Is Coffee An Aphrodisiac? Get the Science-Backed Truth

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Yes! Your favorite morning brew has a deliciously dark side. Coffee is an aphrodisiac! For adrenalin junkies, the most powerful of the benefits of coffee is immediately evident. The drink is essentially the world’s most socially acceptable stimulant. Its stamina-enhancing ability made aphrodisiac coffee a status symbol in certain cultures.

Coffee excites not just the body, but also the mind and can elevate mood as it elevates sexual desire. (I, for one, am more apt to get angry than get it on when my mood dips dangerously low). Scientific studies demonstrate that this stimulant can increase levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with the pleasure system of the brain. This might be one of the greatest benefits of coffee!

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The benefits of coffee sexually

One of the world’s cheapest highs, a cup of joe influences the body in many powerful ways. For example, may have the ability to kick-start metabolism. Studies show that the caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system and sends signals to fat cells that basically tell them to break down fat.

Now, this won’t directly impact your sexual performance. But any food (or drink) that can help you look and feel sexier can be good for your sex life.

Can caffeine improve your libido?

In addition, coffee drinking is now associated with improved blood flow. According to a study presented to the American Heart Association, the caffeine in coffee may help small blood vessels work better.

This is not only potentially good news for your heart. Good blood flow is necessary for sexual arousal and sexual performance.

Of course, the good news about caffeine doesn’t just apply to coffee. Caffeine in any form, be it black tea, yerba mate or an energy drink is potentially beneficial to your libido. (However, I would encourage coffee consumption any day over an energy drink!)

It is largely assumed that caffeine’s effect on sex drive is simply stimulation. Caffeine gives you the energy to make all the right moves, so to speak. However a study by the University of Texas Health Science Center published in 2015, there’s more to caffeine’s ability than we ever knew.

Surprising potential benefits of coffee for men

It turns out, caffeine has the potential to reduce levels of erectile dysfunction. In the study, men who drank 2-3 cups of coffee per day are less likely to have erectile dysfunction than men who consumed less or no caffeine.

But for those of us who are java junkies, coffee is the primary choice for that caffeine rush. And if your goal is a shot of caffeine, coffee is one of the best choices. That’s because a standard cup of brewed coffee has anywhere from 90 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. By comparison, a cup of green tea offers about 25-45 milligrams of caffeine.

A noteworthy statistic

According to Temptations by Michael and Ellen Albertson, studies show that coffee drinkers have sex more frequently than non-coffee drinkers. And after trying my little experiment, I’ll just bet you’ll understand why! What can I say? Coffee is a sexy drink!

How to buy the “right” coffee

Thanks to coffee’s skyrocketing in popularity, it is possible to get a good cup almost anywhere. Good coffee should be fresh – meaning roasted and ground fairly recently.

Of course, the style of the roast is a matter of personal preference. (Meaning it’s up to you whether you prefer a light, “breakfast”-style roast or something dark with a bigger, slightly more bitter flavor.) However, beans roasted to a point of almost burnt bring an unnatural bitterness to the coffee. (And if you want the ultimate in brewing, try a vacuum pot.)

Good java can be evaluated similarly to wine and should have a pleasing aroma, good balance of body and acidity and a reasonable finish. As with all good things, too much coffee can kill the stimulating effects.

To experience the aphrodisiac benefits of coffee at its most optimal, I like to skip the daily brew for about 3 mornings then crawl into bed with a steaming cup on day four. It’s a great way to start the morning with a little extra zing.

Recipes

Coffee-Kissed Buffalo Burgers
Tia Maria Cold Brew Espresso Martini
Coffee with a Kick Hot Coffee Cocktail
Cognac Espresso Old Fashioned

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

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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.