Asparagus Aphrodisiac With Some Surprising Benefits for Men

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 considered 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.

RELATED: 5 Foods to Eat for Fertility

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. In fact, 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 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.

RELATED: Manganese & 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

Asparagus with Eggs in Brown Butter

Linguine with Green Garlic and Asparagus

Chicken with Creamy Polenta with Grilled Vegetables

Spring & Summer Vegetable Tempura

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.

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Amy Reiley

An award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks with an MA in Gastronomy, Amy Reiley has spent the past 18 years studying the history and science behind aphrodisiac foods. She speaks on aphrodisiacs globally and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health writer and wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine. Most importantly, Amy is a mother to 2 human children and 1 standard poodle.

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