With Valentine’s Day coming fast, we’re all about turning up the heat at home. We already know that the way to man’s heart is through his stomach, but is the way to his boner through his stomach, too? Apparently.
One surefire way to get those juices flowing is to use an aphrodisiac—any food that can increase libido when eaten. From the Greek word aphrodisiakon, or “pertaining to Aphrodite,” the idea comes from none other than the Goddess of Love. But really, is the notion of using an aphrodisiac a bit too silly to make the bedroom pop?
Not according to Dr. Michael Hall, an anti-aging specialist. He says the concept of the aphrodisiac is entirely based upon science, as traditionally it is known some foods possess chemical properties that increase pheromones and heighten our interest and others may indirectly boost testosterone or estrogen levels, thereby increasing human sex drive, obvious some are considered virile because of their sensual appearance.
So which foods have aphrodisiac powers?
Classically, to be considered an aphrodisiac, a substance should:
- Consumed orally
- Reliably increase libido or sexual desire (no placebo effect!)
- Take effect in a relatively immediate time frame—minutes or hours, not days or weeks
THE TOP 11 APHRODISIAC DELICACIES
The 11 Best Aphrodisiac Foods Around
By BrazenWoman
Need a little sex life boost? These foods will get you in the mood.
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Oysters
By BrazenWoman
This is the famous aphrodisiac as it mimics the labial folds of a vagina. Oysters are high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones.
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Bananas
By BrazenWoman
With their phallic shape, bananas already look tempting and sensual. Plus, they contain bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production. The fruit's potassium and vitamin B elevate energy levels and the high sugar content gives the brain a kick.
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Honey is made through pollination and secretions of many fertile bees worshipping their queen, symbolizing nature's procreative pinnacle. Birds and bees ring a bell? In fact, the word 'honeymoon' got its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey given as a libidinous elixir to the happy and horney new bride and groom. It has a number of vitamins and it also contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and the sappy sweetness provides a natural energy boost. Drizzling it on the body is fun, too.
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Coffee
By BrazenWoman
The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. One study conducted with female rats and published in a scientific journal suggests that coffee can put women in the mood for sex. Its smell has a delicate and sensual aroma, too.
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Watermelon
By BrazenWoman
According to [sciencedaily.com](http://sciencedaily.com/), this 'lycopene king' may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. It's super sweet and the perkiness and colour of the fruit drips sensuality.
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Pine Nuts
By BrazenWoman
High in energizing zinc and fatty acids, which has been linked to a healthy sex drive, pine nuts are considered aphrodisiacs because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pine cones.
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Arugula
By BrazenWoman
This peppery tasting plant has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. The bite of the aromatic leaf might get you in the mood. The minerals and antioxidants found in dark leafy greens like arugula have also been proven to block environmental contaminates that could negatively harm libido.
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Olive Oil
By BrazenWoman
Packed with antioxidants, olives and their oil have been used for centuries for health. The Greeks believed they made men more virile as well. It's a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are critical for a healthy heart, smooth blood flow and stable hormone production, all needed to keep the brain, prostate and penis in good shape.
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Figs
By BrazenWoman
Eaten by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the fig has forever paradoxically symbolized both sexuality (the ripe fruit with seeds representing fertility) and modesty (the fig leaf). They are full of potassium and are an antioxidant powerhouse, sweet and delicate when eaten and feel like a testicle.
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Chai Tea
By BrazenWoman
Skip the coffee after dinner and reach for a cup of Indian chai tea. The typical spices in this brew include ginger, cloves and cinnamon, all come from exotic places and certainly will get the blood flowing, and it has almost no caffeine so the stimulant effect is less than coffee, so you'll still be able to drift off to sleep with your lover after your lovemaking.
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Pomegranate
By BrazenWoman
These bright gems enclosed in a thick rose-colored husk are filled with tangy sweet antioxidants, which support blood flow and clear thought. One study by The Male Clinic in California found that pomegranate juice has a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.
