The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Or so the saying goes. As it happens, it’s actually true – and for women, too. There are numerous foods that can arouse feelings of sexual desire. Do you want to know what to serve your partner next time you want to make sure they are really in the mood? In this article, we take a look at the different foods you should use.
What exactly is an aphrodisiac?
Something is considered to be an aphrodisiac if it can be used to stimulate or even intensify feelings of desire. The term is taken from the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The goddess of love, she was celebrated in the ancient a festival in which guests were offered aphrodisiacs to increase their libido. Today, there are still certain foods that are said to have this effect. If you eat them – or in some cases even just smell them – they are said to have an effect on the limbic system in the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for releasing endorphins and for the fact we feel emotions.
Aphrodisiac foods that are said to increase sexual desire
Cinnamon: It’s something most people have at home, and we even use it from time to time – cinnamon. This spice is reputed to have an aphrodisiac effect, including a scent that can awaken our senses and get us in the mood.
Vanilla: This is another spice you should bear in mind next time you’re planning what dessert to eat with your partner. This is because vanillin – the main active ingredient in vanilla – very closely resembles human pheromones.
Ginger: Ginger is often referred to as the ‘hot spice’ – and for good reason. Its warming effect, which also stimulates blood flow, is said to really get us burning with desire. And pjur has already taken advantage of the powers of ginger. Our pjur superhero Strong Spray contains ginger.
Liquorice root: It’s probably not something you just have lying around at home. Yet women with a low sex drive in particular should consider getting hold of some. The substances contained in liquorice root are similar to the female hormone oestrogen and can boost sex drive in women.
Artichokes: Artichokes are another food that has been used as an aphrodisiac for several centuries. This is because eating artichokes is said to boost sexual desire.
Chocolate: It’s a well-known fact that chocolate makes us happy, which is why it also makes the list of aphrodisiac foods. It contains the messenger substance phenylethylamine, which is also released when we are in love.
Chilli: Chilli contains capsaicin – a substance that can increase the flow of blood to the genitals. It can also be responsible for the release of the ‘happy hormones’.
Oysters: Oysters are another food known since ancient times to be an aphrodisiac. This is due to the high levels of zinc they contain. In fact, one oyster provides 100% of an adult’s daily required intake. And since zinc promotes testosterone production in men, men in particular should eat them to get in the mood. Casanova is said to have eaten them and had immense success with the ladies as a result.
Nuts: Walnuts in particular are thought to boost fertility. Pumpkin seeds can also affect blood flow on account of their high levels of omega–3 fatty acids and are therefore even said to be able to prevent erectile disorders.
Pomegranate: The jury is still out on whether or not pomegranate really has any aphrodisiac effects. At any rate, Aphrodite had a favourite tree: the pomegranate tree. Which is why, even today, pomegranate is still considered a symbol of love and fertility.
Strawberries: We all like eating strawberries. Even better, then, that they are rumoured to have an aphrodisiac effect. This is due to the fact they stimulate our nervous system and our endocrine glands. And these endocrine glands are responsible, among other things, for releasing our sex hormones.
Cocoa: Cocoa consists of lots of valuable ingredients, including stimulants such as theobromine and caffeine. So you should definitely be including cocoa in your next romantic dinner.
Parsley: This is another ingredient that most of us use on a regular basis anyway. It owes its aphrodisiac effect to the fact it contains an essential oil that can have a stimulating effect.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is said to be incredibly potent. This is due to the myristicin it contains, which is said to stimulate the libido. Less is more, however, as too much nutmeg can even bring on a headache or an upset stomach. Use it selectively and only in small doses.
Celeriac: Celeriac contains several ingredients that make it the perfect aphrodisiac. Such as the substance butylphthalide, for example, which is said to have a relaxing and comforting effect. And it’s hardly a secret that women in particular need to be relaxed when they have sex to have any chance of having an orgasm. Celeriac also contains the male pheromone androstenol.
Figs: The Ancient Greeks considered figs to be an aphrodisiac. Back then, giving someone a basket of figs was an indication that you were interested in them and had something more in mind. As a result, figs are still said to have an aphrodisiac effect today.
Asparagus: Asparagus is said to boost sexual desire – and not just on account of its shape but because of the substances it contains, too. For example, asparagus boasts particularly high levels of vitamin E, which can have a mild aphrodisiac effect.
We don’t know whether we can really expect to enjoy an increased sex drive simply by eating plenty of cinnamon or vanilla in our desserts. But we’ll definitely be giving it a try – and so should you. And if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have eaten well 😉
