by Vic Shayne, PhD

An aphrodisiac is a food that stimulates sexual desire. It’s the thing myths and urban legends are made of, but what’s the real deal?

To answer this we have to go under the covers, way down to the level of biochemistry. Here we see that foods contain components — biochemicals — that react in certain ways within the body. Aphrodisiac foods, then, contain biochemicals that stimulate sexual desire.

In addition to these biochemicals, there are qualities to certain foods that have an erotic appeal, with their texture, aroma and appearance. Regardless of whether much of this stems from folklore, the fact is that these foods are full of beneficial nutrients. Here is a handful:

• Figs: Figs have a long history as a sensual fruit. In some cultures, the breaking open of a fig in front of a lover was considered a highly erotic act.
• Chilli. Chilli peppers contain capsaicin which stimulates our nerve endings and gives us the sensation of heat when we eat a particularly hot chile. This chemical may also help stimulate the release of endorphins creating a natural high that can put you in the mood.
• Grapes: The history of the grape as an aphrodisiac goes back to the Greek god Dionysus, god of both wine and fertility. Since then, grapes have enjoyed a reputation as an aphrodisiac and can be slowly fed to your sweetheart for a romantic night in.
• Pomegranate: Ancient Greeks and Romans associated this fruit with the goddess Aphrodite as its many seeds, color and shape were seen as sensual. This fruit was also recommended as an aphrodisiac by the Kama Sutra.
• Asparagus: Aside from its particularly suggestive shape, asparagus has many nutrients that can help boost sex drive.
• Celery: Celery is thought to stimulate the pituitary gland, essential in the release of sexual hormones.
• Gingko: Gingko is thought to expand blood vessels in genital tissues, helping overcome some forms of sexual dysfunction. Those with heart disease should not take it without a doctor’s approval.
• Basil: Women in some ancient cultures used to dust their breasts with basil, believing it to drive men wild. Some research suggests that it may indeed have circulation boosting effects.
• Ginseng: New medical reports give credit to ginseng’s claim as an aphrodisiac. Subjects treated with ginseng were found to have significantly higher erectile function that those who were not. It’s thought to increase overall performance and libido as well.
• Vanilla: The sexual power of vanilla is in its aroma. Who doesn’t like the smell of a cookie?
• Saffron: Ancient stories place saffron as both a powerful stimulator for both men and women. Try a paella or a middle eastern dish that centers around the spice for a delicious and sensual experience.
• Nutmeg: This spice has been found to increase mating behavior in laboratory mice (though the same effect hasn’t been proven in humans) and has been prized as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years.
• Ginger: Ginger has been a popular aphrodisiac in Asia for thousands of years, and is often purported as a remedy for impotence either by eating or rubbing the ginger on the skin. Ginger also stimulates the circulatory system.
• Garlic: Garlic is known to increase circulation, allowing more blood to quickly reach the sexual organs and aid in arousal.
• Oysters: Perhaps one of the most traditional of aphrodisiac foods, oysters at first don’t seem particularly sexy for many. While the texture may not appeal to everyone, it’s been found that they contain substantial levels of zinc– a mineral required to produce testosterone boosting sex drive in both men and women.

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