Is asparagus an aphrodisiac? Some aphrodisiac proponents say that one glance at this long, fibrous shaft should make it obvious. Its name shouldn’t just be asparagus, it should be aphrodisiac asparagus!
All kidding aside, (or maybe not), The Vegetarian Society suggests that three straight days of asparagus nibbling produces the most aphrodisiac effect. The Society also recommends hand-feeding your lover asparagus “aphrodisiac vegetable of passion.”
It is true that three days of eating the popular spring vegetable, (if you follow the above plan), may give you some strange-smelling pee. It’s the one reason I hear curious eaters balk at asparagus. But you do that in private (hopefully – and no judgment!) so who is going to know?
Why is asparagus aphrodisiac?
The true reason for asparagus’ aphrodisiac reputation is in more than shape. (Although it was probably appearance that first earned the vegetable a reputation as an aphrodisiac.) This pencil-shaped, spring vegetable is also packed with nutrients needed for healthy hormone production. It is known as a low-calorie, high-nutrient food.
Did you know that asparagus is a source of protein? You won’t be getting the daily value of protein from this green vegetable but if you’re looking to get a little extra, this is a nutritious and low-calorie choice.
A half-cup serving of asparagus offers over 2 grams of protein. And while protein isn’t going to rev your sex drive, it will help you with the energy you need for a night of passion.
Protein is important for both sexes but this is probably of greater benefit to men since men require more protein than women. However, this isn’t the only asparagus benefit for men’s health. There will be more later!
Among asparagus’ finest health benefits to benefit both men and women is an injection of vitamin E, a vitamin noted as one most beneficial to your sex life. Vitamin E is not only essential for hormone production but is great for your skin. Learn more about the health benefits and aphrodisiac potential of vitamin E.
A fun asparagus fact, this spring vegetable is packed with fiber. A half-cup serving of asparagus offers about 7% of your daily fiber intake. And, as I’ve mentioned before, fiber is important for your romantic life. In fact, it makes it into our 10 Steps to Sexy Diet.
Good food for women trying to conceive
Asparagus is a good source of folate, a key nutrient for women trying to conceive. (It is also important for male fertility – so couples trying to conceive may want to stock up on asparagus stalks.)
It should be noted that folate is also an important nutrient for women who are pregnant. But women who are expecting should be sure to consult their doctor before relying on asparagus as their source of folate.
Asparagus benefits for men
Not only can men get folate from asparagus but this spring vegetable may also provide them with important nutrition for heart health and sexual performance. Asparagus benefits for men may be more remarkable than the benefits to women trying to conceive.
Asparagus is a source of potassium, a key mineral for relaxing blood vessels. This can equate to improved blood flow, which is important not only for men’s heart health but it is also vital to achieving and maintaining an erection.
And there may be another essential nutrient in asparagus contributing to men’s health. According to one Japanese study, asparagus reduced hypertension in rats. The study concluded that a compound in the asparagus acted as an ACE inhibitor.
Only further studies on human subjects will tell us how and why the asparagus achieved this desired effect. But the implication is that it can not only improve heart health but also blood flow to the sexual organs. This could be an important asparagus benefit for men!
More good news for men’s health, asparagus is a source of selenium, manganese and zinc, all of which are nutrients essential to men’s sexual health.
Recipes
Now that you understand how asparagus can benefit your health, the next thing to do is start cooking with it. Here are a few of my favorite asparagus recipes:
Asparagus & Ricotta Toast
Fennel, Asparagus & Artichoke Empanadas
Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiacs
This article was written in 2010 and most recently updated in June 2021.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and not to replace medical care. It is important to consult your physician before making dietary changes. More information
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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