Avocado Benefits Sexually: Is Avocado Aphrodisiac?

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Is avocado aphrodisiac? Historically, yes! Avocado is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs in history. But it turns out, it’s not all folklore. Let’s explore avocado benefits sexually starting with its kind of funny history as an aphrodisiac.

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Why is avocado an aphrodisiac?

In the beginning, the avocado was declared an aphrodisiac because of its appearance. The Aztecs, the first documented avocado eaters, dubbed the avocado tree ahuacuatl, or testicle tree. If you’ve ever seen the fruits growing, you know that the fruits dangle low, often in pairs (testicles)!

Although the fruit, also known as the alligator pear for its unusual appearance, earned its reputation for an absurd reason, the thought of avocados as aphrodisiacs stuck, through time and many cultures.

Avocado and sex in history

In the 1920s, an American avocado advertising campaign denied the aphrodisiac properties with the hope of tempting people to indulge in the forbidden fruit. The reverse psychology worked and Americans began nibbling the fruits of temptation in stealth.

In 2001 the California Avocado Commission conducted a survey to investigate the folkloric history of the alligator-skinned fruit’s aphrodisiac reputation.

Findings released stated that 63% of those polled believed in this seductive fruit’s reputation as a food of romance.

Benefits of avocado sexually

Although the Aztecs may not have been equipped to explain it, modern science has given us insight into the notoriety of this fruit as an aphrodisiac.

In total, the alligator pear delivers close to 20 vitamins and minerals.

And among those nutrients, this green fruit delivers several essential to sexual health, including beta carotene, magnesium and vitamin E, (sometimes called the “sex vitamin“). These nutrients are all associated with sex drive, sexual performance and overall fulfilling sex life.

Avocados are also a source of folate. This might help explain their association with fertility.

In addition, a serving of avocado delivers more potassium than a raw banana. (Learn more about the benefits of potassium for your libido. It can benefit sexual health and also sexual performance.)

And this delicious fruit even offers a serving of protein. The protein in avocado is about 3 grams for every cup of avocado flesh. Keep in mind that protein is an essential ingredient for a successful late-night tango.

And although it might sound counterintuitive, the fat in avocado may help you stick to a healthy diet by helping you feel satisfied without overindulgence.

The monounsaturated fats in this fruit are considered part of a healthy eating plan and some nutritional experts maintain that consuming the fruit can even help dieters by keeping the body feeling full and satisfied. The fat in avocados will also help keep blood sugar levels stable and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Benefits for men

You may have heard that avocado is particularly beneficial for men’s sexual health. And that’s true because avocado is a source of zinc. A serving of avocado provides about 6% of a man’s daily DV for zinc. It’s not nearly as much zinc as you’d get from red meat, but for a plant-based source, avocados provide men with a good serving of what they need for sexual health.

But why is the zinc in avocado important for men? Because erectile dysfunction is linked with zinc deficiency.

This is likely because of a link between zinc and testosterone levels as one 1996 study found. (Keep in mind that testosterone is not only an essential sexual hormone for men but also for women.) In addition, zinc is associated with blood flow, another key factor in preventing erectile dysfunction.

Uses for avocados

These nutrient-rich fruits are most often served raw. The fruit contains tannins, which can make it taste bitter when cooked. With their smooth texture and richness, they are best used as a garnish for salads, soups, grilled meats and as a base for dips and spreads.

In some cultures, these green fruits are used in desserts, folded into ice cream, baked in batter or served with sugar and milk. We have our own version of a vanilla pudding featuring the creamy texture and health benefits of avocado.

The ripe, green fruit is also excellent as a part of an all-natural beauty regime. According to the January 2001 issue of Prevention magazine, when it is applied topically, it adds shine to hair.

In another alligator pear nutrition application, the oil can be applied as a treatment for dry and irritated skin. In South Africa, it is mashed and mixed with honey and lime as a face mask and soothing after-sun treatment.

Of course, you can also choose to reap the benefits of avocado oil in cooking. It makes a great alternative to animal fat and it’s actually cholesterol-free. In fact, some chefs call it the best oil for deep frying.

Avocado oil offers many similar benefits to olive oil but is more heat-stable, meaning you can use it at higher temperatures than olive and some of the other cooking oils.

How to pick an avocado

These odd-looking fruits grow on trees but do not begin to ripen until picked. When selecting one at the store, feel for heavy fruits with unbroken skin.

Allow the fruit to ripen at room temperature and then store ripe avocados in the refrigerator.

Recipes

Avocado Toast with Coconut and Cashew

Bacon Baja Fish Tacos with Avocado Cream

Bacon, Tomato and Avocado Picnic Sandwiches

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods

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

This article was written in 2011 and most recently updated in January 2022.

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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.