Can food really put you in the mood for some loving? Aphrodisiac foods have existed throughout all of recorded history. But can any food really set your heart racing and mind throbbing with desire?
In order to better understand how, and if, this can actually work, let’s take a closer look at what makes a food an aphrodisiac before we explore some of the world’s best aphrodisiac foods.
What foods are aphrodisiac foods?
Aphrodisiacs, named for the Greek love goddesses Aphrodite, are foods that are supposed to increase sexual desire or performance. Over the past 20 years of studying natural aphrodisiacs, I’ve discovered that there are many reasons foods earn an aphrodisiac reputation.
Some aphrodisiac foods have a suggestive shape. Many have arousing aromas or a sensual mouthfeel. Some foods of love raise body temperature. And some make the eater’s lips plump up with kissable softness. Some natural aphrodisiac foods are better for women. And some are aphrodisiac foods for men.
Most importantly, modern science has helped us to understand that, in addition to the ability to caress the tongue or lower inhibition, the majority of these foods have a proven effect on the body. Many provide a quick shot of energy. Others are foods that increase sexual stamina. Some may stimulate nerve endings. Yet others help to increase blood flow. And other aphrodisiacs for sex offer the nutrients to promote sexual hormone production or help regulate sexual hormones. And some may even boost libido immediately.
So, do aphrodisiac foods work? Check out the ingredients in my list of the best aphrodisiacs for yourself and you make the call. You already know where I stand on the topic!
If you’re interested in a more in-depth definition of aphrodisiacs, check out my article entitled What is an Aphrodisiac Food?
The big list of aphrodisiac foods and drinks (alphabetical)
abalone
This odd-looking marine snail is considered one of the ocean’s greatest delicacies.
absinthe
A drink with a reputation for making men go mad, absinthe is one of the alcohol world’s most potent aphrodisiacs.
acai
One of the world’s healthiest fruits, acai has a powerful link with fertility.
apple
The original fruit of temptation, the apple celebrates a long history as an aphrodisiac.
apricot
Apricot is known for several nutritional benefits that can support sexual health.
arugula (rocket)
With nutrients to support men’s and women’s sexual health, arugula is more than just a salad green.
asparagus
This spring vegetable has some surprisingly sexy benefits.
avocado
Avocado is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs in history – and for good reason!
bacon
Although it has no evidence-based proof, this sexy food has plenty of anecdotal proof demonstrating its aphrodisiac power.
banana
Known as the phallic fruit, the banana has some interesting benefits and an amusing history as an aphrodisiac.
basil
If you’re looking for herbs for sex drive, you may not need to look further than your garden. An herb popular in Mediterranean cooking, basil offers several nutrients to support sexual health.
bay leaf (bay laurel)
Best known as a flavoring for soups and stews, bay leaf is actually a narcotic with some surprising health benefits.
beets
Could beet juice hold the secret to vitality? You’ll have to read to find out!
blowfish
One of the most dangerous aphrodisiacs around, if improperly prepared, fugu can kill you.
blueberries
A delicate fruit with healing properties, blueberries may hold the key to fertility.
caviar
A food of luxury, caviar has some surprising health benefits, especially when it comes to men’s sexual health.
celery
Celery was used as a treatment for low libido for centuries. And with good reason!
champagne
Is there any question about the aphrodisiac power of Champagne? This aphrodisiac drink does more than lower inhibition.
cheese
Can dairy actually be sexy? When it’s made into cheese, yes it can!
cherry
Cherry is a fruit packed with nutrients for sexual performance.
chile pepper
Red hot chile peppers may be among the world’s most potent aphrodisiacs. Chile has an immediate effect on the body that can instantly put you in the mood. But it may also improve energy.
chocolate
Not just a cliche, it turns out chocolate has some evidence-based potential benefits to your sexual health.
cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice celebrated as an aphrodisiac for centuries.
clams
From steamed clams to clamato, you’ll be surprised to discover the many benefits of clams.
coconut water
Coconut water can raise energy when you need it most. Want to know more?
coffee
The aphrodisiac of adrenalin junkies, coffee has more to offer to your sex life than you might expect.
conch
A seafood with a sensual side, conch is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs of the Caribbean.
cranberry
Can the food of the holiday table really have a sexy side? Yes it can! And cranberry juice may have some added benefits.
cucumber
Discover why cucumber is an aphrodisiac for men. It’s not just the suggestive shape!
eggs
An international symbol of fertility, egg might be the ultimate aphrodisiac.
fennel
More popular as a seasoning than a vegetable, fennel has some surprising sex benefits for women.
figs
Figs may be among the world’s sexiest foods. Both fresh and dried figs offer a surprising number of nutrients for sexual health.
fugu (blowfish)
One of the most dangerous aphrodisiacs around, if improperly prepared, fugu can kill you.
garlic
Known for its curative properties, garlic is a sex-boosting food that may even improve blood flow to the sex organs.
ginger
What is ginger used for sexually? You aren’t going to believe all the benefits of ginger to your sexual health including potential benefits to fertility.
