This article was reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA.
Intimacy, love, and attraction have been foundational pieces in the puzzle of human culture since the very beginning. Today, the prevalence of things like ED and low libido present widespread health challenges.
An estimated 30 million adult men in the United States are affected by some form of ED. With so many guys struggling with intimacy and satisfaction, the desire for natural solutions continues to grow.
Enter: aphrodisiacs. Derived from the name of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, aphrodisiacs are substances that stimulate desire.
Some are more backed by personal anecdotes than robust science, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of interest. After all, there may be prescriptions for ED or PE, but no such luck for enhancing attraction and desire.
Perhaps you want to take things literally when it comes to spicing up your love life. So, what foods are aphrodisiacs? We rounded up 11 to consider adding to your date-night menu.
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What Are Natural Aphrodisiacs?
Natural aphrodisiacs are substances found in nature, predominantly plants, thought to enhance desire and performance. Humans have been drawn to their promises for centuries, with varying degrees of scientific evidence to back them.
Some are considered more effective when consumed alone. Others may work better when taken with other substances, plus proven medications for problems like ED.
How realistic is it that aphrodisiac foods can impact your intimate life? Well, most studies have been small in scale and have found limited effects.
That said, some aphrodisiacs might work in an indirect way by relaxing blood vessels and enhancing circulation.
Aphrodisiac foods are a growing area of interest. But they’re most appropriately put in the “maybe” column when it comes to improving intimacy and desire.
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12 Aphrodisiac Foods
Here are 12 foods — in no particular order — said to have aphrodisiac properties. Some have been used for centuries for enhancement, and others have more recent scientific findings.
1. Maca
Maca root is a Peruvian plant that’s been used for over 2,000 years for its nutritional and medicinal health benefits. It’s sold as an herbal supplement for ED in powdered form, which some people add to smoothies in the hopes of boosting their intimacy health.
Research suggests maca could help improve libido and intimate experience. For example, one study found that maca root had a positive effect on desire and may alleviate dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants. Similar effects on libido have been observed among women taking SSRIs and maca.
Another study found that men who took two grams of maca daily for 12 weeks experienced significantly improved semen concentration — but not necessarily motility — compared to those given a placebo.
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2. Saffron
Saffron is a spice originating from the stigma and styles (threads) of the Crocus sativus flower. The threads are collected and dried for culinary use, especially in Indian cuisine.
Some research suggests saffron may benefit male intimate function and satisfaction. For instance, in one small study, 29 men with ED were given 200 milligrams of saffron daily for ten days. The authors concluded that even after this short time, saffron had a positive effect on male intimate function, particularly in terms of getting and maintaining being hard.
In another study of 30 men with SSRI related impairment, half were given a placebo, and half were given 15 milligrams of saffron daily for four weeks. Those who took saffron experienced significantly improved function and satisfaction.
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3. Epimedium
The Epimedium grandiflorum plant thrives in Africa, Europe and Asia. Also known as “goat weed,” it gets its nickname from the aphrodisiac effects it has on goats who eat the leaves.
Epimedium extract has been used to improve dysfunction and desire for hundreds of years. Today, it’s a common ingredient in male intimate enhancement products and sold in powdered, gummy and capsule form. The bioactive component is called icariin.
In a test-tube setting, icariin has shown some intimate-promoting activity. Overall, horny goat weed may have something to offer, but evidence is very limited among humans.
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4. Ginseng
Panax ginseng is a petite root vegetable native to the mountains of Eastern Asia. It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is commonly sold in herbal supplements.
As an adaptogen, ginseng helps your body better respond to stress. It might also boost sperm quality and count — but what about performance and desire?
In a 2021 Cochrane Review of nine studies involving 600 adult men with ED, researchers examined the intimate health effects of ginseng. While the authors noted ginseng may improve the ability of men to have intimate connection, no significant benefits were observed for desire.
In another study of 60 men with ED, researchers found that intimate function significantly improved after participants took 1,000 milligrams of Korean red ginseng three times a day for 12 weeks.
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5. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s said to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, but research is limited and mixed.
For example, one older study looked at roughly 60 men and women with SSRI-induced dysfunction. It found that those who were given 60 to 240 milligrams of Ginkgo biloba per day experienced an improvement in desire and excitement. However, a follow-up study published a few years later found no such improvements.
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6. Fenugreek
Fenugreek leaves and seeds are most often used in South Asian dishes. One reason this herb is thought to have aphrodisiac effects is that it contains compounds your body may use to make intimacy hormones.
In one study, 60 men without ED were given either 600 milligrams of a fenugreek-containing supplement or a placebo daily for six weeks. Those who received fenugreek reported improved libido and intimacy. However, the supplement also contained other nutrients that may benefit male intimate health, like zinc.
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7. Pistachios
Pistachios are small, flavorful green nuts that take more time to de-shell than to eat — but the potential arousal benefits might be worth the labor.
One study involving 17 males with ED found that consuming 100 grams of pistachios daily for three weeks improved getting hard by enhancing blood flow to the privates. That said, this was a small study with no placebo group for comparison.
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8. Tribulus Terrestris
Growing in dry climates around the world, the Tribulus terrestris plant produces yellow flowers and spine-covered fruit. Some research suggests it could boost arousal and satisfaction.
For instance, one study found that desire increased by 79 percent among men with reduced drive who took 750 to 1,500 milligrams a day for two months.
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9. Walnuts
Walnuts are a symbol of fertility. They may also support intimate function and act indirectly as an aphrodisiac.
