Ancient Chinese, Arab, Indian, Roman and Greek literature and myths mention a wide variety foods that enhance sexual desire and pleasure. Interestingly, a growing number of scientific experiments and tests prove these ancient myths right.
Even the sceptics now accept that the food we consume affects our bodies and mind, so it’s not surprising that certain foods can have aphrodisiac effects. (The word aphrodisiac comes from the name of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Read more aboutAphrodisiacs>>)
Aphrodisiacs can have psychological or physical effects. For example the shape or color of some foods can have symbolic or suggestive associations with the genitals, whilst some foods actually enhance libido and improve sexual performance.
The following fruits & vegetables are not only the most popular Aphrodisiacs according to folklore legends, but scientist have now pin-pointed the chemical elements that cause their effectiveness:
Aphrodisiac Fruits & Vegetables
Asparagus– it’s obviously a phallic symbol, but asparagus is high in vitamin B6, magnesium and folic acid which stimulates sexual desire and enhances orgasm. Asparagus have been used since the Romans to “stir up lust in man and woman” . Celery– there are many legends regarding the lust-provoking effects of celery – from Greek mythologies to Tristan & Iseult or Madame de Pompadour. They were onto something as celery contains androsterone, a naturally occurring hormone that’s also found in human sweat. In males it acts as a pheromone, attracting women. Strawberries– the shape, colour and smell have a provocative effect on our mind, but also they high in vitamin C which stimulates sexual desire. Pomegranate– it’s been a symbol of fertility and love for many centuries in many cultures. The high antioxidant content stimulates blood circulation in the genital organs. Banana– its suggestive shape is obvious, but actually its high content of the bromeliad enzyme enhances the male libido. It’s high magnesium and vitamin B content helps the production of sex hormones. Cherries– they have been associated with romance for centuries! They stimulate pheromone production. They contain potassium which enhances hormone production while their anti-oxidants help the skin looking youthful and improve our energy level. Combined with chocolate they are the ultimate aphrodisiacs – on every level! Figs– for the ancient Greeks figs symbolized the female vitality and erotic zone and it’s consumption (especially with honey) had an important role in the ritual of pre-copulation. Dates– one of the most popular Arab aphrodisiacs. It increases sperm count, its high fructose content provides quick energy. Avocado– the Aztecs called it “testicle tree”, and not just because they look like the testicles hanging on a tree, but it was thought to stimulate fertility. Avocados are high in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin B6, which arouse sexual desire, while their high vitamin E content helps with fertility. Carrots– again their phallic form has made some males, particularly in the middle-east, believe that they have an aphrodisiacal effect. In fact their high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A may well actually increase sexual appetite in both sexes. Pineapple– it contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, and minerals that can increase the libido of both sexes. It is thought to be made more effective if sprinkled with chilli powder and mixed with rum & honey. Durian or Jack-fruit– the smell of this large spikey south-east Asian fruit puts off many people but they taste delicious. In Java they say “when the durians fall, the sarong goes up” and Indian scientists have noted in mice an increase in libido and sperm production when fed durian. Apart from the usual vitamins & minerals found in fruit they are rare in that they contain B-complex vitamins which can have a positive effect on libido. In western countries they are now widely available in Asian stores.
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