9 surprising foods that make the best aphrodisiacs

While a healthy sex drive is good for our relationships and important for physical and emotional health, you’re not alone if you’re not always ‘in the mood’.

A woman’s sex drive, or libido, is influenced by a range of physical and psychological factors, with common stressors like anxiety, finances, work stress, hormones and low self-esteem all playing a part.

Yes, men think about sex, a lot!

While libido can also be an issue for males, the majority of adult men under 60 think about sex at least once a day, according to research from the University of Chicago.

The same study found only a quarter of women say they think about sex that frequently. And that as men and women age, each fantasise less, but men still fantasise twice as often!

Can nutrition help your sexual desire?

While it is natural for people to experience ups and downs in their interest in sex, there is some evidence certain foods may give it a boost.

A good sex drive may be linked to a healthy circulatory system as both men and women require good blood flow to the genitals for arousal and erections, in which case some researchers suggest a healthy heart diet such as the Mediterranean Diet may improve aspects of sexual health.

Certain minerals and nutrients are also thought to impact libido.

Zinc has long been touted for its ability to influence sex drive, and some animal studies have found it can improve sexual competence in male rats.

Studies of rats have also found ginseng and maca to assist in improving sexual performance.

aphrodisiac foods

Foods to help fuel your desire

Take a look at these foods to get you in the mood.

1. Oysters

Cleopatra and Casanova both shared a love of oysters, with legend having it Casanova threw back 50 of them raw for breakfast!

Containing more zinc than any other food source, a 2005 US and Italian study appeared to vindicate claims that oysters are an aphrodisiac after finding they were rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones.

2. Spinach

Since the days of ‘Popeye’ this leafy green has been lauded for its ability to make you “strong to the finish” with science now backing this.

Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that decreases inflammation in blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow, which can in turn increase arousal.

3. Fruit

Figs, bananas, avocados and watermelon are all considered libido-boosting.

Watermelon is referred to as natural viagra because it contains citrulline, a compound that helps relax blood vessels, thus boosting blood flow.

A Texas A&M University study found this relaxation effect might increase sex drive in both men and women.

4. Hot chillies

Diana Hoppe, author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You says capsaicin, the spicy substance that gives chilli peppers their kick, stimulates nerve endings to release epinephrine.

This chemical causes increased heart rate and can trigger the release of endorphins that cause a natural high.

6. Cloves

The aromatic spice popularly used to season roasts, hams, biscuits and cakes, or as a flavoursome drink, has also been shown to have aphrodisiac effectivity among male rats.

7. Ginseng

Used in Chinese medicine for centuries, ginseng is lauded for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it seems, effects on sexual performance.

Data from animals studies has shown it positively impacts libido, which have been backed up in case-control human studies.

8. Saffron

The distinctively coloured spice has long been used to benefit a range of conditions, including improving memory, mood and libido.

An analysis of five studies revealed saffron was effective in enhancing sexual dysfunction in both males and females.

9. Chocolate

We’ve saved the best for last! Research has found this sweet treat promotes the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin into your body, which in turn can produce aphrodisiac and mood-lifting effects.

Other ways to increase your sex drive

It might sound strange but try watching a horror movie or riding a roller coaster. Why? Adrenaline causes the blood to flow faster, which in turn stimulates the senses. This is good for desire!

Any form of exercise is good too, as it releases the endorphins and makes you feel more confident and in turn, more desirable.

And a final tip. Stick to one glass of wine or spirits. Too much alcohol can lower your libido and drive your sex drive in a downwards direction.

Watch Jo Stanley go in search of the secret to a woman’s libido on House of Wellness TV:

Written by Liz McGrath. Updated April 2021. Additional reporting by Claire Burke.

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