobra meat is devoured in certain parts of Asia for its ability to increase libido.
Fret not, you don’t have to consume this to turn the heat up. Ahead we’ve listed a few food items that double up as aphrodisiacs too.
Red Wine
I know I’m not the only one who gets slightly turned on when that 8th sip of red wine hits home. No, that’s not got anything to do with the fact that alcohol tends to cloud judgement. Red wine is a famous aphrodisiac which can help you feel relaxed and also boost your cardiovascular health. The presence of resveratrol is key to its aphrodisiac abilities. A study linked the moderate consumption of red wine to an increased sexual desire and better lubrication in women.
Chocolate
Probably one of the most popular aphrodisiacs out there, chocolate has been associated with both passion and love. The Mayan and Aztec cultures have a longstanding belief in the aphrodisiacal properties of chocolate. It’s rich in phenylethylamine, a component which is known for its euphoric abilities.
Red Ginseng
In Eastern medicine, red ginseng is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for regulating hormone levels and blood flow. It works to relax your blood vessels and support your well-being at the same time. Its hormone regularisation abilities do contribute to improved sexual performance. A study conducted on women in their menopause indicated how red ginseng increased their arousal levels by copious amounts.
Pistachios
Renowned for their nutritional abilities, pistachios are also considered aphrodisiacs. Their nutritional values include being rich in proteins and fibres. This contributes to reducing the risks of heart attacks and maintaining circulation levels in your body. A study conducted on erectile dysfunction showed that men who consumed a certain amount of pistachios every day for almost a month experienced firmer erections than before.
Saffron
Touted as one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron has been a concrete part of various ancient cultures ranging from Indian to Persian and Arabic. A lot of rituals often incorporated the use of this spice in an attempt to increase sexual drive. We’re all aware that in India, saffron is a part of the famous ‘love potion’ given to newly-married couples. Saffron contains various bioactive components like safranal which are known to enhance your mood, releasing endorphins.
Being rich in antioxidants translates to improved blood flow, which directly contributes to better sexual performance. In a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, it was revealed that women who consumed saffron experienced exponentially higher levels of lubrication and arousal.
