Natural Aphrodisiac Foods for Men and Women

While herbal and pharmaceutical sexual stimulants abound in today’s marketplaces, many of the elements you need to enhance your sex life can be found in your local supermarket. Foods have been considered to have libido-enhancing properties for centuries, and modern science has shown that there is some validity to these traditions. Whether on the table or in the bedroom, aphrodisiac foods can give a new meaning to the old adage, you are what you eat.

Oysters have long been known as an erotic food. They were originally thought to be an aphrodisiac because their shape bears a slight resemblance to the female sex organ. Visual stimulation can play a major role in arousal, but the turn on is not simply due to its form. Oysters have an extremely high zinc content, and zinc is a necessary mineral for testosterone production. Although testosterone is a male hormone, it actually stimulates the libido in both men and women.

Some foods were thought to be aphrodisiacs because of phallic shape. Bananas not only look sexy, but they are incredibly nutritious. The combination of potassium, iron, fiber, protein and vitamins A, B and C will increase energy and health with the enzyme bromelain increases testosterone production. Asparagus is another phallic food that has more to give than suggestive form. This vegetable is rich in vitamin E, a vitamin known to stimulate production of sex hormones.

Although celery may not appear to be the sexiest (or most flavorful) food, recent studies have found the vegetable to contain androsterone, a hormone produced naturally by males that stimulates sexual arousal in females.

Chocolate is a perennial lovers’ food, and some studies have shown women to say they prefer chocolate to sex. The reason could be chocolate’s inherent stimulant, phenylethylamine, which researchers have found affects the human brain similar to the effects of natural endorphins created by love and sexual arousal.

In addition to its sticky, sensual texture, honey contains boron – a mineral that helps the body metabolize estrogen, the female sex hormone. Boron may also enhance testosterone blood levels. Honey also contains B vitamins, which aid in testosterone production and increase energy.

Spicy foods can also help to spice up your sex life. Hot peppers contain an enzyme called capsaicin, which stimulates nerve endings, increases the pulse and makes us sweat. Other researchers have found that eating spicy foods triggers endorphin release, resulting in a natural amorous feeling.