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Its shape makes this phallic, yellow fruit a shoe-in for world’s most suggestive food. But, phallic allusions aside, bananas have a lot to offer to the world of romance. That’s why we’re exploring banana aphrodisiac and health benefits.

Some banana aphrodisiac history

Bananas originated in Asia, where they became one of the earliest cultivated fruits. (And one of the earliest aphrodisiacs.) In India, where their aphrodisiac nature was embraced early on, the yellow, phallic fruit was known a favorite food of the sages. Even today, bananas are included in Indian offerings to the fertility gods.

But this sexy reputation extends to many other cultures. In Islam, the banana, not the apple, was believed to be the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden. And according to Temptations: igniting the pleasure and power of aphrodisiacs, at one time the yellow fruit was off limits to women in native Hawaiian culture simply because of shape.

They were introduced to the Caribbean and Central America by early Portuguese and Spanish explorers. And the link between banana and sex quickly took hold and still remains today. In fact, in Central America, the sap of the red banana tree is sipped as an aphrodisiac elixir.

Did you know you can grow your own banana tree indoors or outdoors?

The health benefits of bananas

Behind that slick peel, the slender banana’s fruit is packed with nutrients essential to sexual hormone production, including potassium and B vitamins.

(Incidentally, did you know the fruit of the banana plant–that’s right it’s a plant, not a tree–is classified as a berry?)

Some key banana nutrition facts

As I mentioned in my introduction, the banana’s aphrodisiac reputation isn’t all hype. This soft, sweet, tropical fruit is actually a nutritional gift. A good source of fiber and aforementioned potassium, this tropical fruit is thought to be an aid in lowering blood pressure. And not only is it gentle on digestion, but bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid know to promote relaxation.

Banana benefits for men

A snack packaged by nature in its own vibrant yellow peel, a banana also provides the body with a dose of vitamin C, a vitamin proven to be key in fighting the effects of aging. This is obviously beneficial to both men’s and women’s health. But one of the best banana nutrition benefits when it comes to a man’s sex life is that the fruit is a source of manganese. This mineral is a nutrient noted for an ability to support men’s sexual health.

Sex and banana benefits for women

An amusing 2009 health article declared, “Sex and Bananas Shown to be Good for Women’s Health.” And although it’s true that the fiber, vitamin B6 and tryptophan in bananas are great for supporting women’s overall health and stress levels, these attributes are equally important for men. The article might have been better to point out that the B6 in bananas is remarkably good for pregnant women as it helps support a healthy fetus.

As for the sex part, it’s true! As the article reminded me, a 2006 study proved that having intercourse can be great for women’s overall health, including the promotion of estrogen, whether you’re eating bananas or not.

One more nutritional benefit of bananas for sex

Additionally, aphrodisiac banana contains magnesium. As far as the sex benefits of banana go, this is another good one, since magnesium supports blood flow for a healthy heart and sexual satisfaction.

TO TRY: Easy, vegan banana bread

It’s hard to believe all of this comes in one pre-wrapped package! And the calories in a banana are only about 100 per serving.

For a sexy, year-round treat, try freezing bananas, then dip in hot fudge and feed to your lover.

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods