List of Foods that are Aphrodisiacs

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What is an aphrodisiac?

For many thousands of years, mankind has attributed to a wide variety of plants the ability to enhance sexual performance or to increase desire and attraction in members of the opposite sex. Today, these plants and compounds extracted from them as well as modern, chemical substances, are known as Aphrodisiacs after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

It should be noted that modern research has found that, for the most part, proclaimed aphrodisiacs lack any substance, compound or element that can cause a change in sexual behavior. Researchers contend that claims of increased sexuality following the use of aphrodisiacs are the result of a placebo effect. Additionally, many herbs and roots can have strong effects on the body which are potentially harmful and even fatal.

Other herbs traditionally claimed to have an effect on the human libido include pepper, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, licorice root, ginseng and rosemary.

Many fruits and vegetables have also been given the status of aphrodisiacs over the years. Many gained this status because of their shape that resembled male or female sexual organs. These include asparagus which can be said to resemble the male sexual organ and figs which, when cut in half and their interiors exposed, are said to resemble the female sexual organs.

Others, such as chocolate, possibly because of the stimulating effect eating them provides have also been given aphrodisiac characteristics. Once again, no scientific evidence exists that can confirm the supposed powers of these fruits and vegetables – as the old saying goes: “it’s all in the mind of the believer”.

List of Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Substances That Claim to be Aphrodisiacs

What follows is a list of some of the fruits, vegetables and other natural edible substances that are most widely believed to have the power to increase the human libido and stimulate sexual activity. Again, no scientific proof exists to substantiate these claims.

Garlic: this may seem a strange thing to be classed as an aphrodisiac, but garlic has large amounts of the chemical allicin that stimulates the flow of blood, especially to the body’s extremities.

Oysters are perhaps one of the foods most widely considered to be an aphrodisiac. Scientifically, oysters have been shown to contain large amounts of zinc which is used in the production of sperm.

Asparagus has been thought of as an aphrodisiac for centuries, primarily due to its shape, which closely resemble that of the erect male sexual organ. In the 19th century, asparagus was served to a prospective groom on the day of his wedding as it was thought it would improve his sexuality and fertility. Research has shown that asparagus contains quantities of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamine and folic acid.

Avocado has long been seen as an aphrodisiac because its shape suggests the male testes. In South America, the avocado was known as the “Ahuacuatl” (testicle tree) as avocados, growing in pairs were thought to resemble make testicles. In Spain, the fruit was banned as being obscene. Avocado contains concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium.

Almonds have long been considered an aphrodisiac with a scent that is claimed to increase the female libido. Almonds contain quantities of vitamin E, magnesium and fiber.

Bananas, because of their shape are also seen as aphrodisiacs. They contain significant amounts of potassium, magnesium and vitamin B.

Figs are another ancient aphrodisiac, primarily to the supposed resemblance of their interior to female sexual organs. Figs contain a host of beneficial substances including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium and chlorine.

Honey is another supposed aphrodisiac. Research has shown that fresh honey contains large quantities of boron which is a mineral that assists the body to metabolize and use the female sex hormone estrogen. Other studies suggest that it may also improve levels of the male sex hormone testosterone. However, scientists suggest that the increased levels produced by consumption of honey are not necessarily sufficient to have any significant impact on the body.

Papaya is another fruit that is said to affect estrogen levels in the female. In the past, it was used to improve milk production in mothers, to encourage the start of menstruation and to increase the female libido.

Resources about Aphrodisiacs

Is Chocolate an aphrodisiac?
Go Ask Alice website at columbia.edu weighs in on what foods are aphrodisiacs.
Selectivity is Ultimate Aphrodisiac: Northwestern University esearchers have discovered that this law of reciprocity is in dire need of an asterisk in the domain of romantic attraction.
Michele Doughty article, Chocolate: Aphrodisiac or Euphamism?
Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats.

Resource by B.Matthews

I am a fun outgoing girl who loves to go to concerts and sit on the grass and read. My favorite books are those that make me think about life, love and how the world spins around no matter the troubles that you're going through.

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