ginkgo
Ginkgo might be known for boosting memory but its also beneficial to men’s sexual health.
ginseng
Ginseng might be used to treat low energy and stress but you might also need it for your sex life. Come find out why.
goji berry
These funny little berries may not just be good for you, they may enhance men’s sexual performance. They’ve even been linked with treating erectile dysfunction.
grapes
This fruit of the vine is good for more than just snacking.
hemp
Hemp seeds may benefit your sexual health in a number of exciting ways.
honey
One of the world’s greatest aphrodisiacs, honey may increase sex drive and performance.
horny goat weed
One of the most interesting herbs for sex drive, horny goat weed may or may not be your answer to the little blue pill.
kava
Discover why the drink of the South Pacific might just stir your loins.
lavender
This pretty flower has been accepted as an aphrodisiac since the Middle Ages. Used subtly the scent of lavender may improve your chances at romance in several ways.
lobster
The Maine lobster has some surprisingly sexy attributes. You might just call it America’s aphrodisiac.
mallow (marshmallow)
Not to be confused with the sugar and gelatin confection manufactured today, the original marsh mallow plant has many health properties and impressive history as an aphrodisiac.
mango
A long aphrodisiac history, backed by nutritional science, shows us why mango, including mango leaf, may have powerful properties to benefit sexual health.
maple syrup
Maple syrup benefits include some surprising nutrients as well as a rich aphrodisiac history.
mint
One of the sexiest herbs in the garden, mint has a long aphrodisiac history and some surprising nutrition.
mushrooms
Do mushrooms have the power to increase sexual prowess? As an ingredient, the mushroom is full of surprises!
mussels
This shellfish has huge potential to impact sexual performance and sexual health.
mustard
Exotic yet mundane, mustard is a food with a fascinating aphrodisiac history.
nutmeg
A sexy and narcotic spice, nutmeg is full of surprises. As an aphrodisiac, it can warm the body and may boost mood.
nuts
Nuts have some interesting benefits to body and mind, including potential aphrodisiac effects.
oats
An aphrodisiac for men, oats may improve libido. Discover the oat – testosterone link.
oysters
One of the sexiest foods in the world, the benefits of oysters are not just a cliche.
peach
Could this fuzzy fruit represent the language of sex?
pepper
Hot, spicy peppers are among the few aphrodisiacs with an immediate impact.
pineapple
A popular aphrodisiac for men, pineapple is actually a good sex food for everyone.
pomegranate
Pomegranate may have the best aphrodisiac history of all fruits.
pumpkin
Is it a fruit, is it a vegetable? You can call it either but you can also call it an aphrodisiac.
pumpkin pie spice
The subject of a famous sexual arousal study, pumpkin pie spice may be a turn-on for men.
raspberry
A food with several sexual meanings, raspberries are actually great for men’s sexual health.
red wine
Although all alcohol is aphrodisiac, red wine might just be special.
rocket (arugula)
With nutrients to support men’s and women’s sexual health, arugula is more than just a salad green.
rosemary
A beautiful herb with many benefits for the mind and body.
saffron
One of the most expensive ingredients on the planet, saffron is an aphrodisiac of luxury.
salmon
A seafood with surprising sexual benefits.
sandalwood
A scent linked with spirituality and sex.
scallops
A historic food of love, scallops may be just as sexy as they seem.
seaweed
This will make you look at sushi a little bit differently!
sea cucumber
One of the most exotic aphrodisiac ingredients on the list, this is one you won’t want to miss!
sea urchin (uni)
The only ingredient on the list that’s actually a sex organ. It may be the most erotic food on the list.
shark
Shark is a dangerous seafood with some surprising nutritional benefits.
shrimp
One of the most popular forms of seafood, shrimp has the potential to improve your mood and your sexual performance.
strawberry
Strawberries are packed with the kinds of nutrients that support sexual health. Besides that, they’re just sexy!
sushi
Since seaweed and fish are both aphrodisiacs, you can bet sushi is too!
tarragon
Tarragon is a fragile herb with a sexy history.
tomato
Did you know that the tomato may have been the original forbidden fruit? Want to know more? Read on!
truffle
Truffle may be the ultimate sensual food.
tuna
Tuna is a seafood with some surprising aphrodisiac attributes.
turkey
Is the Thanksgiving bird really an aphrodisiac? These turkey facts might surprise you.
turmeric
Turmeric is among the most nutritious spices in the world. But you need to learn how to use it properly.
uni (sea urchin)
The only ingredient on the list that’s actually a sex organ.
vanilla
With a scent associated with romance, vanilla has some compelling aphrodisiac uses.
watermelon
Watermelon may be one of the greatest aphrodisiacs for men. It has the potential to relax blood vessels and help improve both heart and sexual health.
wolfberry (goji berry)
These funny little berries may not just be good for you, they may enhance men’s sexual performance.
yarsagumba
You may not be able to pronounce it but you can certainly appreciate its aphrodisiac potential.
Because every body is different, consult your primary physician before making dietary changes to improve sexual health.
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.
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