Do you know certain foods can put you in a lust or a sexual mood? Aphrodisiac foods are said to increase your sexual desire, sexual pleasure, and behavior. But how do they actually work?
Certain foods stimulate your sexual desires; these foods can boost your pleasure. These foods are also believed to bring relaxation and muscle strengthening effects. Aphrodisiacs are the food that can enhance your erotic feelings.
This article helps you to understand the functions of these foods on sexual drive hormones.
What are Aphrodisiac Foods?
Aphrodisiac food can be defined as the foods or drinks that have the effect of making you feel more aroused in a sexual way. Studies say some of the herbal plants are used as aphrodisiac herbs as they have the ability to treat sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction (1).
Aphrodisiacs are becoming popular in recent years for their health benefits, as they increase stamina, promote reproductive activity, enhance fertility, and increase sexual desire.
Hectic lifestyle, stress, anxiety, work pressure, and depression can be some of the potential triggers that reduce your sex drive. However, eating aphrodisiac foods can do a miracle in your body and sex life.
9 Best Aphrodisiac Foods
Here are the 9 best aphrodisiac foods to add romance to your sex life.
1. Almonds
Almonds have strong aphrodisiac qualities and are known as fertility food. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and magnesium. It has the goodness of omega 3 and vitamin E that enhances testosterone and sexual desires in both men and women. Almond is also helpful in managing weight as it acts as an appetite suppressant.
According to studies, the almond supplement helps to improve erectile functions in males (2).
Almonds are rich in nutrients and have many other health benefits such as reducing your cholesterol level, weight loss, regulating blood sugar, and putting you in a romantic mood. Also, they are readily available and are affordable. Experts suggest that this is best for people with erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes.
2. Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps Sinensis mushrooms are potent aphrodisiacs that can increase your sexual desire (3). They are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. They help regulate your hormonal activity, increase your physical power, reduce fatigue, and enhance sports performance (4).
Few studies suggest that cordyceps are medicinal mushrooms grown in Himalayan ranges and are used to treat various diseases. Cordyceps are said to enhance male reproduction in Chinese traditional medicine (5). According to a study, cordyceps consumption increased male reproduction in both in-vivo and in-vitro studies in mouse models (6).
Cordyceps mushrooms are the best protein source, and it has several health benefits, overall it's one of the best aphrodisiac foods.
3. Tribulus
Tribulus is a small leafy plant whose roots and fruits are used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. This traditional medicine is used to treat chest pain, heart problems, kidney stones, dizziness, and skin disorders. Tribulus is also being used as a dietary supplement to improve sexual function and boost testosterone levels.
In a study, 30 men were administered with Tribulus Terrestris at 3*250mg/day for 3 weeks. The study results showed a significant increase in DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Also, the frequency of successful intercourse was increased by 60% (7).
During a study in which tribulus extract was administered, the blood sample analysis showed increased levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (8).
Tribulus helps to raise libido in men and women and is considered as one of the best aphrodisiac foods.
4. Crocus Sativus or Saffron
Saffron is a common spice used in Asian countries, derived from Crocus sativus flowers. It is used to treat depression, enhance mood, and reduce stress. It is one of the costliest spices (9).
Studies suggest that saffron has two major active ingredients ,namely crocin and safranal, which enhance sexual behaviors and also have antidepressant properties (10).
A study was conducted on the effect of C.sativus stigma aqueous extract. The study outcomes suggested that crocin plays a significant role in boosting libido (11). Saffron also showed positive results when erectile dysfunction patients were treated with 200mg/day for ten days (12).
5. Eurycoma Longifolia(Tongkat ali)
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E. longifolia is a flowering plant used for its aphrodisiac effects in Indonesia, Malaysia, and to a lesser extent, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. It is also used to treat malaria in Asian countries (13).
Eurycoma longifolia is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It is believed to increase sexual desire in healthy men, can treat male infertility, and boost athletic performance. But there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.
According to a study, eurycomanone increases testosterone steroidogenesis production by inhibiting aromatase conversion of testosterone to estrogen (14) (15) (16).
6. Pistachio Nuts
Pistachio nuts have high nutritional value, are rich in proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. It has been used in our diet for ages. It helps in weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, and lowers blood pressure. Studies have suggested that consumption of nuts helps to reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (17).
During a study, the pistachio diet was followed by erectile dysfunction patients. Results indicated a significant improvement in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and penile color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) parameters without any side effects. Also, lipid parameters showed significant improvement with this diet (18).
Experts suggest that nuts’ consumption improves blood cholesterol and stimulates better blood flow in your body. It also helps to reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
7. MACA
MACA is a sweet root veg grown in the central Andes. It helps to treat erectile dysfunction, improves mood, reduces sun damage, boosts energy, increases libido, and increases fertility in both men and women.
Maca is known as “the Peruvian Viagra'', commonly seen in central Peru. Several studies suggest that MACA is an aphrodisiac food. Oral administration of Maca purified lipidic extract showed significant improvement in erectile dysfunction symptoms. It also showed a decrease in the latent period of erection in erectile dysfunction (19).
8. Pomegranate
Experts suggest that drinking a glass of fresh pomegranate juice will increase your memory and mood. It is rich in antioxidants and is a natural aphrodisiac food.
Pomegranate can block the enzyme aromatase, which is used for the synthesis of estrogen production. Too much estrogen can interfere with libido and affects erectile health, and causes bone damage. Estrogen blocks testosterone production; high estrogen levels decrease the testosterone levels and create an imbalance of hormones that reduces male sexual health (20) (21) (22).
9. Kaempferia Parviflora ( Black Ginger )
Kaempferia parviflora, commonly known as black ginger, has a lot of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, reduces cardiovascular risk, and increases erectile functions. In a study, 13 participants were given black ginger for 30 days, and it was observed that there was a significant improvement in erectile function, and an increase in IIEF score (23).
Another study suggested that black ginger extract was efficient in treating aged men with erectile dysfunction, and it was observed that there was a significant improvement (24) (25) (26).
Final Words
Stress and hectic lifestyle in this modern time are creating many sexual health-related problems. The above mentioned healthy foods can provide you nutrients and also can boost your sex life. These aphrodisiac foods can help you boost your libido.
If you have erectile dysfunction or any sexual disorders, get yourself evaluated through online consultation. Click here to book a consultation.