The Benefits of Beets – beetroot is aphrodisiac

Although at a glance or a nibble, this deeply colored root vegetable may not seem to be the most evocative of foods. But evidence of the benefits of beets (including aphrodisiac use) go waaaay back. In fact, the link between beets and the games of love are in evidence as sensually provocative murals on the ruins of Pompeii.

Aphrodisiac beets

Need something more convincing? How about this: Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, ate beets to make herself more appealing. And, according to food historian Tori Avery, the ancient Romans sipped beet juice to promote that sexual feeling.

But it is only in recent years that beets hit the big time as an aphrodisiac in the modern world. Why? Because in 2003, the British Government awarded a 126,000-pound grant to a farmer to market beetroot as the new secret to vitality. (The Brits now have a website called Love Beetroot. It’s filled, as you might guess, with facts about this fertility food as well as a wealth of beetroot recipes.)

TO TRY: Need a good beetroot recipe? Try Brown Rice Salad with Leeks, Roasted Golden Beets and Orange-Maple Dressing.

Some health benefits of beets

The root’s potency is in its high boron content. Boron is a mineral thought to influence the production of sexual hormones as well as improve the immune system.

Beets are also a great source of manganese. Click to discover why manganese is important to your sexual health. It’s obviously great news for beet-loving men.

Benefits of beets for men

But here’s one of the best beetroot benefits for men. Beets are high in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide expands your blood vessels to increase blood flow. This is, of course, great news for your heart. But it is also good news for your sex life. That’s because blood pressure issues lead to difficulty in achieving arousal and sexual orgasm.

Oh, and chew on this: Beetroot also shows evidence of isobutyl methoxy pyrazine, said to be the most powerfully stimulating smell on earth.

So if anyone ever asks you, “Are beets aphrodisiac?” Your answer should be, “Heck yeah!”

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods