by Hari Narang
Summer nights, sizzling barbeques, moonlight, wine, romantic conversations, sweet laughter, a gentle touch of the hand, plump lips, and increased heart rate. Your erogenous zones are set ablaze as you anticipate a magical encounter with your partner.
The relationship between food and sex has been known for millennia, where man has pursued sensual pleasure-boosters which include herbs, potions, pills and other specific foods. Aztecs, Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese and Indians have known for centuries that consumption of certain foods activate sexual drive and can have aphrodisiac effects which increase sensuality and enhance stamina and strength. Suddenly, pleasures of the flesh seem a tad more scientific and controllable.
Research is still being done on how certain foods can affect our sexual functions. We do not need to trek to the Himalayan mountains or travel to the Andes to find these superfoods; most of these lust-boosting foods are readily available in your local grocery store, or even in your kitchen cupboard!
Along with boosting your energy and immune system, your sex life might just take a giant leap. So, prep your next power-packed fruit or veggie smoothie with the following ingredients:
Avocado:
The Aztecs referred to avocados as, ahem, testicles, because of their physical shape. But the scientific reason why avocados make sense as an aphrodisiac is that they are rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, making them good for your heart and your arteries.
Arugula:
Known as an arousal aid, this leafy green is packed with vitamins and minerals which block environmental contaminates that ill-affect our sex-drive.
Ashwagandha:
Known as the Indian ginseng, this fruit was used in the ancient Indian medical system to help strengthen the immune system with proven effects to combat anxiety and stress, and a variety of other ailments. It is known to ignite fire and heighten drive in women due to the “stallion-like” strength and vigor it imparts on the patient.
Banana:
Rich in bromelain, bananas are a great source of potassium which is a critical nutrient for muscle contraction. The enzyme also increases production of testosterone in men.
Basil:
This herb has often been described as the herb of love and fertility. The smell of basil has an aphrodisiac effect that was thought to drive men crazy with lust; in Italy it is called “bacia-nicola” which translates to “kiss me Nicholas”.
Beetroot:
Beets help you beat sexual inactivity. It contains significant levels of dietary nitrate which is then converted to nitric oxide in the blood, amplifying blood flow and giving men peak performance capabilities.
Blueberries:
Rich in flavonoids and phytochemicals, this anthocyanin-containing fruit boosts sexual endurance.
Broccoli:
This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamin C and known to improve female libido. The chemical diindolylmethane in broccoli prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Cardamom:
This spice contains high levels of cineole, which increases blood flow to the male and female sexual regions, increasing desire. Suddenly, elaichi chai takes on a whole new meaning…
Cayenne:
It only makes sense that hot peppers will cause a little sizzle in the bedroom. Cayenne and similar hot peppers not only heat up the body, but they also speed up metabolism and increase blood flow to your sensitive parts.
Celery:
Great source of androstenone and androstenol, which are type of pheromones, helps to stimulate arousal in women by making men more desirable. It is also a source of arginine which improves the blood flow and helps with erection – a sexual tonic for men.
Chocolate:
A heavenly pleasure-boosting treat. Dark chocolate has been known to contain the chemical phenylethylamine which releases dopamine serotonin and dopamine, which gives the same feelings triggered during love making. It helps to set the mood for a romantic interaction.
Cinnamon:
The invigorating smell of cinnamon is perfect to overcome fatigue, so you can give your sex life a burst of energy. Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon can balance sex hormones in women, bumping up the levels of progesterone which helps tackle painful periods and helps women to get pregnant.
Cloves:
This exotic aromatic spice is known as a sexual rejuvenator for both men and women. Not only is it known as one of the very few true female aphrodisiacs, but it also increases body temperature and testosterone levels in men and makes the erection stronger to spice up love making.
Eggs:
High protein content provides stamina and is a good source of L-arginine, helping to boost blood flow to combat erectile dysfunction.