They’re rich in a specific omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is vital for optimal brain health and function. Additionally, walnuts contain polyphenols and vitamin E, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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10. Strawberries
Going back to Greece — or rather, Greek mythology — strawberries are said to have originated from Aphrodite’s heart-shaped tears when learning of her lover’s death.
On a happier note, you can dip them in chocolate and enjoy them with your partner as a delight for date night.
They’re full of vitamin C, an antioxidant and nutrient crucial for the production of hormones like oxytocin, which is associated with arousal
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11. Figs
Some people say figs have an intimate suggestive appearance, which explains why they’re associated with love and fertility. They’re also high in amino acids, which may support increased libido and stamina.
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12. Ashwagandha
Used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has been used for several conditions like insomnia, anxiety, constipation, and more
While there isn’t much research, ashwagandha is considered useful for improving desire, pleasure, or performance.
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Other Erotic Foods
There may not be a ton of evidence pointing to true aphrodisiac effects of foods, but plenty have been called erotic.
Oysters
Oysters contain several nutrients that might help support intimate health and function. They’re a great source of zinc, which may be important for testosterone production, maintaining healthy testosterone levels and male fertility in general.
Not to mention, how they look, feel and are eaten could provide some sensory benefits, if that’s your thing.
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Chocolate
Chocolate makes everything better, if you ask us. Producing a transient feeling of well-being, it might even be one of the best foods to eat to last longer in bed.
Some surveys have found an association between chocolate intake and increased desire — and not just on Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re drizzling it on your partner or a bowl of ice cream, dark chocolate contains compounds called flavonoids that improve blood flow. And blood flow is a critical component of healthy arousals.
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Honey
Does honey make you last longer? You’re not the first guy to ask this, but the answer is unclear.
Some researchers think compounds in honey (like nitric oxide) may reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow, supporting intimate health.
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Bananas
For many people, bananas trigger a memory of learning how to apply a condom in health class. Beyond their phallic shape, there aren’t many evidence-based benefits of bananas.
However, they contain potassium, which may support healthy and blood flow.
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Pomegranate
You might want to add pomegranate juice to your list of drinks to last longer in bed. Why? The fruit contains compounds that may help improve blood flow and lower oxidative stress.
Some research suggests eating pomegranate (or drinking it in juice form) could enhance circulation, which we know is important for getting hard. However, we can’t find any research suggesting that this fruit is a true aphrodisiac.
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Chasteberry
Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree. Ironically, it may have gotten its name due to an old belief that eating it promoted chastity (abstinence from intimacy).
Inconclusive studies have examined the potential effects of chasteberry on female infertility. But it’s most commonly used for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
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Alternatives to Aphrodisiacs for Performance
There’s not enough research to say whether certain foods have true aphrodisiac qualities. They can still be fun to experiment with, but if you’re seeking a solution for dysfunction, there are more reliable alternatives.
PDE5 Inhibitors and PE Treatments
If you’re struggling with ED, a good first line of treatment is a category of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. These work by increasing blood flow to your privates, supporting firmer, longer-lasting arousals.
Common PDE5 inhibitors include:
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Viagra, known as the “little blue pill”
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Sildenafil, generic for Viagra
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Cialis and its generic tadalafil
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Stendra and its generic avanafil
If PE is an issue, there are medications for this. Ask your healthcare provider about topical PE treatments like Clockstopper benzocaine wipes or Delay Spray.
Some PE medications are used off-label, meaning they’re prescribed for PE even though that’s not their primary treatment purpose. These medications include:
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Sertraline
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Sildenafil
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Paroxetine
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Adult Toys
If it’s not so much a physical problem as a stimulation problem, there’s no shame in trying toys, like:
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Mental Health Treatment
Intimacy isn’t very fun (or easy) when your mind is elsewhere.
Whether it’s performance anxiety, depression or anxiety keeping you from living your best (intimate) life, getting help for psychological ED can be a game-changer. Several types of therapy can be helpful for better intimacy.
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Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Intimate health isn’t independent of overall health. Lifestyle habits can have a big impact on performance and satisfaction.
Everyday actions to support intimate health include:
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Minimizing ultra-processed and fatty foods, instead choosing a Mediterranean or plant-forward diet to increase drive and function
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Reaping the benefits of working out for drive by engaging in regular exercise
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Sticking to drinks that increase libido, like water, tea and, occasionally, red wine
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Practicing stress management to improve performance
Even a few small changes can make a big difference not just in your intimate life but in how you feel overall.
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Aphrodisiac Foods: The Bottom Line
Some people say the way to the heart is through the stomach — and perhaps that’s true for many of us. But aphrodisiacs might not be the answer to your intimate woes.
Consider the following:
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Aphrodisiac foods lack solid evidence. While these foods can be a fun, flirty way to naturally enhance date night, they’re unlikely to treat long-term issues. That’s not to say they won’t provide any benefit, but the science is too limited to tell quite yet.
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Dysfunction requires more reliable treatment. If you’re struggling with a clinical issue, like ED or PE, seek a tried-and-true prescription. Ask your healthcare provider about ED medications and PE treatments, as well as the potential side effects.
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Everyday habits matter. Your overall health affects your intimate life. Take care of your body and mind through things like exercise, a healthy diet and mental health support. These habits can help reduce your need for aphrodisiacs and prescriptions in the long run.
Related: What Happens When a Man Is Not “Intimately Active?”
Related: 8 Best Drinks for Romance
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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