Men and women have sought aphrodisiacs, that arouse or increase sexual response or desire. Aphrodisiacs may well be the one thing that crosses all barriers. We all want to have better sex.
Clams and oysters also lay claim to aphrodisiac qualities because of their shape and texture. Oysters, in fact, are high in zinc, eating them could improve a nutritionally deficient diet, thus improving a person's overall health and increasing their sex drive.
Here are 11 other foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs because of their nutritional value are:
1. Cinnamon
Add it to your coffee, your desserts, even your veggies—cinnamon has long been used to help control blood pressure, improve overall alertness, and get you feeling cozy. It's also a good source of manganese, which is thought to help increase male sex drive.
2. Ginger
In addition to smelling amazing, ginger can improve blood flow and circulation (which are some of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction) and has been used in many cultures as a stimulant for desire.
3. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is high in fiber and has potassium, both good for stamina as well as magnesium, which can help calm nerves and muscles.
4. Garlic
It’s a fact that garlic absolutely slaps in flavor and if you’re chill with your partner’s garlic breath, it might do wonders for you in the bedroom too. Garlic is high in allicin which increases blood flow and overall cardiovascular wellness.
5. Apples
Apples have also been associated with increased sex drive. A 2014 study suggested that eating an apple a day correlated with better sexual quality of life in people with vaginas.
6. Saffron
Saffron’s history as an aphrodisiac dates back to Cleopatra, who reportedly bathed in saffron-infused milk for its aphrodisiac qualities. Recent studies have also shown that saffron also helps increase sperm motility and can decrease some of the sexual side effects from taking certain antidepressants.
7. Bananas
Your least favorite phallic fruit to eat in public, contains a bromelain enzyme—believed to increase a man’s sex drive—as well as high levels of potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin B2 which is important to keep your energy levels up while you bone.
8. Chocolate
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine—a stimulant that elicits excitement and a sense of well-being. The natural caffeine doesn’t hurt either. Make sure to get dark chocolate that’s at least 75 percent cacao to get the heart bennies too.
9. Vanilla
Vanilla doesn’t just smell sexy, it can also create an overall calming effect. No wonder all those late-night scoops of vanilla feel so damn good.
10. Coffee
Similar to chocolate, coffee’s caffeine increases stamina and can elevate mood (because who could be happy while struggling to keep their eyes open?). Coffee increases dopamine levels in the brain, the stuff that increases desire and pleasure.
11. Cherries
Another sexy fruit! Not only do they contain potassium and vitamin C, they also contain anthocyanins (the stuff responsible for giving them their red color), powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and help maintain a healthy sex drive.
