Between
25% and 63% of American women have some type of
sexual dysfunction. Many married couples today are
lucky if they end up having any kind of a sexual experience. It seems
that job demands, stress, and busy schedules are to blame for a lack of sex. An aphrodisiac may help with this challenge. It
is a food (or drug) that is believed to stimulate sexual desire.
Foods considered aphrodisiacs are those that aim to stimulate the love senses (sight, smell, taste, and touch). Some foods can suggest sex to the mind, which in turn can help stimulate desire in the body. It certainly doesn't hurt to stack the odds in your favor by enjoying foods you and your partner find sensual. Below are foods that have aphrodisiac qualities
Almonds-Almonds are high in omega
3 content. Omega 3 helps boost brain power and hormone synthesis – leading to a
higher sex drive.
Avocado-The Aztecs called the
avocado “ahuacuatl,” meaning testicle tree. Avocados are loaded with Vitamin E
and associated with increased fertility.
Basil-Basil’s aphrodisiac properties are thought to correlate
directly to its fresh scent, which is said to be stimulating and promote blood
flow. Plus, having Italian ties doesn’t hurt its case either. After all, is
there anything sexier than an Italian cooking you a fresh bowl of pesto pasta?
Chocolate-The
most romantic of foods, chocolate is packed with
romance boosting compounds. These compounds include anandamide (the feel good
chemical), phenylethylamine (the love chemical that triggers endorphin release
in the pleasure centers of your brain, inducing feelings like euphoria and
attraction), and theobromine (a central nervous system stimulant).
Fenugreek-Its seeds are most commonly used in South Asian dishes,
but it's also popular in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory,
libido-boosting treatment. And perhaps this is for good reason — this herb
appears to contain compounds that the body can use to make sex hormones, such
as estrogen and testosterone. In one small study, men given 600 mg of fenugreek
extract per day for six weeks reported experiencing increased sexual arousal
and more orgasms.
Similarly, a small study
investigated the effects of a daily dose of 600 mg of fenugreek extract in
women who had reported having a low sex drive. Fenugreek is generally well
tolerated, but can interact with blood-thinning medication and may cause minor
stomach upset. Moreover, due to its influence on sex hormones, fenugreek may
also interfere with the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers.
Ginkgo Biloba-Ginkgo
biloba is an herbal supplement derived from one of the oldest species of trees,
the Ginkgo
biloba tree. It's popular in
traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for many ailments, including
depression and poor sexual function. Ginkgo biloba is said to act as an
aphrodisiac by helping relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Both male and female participants
said they experienced increased desire, excitement and ability to orgasm after
consuming 60–120 mg of the supplement daily, although effects seemed stronger
in female participants. Ginkgo biloba is generally well tolerated, but it may
act as a blood thinner. Thus, if you're taking blood-thinning medications, make
sure to check with your health care professional before taking ginkgo biloba.
Honey-It is packed with
boron. This mineral helps balance
estrogen in women and enhances testosterone levels in both sexes. Increased
testosterone levels are correlated with boosting sex drive and the orgasms.
Hot Chilies- According to popular belief, capsaicin is the compound
that gives hot chilies their spiciness; also stimulates nerve endings on the tongue.
This causes the release of sex drive-boosting chemicals. However, no studies
support this belief. Spicy food warms you up, gets your
heart pumping, stimulates nerve endings, and increases the blood flow.
Maca-Maca is a sweet root vegetable
with several health benefits. In South America it's commonly used to boost fertility, even going by
the nickname "the Peruvian Viagra." It grows predominantly in the
mountains of central Peru and is related to cruciferous vegetables including
broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage.
Maca seems to have
libido-boosting effects in humans. Four high-quality studies reported that
participants experienced enhanced sexual desire after they consumed maca. Maca
hasn’t been extensively tested on humans. It is also thought to increase
stamina and heighten awareness.
Oysters-One of the most famous of aphrodisiac foods, the
high concentration of zinc in oysters boosts sperm and increases libido. Pair
with a glass of champagne and a chocolate dessert, and you’ve got the
ultimate romantic meal.
Pistachio Nuts-People have
been eating pistachio nuts since 6,000 BC. They are quite nutritious and
particularly rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Pistachios may have a
variety of health benefits, including helping lower blood pressure, control
weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, and reduce symptoms of erectile
dysfunction.
In one small study, men who
consumed 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of pistachio nuts per day for three weeks
experienced increased blood flow to the penis and firmer erections. Experts
have suggested these effects may be due to the ability of pistachios to improve
blood cholesterol and stimulate better blood flow throughout the body.
Pomegranate-Known as the
love apple; here’s another suggestive fruit that packs a punch. Apart
from being visually sensual in color and texture, pomegranates are high in
antioxidants. Higher levels of antioxidants increases testosterone and sex
drive in both men and women.
Red Ginseng-One particular
type — red ginseng — is commonly used to treat a variety of ailments in men and
women, including low libido and sexual function. Several studies have
investigated its use in men and observed that red ginseng was at least twice as
effective as the placebo at improving erectile function.
Also, one small study in
menopausal women found that red ginseng may improve sexual arousal. People
generally tolerate ginseng well, but it may interfere with blood-thinning
medications and the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers. In some cases,
ginseng may also cause headaches, constipation or minor stomach upset.
Saffron-Saffron is a spice derived is
native to Southwest Asia and one of the most expensive spices by weight. This
spice is often used as an alternative remedy to help treat depression, reduce
stress, enhance mood, and is popular for its potential aphrodisiac
properties. One study observed that a
group of men given 30 mg of saffron per day for four weeks experienced greater
improvements in erectile function than men given a placebo.
A follow-up study in women
reported that those in the saffron group experienced higher levels of arousal
compared to those in the placebo group.
Tribulus-It is an annual plant that grows in dry climates. It is commonly used to help improve athletic
performance, infertility and loss of libido. 88% of women with sexual
dysfunction experienced increased sexual satisfaction after taking 250 mg of Tribulus per day for 90 days. Tribulus may have aphrodisiac effects in women. More research
is needed to evaluate optimal doses of Tribulus as well as its effects in men.
“The aim of human life is to
know thyself. Think for yourself, question authority. Think with your friends.
Create, create new realities. Philosophy is a team sport. Philosophy is the
ultimate, the ultimate aphrodisiac pleasure. Learning how to operate your brain;
learning how to operate your mind; learning how to redesign chaos.” (Timothy Leary) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“7 Aphrodisiac Foods That Boost Your Libido”
by Alina Petre
·
“Aphrodisiac” Cambridge Dictionary
·
“Aphrodisiacs: 10 best foods to get you in the mood”
by Siobhan
Norton
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