Sex and food have long been happy bed-fellows, with the idea that certain foods possess the power to boost our sex lives stretching back thousands of years. Many moons ago, our ancient ancestors thought that aphrodisiac foods were the ones that most resembled our genitalia – things like cucumbers and the wonderfully named manroot (which resembles a green prickly testicle).
History of Aphrodisiacs
Myth and folklore played a part in the whole aphrodisiac story as well. Remember Aphrodite - you know, the goddess of love who emerged naked from the sea in an oyster shell? She’s one of the reasons why we automatically think of sea foods when we think of aphrodisiacs (get it: aphrodisiac - Aphrodite?)
But is there anything more to aphrodisiac foods than myth and legend? Yes, thankfully. It turns out there’s a fair bit of science to back up these claims. We are what we eat, so the saying goes, and foods long thought to possess aphrodisiac qualities are full of nutrients and minerals that are proven to either increase our sex drive or our sexual energy – or both.
The question is, which foods are going to spice up your love life? And secondly, what can you do with them beyond just eating? There’s something naturally erotic about certain foods beyond just the taste. The smell of herbs and spices like ginger or Cayenne pepper can increase the blood flow to your skin, for example, heightening your senses. Then there’s the texture of certain foods—fruits especially—that can feel on the tongue so deliciously raw and flesh like.
Below, I’ve identified for you some of the best known and most powerful aphrodisiac foods. So, take a few days adding them to your diet, allowing the nutrients to take effect by building up in your body. Or else, why not plan a romantic evening meal, just you and your lover, your phones switched off, the lights dimmed, the curtains drawn and the candles lit...
What Are the Best Aphrodisiac Foods
Chocolate
The erotic powers of chocolate have long been understood. The Aztec king Montezuma allegedly scarfed down 50 cups of chocolate to give himself the oomph necessary to satisfy his harem of women. Turns out, ol’ Montezuma was onto something. Chocolate contains two important nutrients - phenethylamine, a stimulant produced when we fall in love, and tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, a chemical associated with feelings of joy and sexual arousal.
A classic treat: strawberries dipped in melted chocolate. But if you and your partner are feeling adventurous (and not worried about a little bit of mess), strip naked and lay the chocolate dipped strawberries out on each other, taking turns to devour the treats directly off each other’s body. Or, if you’re feeling a little kinky, gently fork the strawberries off your partner using a skewer…
Asparagus
The phallic-shaped asparagus has been used by everyone from the ancient Greeks and the early practitioners of the Kama Sutra as a source of sexual potency. The French (not ones to turn their noses up at either food or sex) thought that young lovers should eat three meals of asparagus a day to ensure a power packed display on their wedding night. There’s some wisdom to this. Asparagus is packed with calcium, vitamin E and potassium, all of which give you an energy kick.
Try oven roasted asparagus, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Or, boil them tender and serve with butter and lemon. Take turn feeding one another the dripping, delectable spears.
Figs
Figs are an ancient aphrodisiac, historically linked to women’s sex organs because of their shape. Then there’s the role figs play in the Bible – fig leaves passing as clothing for Adam and Eve. These delicate fruits contain amino acids, which boost stamina, and by extension your libido. More importantly, the tender flesh is subtle and delicious. Try drizzling figs in honey and eating them out of your partner’s fingers.
Watermelon
The watermelon is another fruit with tender flesh that in itself is sensuous and flavor-full. In a way, we’re only just beginning to understand the sexual powers of watermelons. According to a recent Texas A&M University study, watermelons deliver through our blood vessels a Viagra-like effect on the body. And it’s a great food to share on hot steamy, sweaty summer evenings, with the fans blowing and a bottle of champagne on ice at your side.
Artichoke
According to the ancient Greeks, egomaniac Zeus was so upset at having been rejected by a beautiful young virgin, he turned her into an artichoke. Tough on the outside yet tender on the inner—sound familiar?—artichokes are full of antioxidants, so they’re great for boosting energy levels and sexual stamina. The inner leaves of boiled globe artichokes are rich and buttery – hold them out for your partner to suck and nibble on.
Avocado
The old Aztec word for avocado is “ahuacatl,” which means testicle, a name given to them either because of their shape or how they typically grow in pairs – or both. Either way, avocados are rich in folic acids and vitamins which boost energy levels and testosterone. Drizzle a halved avocado with honey and feed each other the slices for an extra boost.
Oysters
Chances are, if you ask anyone to name only one aphrodisiac, they’ll say oysters. Notorious lothario Casanova apparently devoured raw oysters by the bucket-load for breakfast under the belief that they gave him the necessary firepower to keep the fires of passion burning under all of his many affairs. Only, despite a whole host of studies having been conducted down through the years, none confirm definitively that oysters are, indeed, an aphrodisiac.
Still, the salty taste of oysters sliding down the back of your throat is a good enough aphrodisiac for me. And look, if you surprise your partner with oysters and chilled champagne some evening, chances are, you’ll earn yourself major brownie-points! What’s more, oysters are full of zinc, and zinc is a main constituent of sperm. So, if you’re looking to start or add to your family, start shucking those shells.
Sploshing
Never heard of sploshing? You’re probably not the only one. Sploshing is a relatively new-fangled and particularly messy fetish, whereby all sorts of different foods and drinks are smeared or poured over the body. The idea behind it is to experience the various erotic feelings and sensations caused by different textures passing over your skin, like warm milk vs. peanut butter. Or ice cream vs. maple syrup. And so, while the purpose isn’t necessarily to eat anything (though you can, of course), you could argue that foods are still acting as aphrodisiacs as they’re still being used to sexually arouse.
As you can see, you don’t need to be a Michelin decorated chef to enjoy the aphrodisiac effects of these certain foods. That’s because, at the end of the day, it’s not about the quality of your cooking but about connecting with your partner. So, keep it simple, keep it fun, and fill your stomachs.
Pair this with a new adult toy, some flavored lube and perhaps some sexy lingerie and you are ready for an evening full of fun and pleasure.