Is avocado an aphrodisiac? Historically, yes! Avocado is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs in history. This is because of the benefits of avocado sexually as well as this fruit’s unusual appearance.
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.
America links avocado and sex
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 a punch of nutrition essential to sexual health, including beta carotene, magnesium and vitamin E, (which is sometimes called the “sex vitamin”). These nutrients are all associated with sex drive, sexual performance and overall fulfilling sex life. They also provide a source of folate, which might help explain their association with fertility.
RELATED: The Benefits of Vitamin E
Avocado 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.
More avocado sex benefits
You might be surprised to learn that a serving of avocado delivers more potassium than a raw banana. (Learn more about the benefits of potassium for your libido. It can not only benefit sexual health but 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.
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.
Uses for avocados, including avocado oil
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.
RELATED: The Benefits of Avocado Oil and Cooking with It
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.
Recipes
Avocado Toast with Coconut and Cashew
Bacon Baja Fish Tacos with Avocado Cream
Bacon, Tomato and Avocado Picnic Sandwiches
Avocado Vanilla Bean Pots de Creme
Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods
This article was written in 2011 and most recently updated in January 2022.
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.
- Should You Use Moringa Powder for Sex? A Moringa Powder Review - April 11, 2024
- Carrot Juice Bloody Mary Mix: a sweet & sexy twist on a classic - March 21, 2024
- Authentic Japanese Shrimp Tempura Recipe - March 18, 2024
Did you know that eating the right foods can be the key to boost your sex life?
And we're going to help you start right now. Subscribe to Amy Reiley's private mailing list for weekly tips, recipes and honest advice. As a bonus, you'll get her exclusive list of Six Great Sex-Boosting Snack Foods for FREE!
Check your email for your free guide.
Whoops! Something went wrong.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!