Ever wonder what foods you can eat in order to increase your sensual desire and improve your libido? Below are 15 foods that are known for their aphrodesiac qualities.
1. Spinach
Spinach is rich in magnesium, which decreases inflammation in blood vessels and increases blood flow. This increased level of blood flow drives blood to all of your extremities, which can increase arousal and make copulation more pleasurable.
2. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains phenethylamine, which is known as the love-drug. Phenethylamine is a natural stimulant that regulates your mood and increases focus. If that doesn’t convince you, the natural caffeine in dark chocolate will give you an energy boost needed in order to increase your level of stamina. Consuming of dark chocolate also increases your levels of serotonin and dopamine–hormones associated with the brain’s pleasure system.
3. Peppers
Eating peppers, particularly the spicy ones, increases adrenaline by stimulating nerve endings on the tongue. Adrenaline increases your heart rate and releases endorphins. Eating hot peppers will raises your body temperature, making you sweat and makes your lips swell. These are also symptoms of arousal. Just make sure you wash your hands after you eat them, or your partner might have a burning sensation.
4. Oysters
Oysters contain zinc, which elevates testosterone, the primary male copulation hormone that promotes increased muscle and bone mass, hair growth, and bedroom performance. Testosterone also increases sperm production and oysters increase dopamine levels. Low levels of zinc and testosterone are a risk factor for infertility.
5. Avocado
Avocado is a particularly sensual fruit–the word avocado translates to ahuacuatl, which actually means "testicle" in Aztec. Avocados also have high levels of Vitamin E, which contributes to high energy levels. Folic acid, B9 and B6, also found in avocados, help with testosterone production and energy.
6. Figs
Figs are high in amino acids, which boost sensual stamina and increase libido. Not to mention, the fig symbolizes female sensual arousal. Historically, the fig has properties of eroticism–authors have even written poems dedicated to its sensual nature. Legends state that eating a fig while naked in front of a woman is the most intimate acts, and some historians even believe the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was a fig, not an apple.
7. Bananas
Bananas have high levels of potassium, which is linked to copulation hormone production. They also contain bromelain, which is believed to increase copulation drive in males. They have high levels of riboflavin and Vitamin B2, which can increase energy levels. Bananas can also keep you from feeling bloated as they counteract high sodium levels, which can be detrimental to orgasms. In addition bananas are phallic in shape, which is arousing on its own.
8. Honey
Honey is made through pollination and is a symbol of procreation. It also contains boron, which helps regulate copulation hormones and nitric oxide which is released in the blood stream upon arousal. Honey has been used as a symbol of fertility and sensual vigor. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, administered a drink of milk and honey to induce sensual ecstasy.
9. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best food sources of the amino acid called tryptophan, which produces serotonin and makes you happy. The magnesium in pumpkin seeds helps raise testosterone levels as well.
10. Fish
Fish such as salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and libido. Fish supplies building blocks for the production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, also known as the three copulation hormones.
11. Pomegranate
The pomegranate has a particularly sensual history as well–it was known to symbolize Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty. In a study done by the International Journal of Impotence Research, men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction were given a daily dose of pomegranate juice and their condition improved. Pomegranate juice is also said to increase levels of testosterone in both men and women.
12. Coffee
Coffee is an aphrodisiac for women. The stimulant is shown to put women in the mood–it is a libido booster and an energy booster that stimulates heart rate and increases blood flow. Coffee can also increase levels of dopamine. Coffee drinkers have copulation more frequently, according to a study by Michael and Ellen Albertson.
13. Steak/Burgers
Red meat contains iron. Iron deficiency is typically a factor in fatigue, which is a component for low copulation drives. This also increases levels of testosterone.
14. Blueberries
Blueberries have flavonoid, which is associated with a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction. They can also help regulate blood flow, and contain one of the six main types of flavonoid, anthocyanins, which gives blueberries their blue coloring. Blueberries also help reduce inflammation and cholesterol and help regulate blood pressure.
15. Garlic
In history, Egyptian men used garlic to boost sensual stamina. Eating garlic also helps stop the formation of fatty deposits called nanoplaques, found in arterial walls. This will also aid in fighting erectile dysfunction. That said, garlic doesn’t have the most pleasant smell, so don’t eat it right before a big date.
The next time you and your lover are ready to kick things up a knotch in the bedroom, try eating one of these foods to get yourself in the mood!
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