It turns out you probably can boost your libido with food. It may not be in the direct, magic button kind of way, but humans were on to something when they decided to adopt foods like oysters, figs and chocolate as aphrodisiacs.

What to Eat to Boost Your Libido with Foods

An aphrodisiac is a food, drink (or drug) that stimulates sexual desire. In the past, we relied on anecdotal evidence and stories passed down through generations to determine what might stoke some sexy thoughts and energy. Now science can provide some credence to these ideas.

Oysters

Historical figure Giacomo Casanova claimed to eat 50 oysters every morning for breakfast and gave the shellfish credit for his seemingly unending sexual appetite and energy levels.

Casanova didn’t invent the idea of oysters as an aphrodisiac though. There’s most likely a placebo effect at work here too. Tell us humans a story enough times and we will probably start to believe it.

Oysters are rich in zinc, which is necessary for testosterone production. Oysters also contain D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, two rare amino acids that have been shown to increase sex hormone production. (1)

Oysters are also just a fantastic food-based nutrient source. They are also rich in calcium, protein and vitamin C. The aphrodisiac police might say you need to consume them raw to feel the full effects. You will get all those vitamins and minerals whether you eat them baked, canned, etc.

Figs

The Ancient Greeks believed figs were important for fertility. Though there are still no definitive studies to back that up, science does support the idea.

Figs are basically a superfood. They are a good source of magnesium which is an essential mineral for the production of sex hormones. It’s also a good source of an amino acid that increases the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important for expanding blood vessels and promoting blood flow. That includes blood flow to the genitalia when aroused!

Figs are also a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, and the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E.

There’s also some research that suggests the smell of figs may also be more of an aphrodisiac than the taste.

Almonds and other tree nuts

Often attributed to the egg like shape of the almond, there is evidence of almonds as aphrodisiacs in Ancient Greece. In several Middle Eastern cultures too.

Almonds are a good source of zinc and selenium which help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, similar to figs and pomegranates. Almonds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for hormone synthesis and hormones are the driver of sexual thoughts.

Dark chocolate

Historians say the Aztec emperor Moctezuma consumed a lot of drinking chocolate to fuel romantic encounters. The Maya called it the “Food of the Gods.”

The truth is chocolate contains some feel good compounds that can be useful in boosting sexual performance. One is Theobromine, which acts as a stimulant for your central nervous system similar to caffeine but also has mood-boosting properties. The other is phenylethylamine which works with theobromine and triggers that production of the same endorphins produced during sex.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are associated with fertility and abundance a lot in history because of their many seeds. We get the word aphrodisiac from the Greek goddess of Love, Aphrodite. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite planted the first pomegranate tree. You can kinda see how pomegranates got their spot on this list.

Scientifically speaking, pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants that are known to improve blood circulation. This is important because lubrication is dependent on enough blood getting to the vaginal walls and orgasm is much easier if the clitoris is getting plenty of circulation.

There’s also research that suggests that drinking pomegranate juice regularly can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) which corresponds to increased testosterone and sex drive in males and females.

Other foods commonly considered to be good for your libido are avocados and basil. Adaptogens like maca, ashwaganda and ginseng are worth investigating as well.

Want more information?

Need a better understanding of your libido throughout your cycle and maybe get some inspiration for a food-based libido boost might help the most? Check out our recent post about How Your Libido Changes Throughout Your Menstrual Cycle. (Or you can listen here or watch here.)

*Photo of chocolate by Elena Leya on Unsplash

(1) D’Aniello A., D’Aniello G., Ronsini S., et al. (2009, Oct 27). The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.
Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19860889