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Best Foods for Women’s Sexual Health: Aphrodisiac Foods That Support Desire and Pleasure

Sexual wellness is closely tied to circulation, hormone balance, mood and energy, all of which are influenced by what you eat. Certain foods can help support desire, arousal, sexual responsiveness and fertility by providing nutrients linked to these functions.

Under the guidance of our Director of Nutrition, Delahna Flagg, we’ve created this list of the 10 best foods for women to help you make simple, enjoyable food choices that support libido, energy and overall sexual wellbeing.

The 10 best aphrodisiac foods for women

Here’s what makes each food stand out:

Dark Chocolate
Rich in flavanols that promote blood flow and potentially support mood.

Peanuts
Provide healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.

Strawberries
High in antioxidants that support circulation and sexual responsiveness.

Eggs
Provide nutrition for hormone production and sustained energy.

Lentils
Rich in iron and folate, nutrients that support energy and hormone balance.

Kale
Rich in antioxidants and nitrates that support circulation and vascular health.

Chile Peppers
Contain capsaicin, a compound linked to circulation and sensation.

Tofu
Contains isoflavones, compounds studied for their role in hormone balance.

Scallops
Rich in zinc, a mineral linked to libido and reproductive health.

Citrus Fruits
High in vitamin C and antioxidants that support circulation and energy.

Bonus: Wine and women’s sexual health
Moderate wine consumption has been studied for its potential effects on relaxation, circulation and mood, which may indirectly support libido and sexual experiences. However, alcohol affects individuals differently and overconsumption can negatively impact sexual wellbeing.

Criteria used to select these foods

We selected these foods based on:

Nutrition: key nutrients linked to circulation, hormone balance, mood and energy
Research: available clinical evidence related to sexual wellness, arousal and overall health
Availability: widely accessible and affordable ingredients
Variety: options across different dietary preferences
Versatility: easy to incorporate into everyday meals

You can skip any foods that do not suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you have allergies or medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.

Common sexual health concerns in women

Research suggests that women’s sexual wellness can be influenced by many factors, including stress, hormonal shifts, fatigue and changes in circulation. Challenges related to desire, arousal or sexual comfort are common and can be shaped by both lifestyle and physiology.

While food is not a cure for sexual health concerns, diet may play a supportive role. Nutrient deficiencies can affect energy, mood, fertility, hormone balance and blood flow, all of which can influence sexual wellbeing.

If you’re ready to start eating for better sexual health, begin with the first food below.

The 10 Best Foods For Women

Food #1
Dark Chocolate

The 10 best foods for women graphic

Edited by Delahna Flagg: This article was written by Certified Nutrition Coach Amy Reiley and reviewed with additional research provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.