Fenugreek:
This herb has saponin that is known to stimulate production of testosterone in men and estradiol in women, which is responsible for stimulation of breasts and widening of the hips. The result is increased arousal and orgasm for women.
Garlic:
Ancient Egyptians used garlic to boost their stamina and make their erections last longer. Allicin, which is an active compound, helps to increase blood flow which in-turn helps with a stronger erection and greater endurance in the bedroom.
Ginger:
This root of passion is a libido enhancer. It promotes blood circulation in the lower parts for stimulation and arousal.
Green Tea:
Rich in compound catechins, it boosts desire by promoting blood circulation to your organs. The compound L-Theanine may enhance the level of dopamine, which can intensify feelings of desire.
Kale:
Kale is rich in nutrients and full of chlorophyll, which is highly alkaline-forming. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and therefore, enhance flexibility and range of motion – not to mention endurance.
Lettuce:
Iceberg lettuce contains an opiate that helps activate sex hormones.
Maca:
Maca root has traditionally been used to enhance fertility and sex drive. It’s also claimed to improve energy and stamina.
Mushrooms:
Exotic Shitake mushrooms are known as a potent aphrodisiac and a sexual stimulant in Asian countries. Cordyceps mushroom, known as the Himalayan Viagra, improves stamina and performance during love making. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, it is known to increase synthesis of nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the male extremities. Polysaccharides and glycoproteins in cordyceps boost the production of testosterones and sperm count.
Nutmeg:
Nutmeg has long been used in Indian culture as a very popular libido booster. Coined “Viagra for women,” it is known to increase sexual behaviors for women.
Oats:
Contains L-arginine, a precursor in the synthesis of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow, resulting in a stronger erection.
Pomegranate:
This nectar is full of antioxidants, which is known to increase genital sensitivity. It also is packed with testosterone, and we know what that does for your sexual urges!
Pumpkin seeds:
These seeds are loaded with zinc, magnesium and are a great source of amino acid tryptophan, which helps with the production of serotonin (a mood-enhancer). Zinc blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogens. So, women with a higher level of testosterone are known to have a greater sex drive.
Spinach:
Rich in magnesium, spinach increases blood flow to the extremities for increased arousal.
Watermelon:
Be ready to have a Viagra-like effect and a sweet finale with this fruit. It contains the phytonutrient Citrulline, which gets converted into arginine, and lycopene which creates a sensuous cocktail that relaxes the blood vessels and improves circulation to sex organs.
While the above foods will help you achieve a great and happy sex life, some other foods may have the opposite effects. Salty foods can negatively affect the blood flow which could make it difficult to reach an orgasm. Licorice, soya and mint can suppress the production of testosterones and can affect sexual performance. Also, alcohol may initially seem to stimulate the parts for a lusty romp, but it can affect your gold medal performance in bed.
Try these recipes for two to elevate your voracity and make those magical moments even more magical.
Horny Fruity smoothie
2 bananas
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup pre-soaked almonds
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 cup blueberries /strawberries
2 tbsp. dark raw chocolate (cocoa nibs preferred)
4 tsp raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup of watermelon
1/2 cup of almond milk
1/8 tsp ginger
¼ tsp cardamom seeds (optional. You may substitute with vanilla or rose flavour)
1 clove pod
1 scoop frozen vanilla yogurt
1/2 tsp of honey
1 tbsp. of maca powder
1 pinch of fenugreek seeds powder (use sparingly)
Sensual Veggie smoothie
3 stalks celery
1 medium size beetroot
3 mediums size broccoli florets
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
1 clove peeled garlic (optional)
1 cup kale
2 medium size carrots
1 inch cube ginger
1/8 cup basil
4 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
1 scoop frozen vanilla yogurt
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hari is an Occupational Therapist and a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Disclaimer: The contents in this article are for general interest only and are not for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. If there is any medical condition which me be affected by using the foods mentioned in this article, please contact your physician. The writer acknowledges researching various literature in preparation of this article.
