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Looking to add a little sparkle to your love life? Forget the cheesy pick-up lines; sometimes all you need is a good ol' love potion... or at least an enchanting aphrodisiac
Summary
1What’s an aphrodisiac?
An aphrodisiac is a food, drink or drug that's believed to stimulate sexual desire. They have a long history...
2Do aphrodisiac foods work?
There’s limited research suggesting aphrodisiac foods influence desire, but there is some emerging science which could be promising...
3What are aphrodisiac foods?
Aphrodisiacs include foods like oysters, chocolate, red wine and even herbs like ginseng...
Shakespeare might’ve said “music is the food of love” but we beg to differ. The food of love is, well, food, and some might actually be real romance rousers.
Whether you’re whipping up a date night dinner or heading out to a romantic restaurant with your Valentine, we’ll bet there’s fresh oysters, a hearty bottle of red and a dessert dripping in chocolate on the menu.
These foods are known as ‘aphrodisiacs’ and have long been hailed for their supposed ability to dial up desire, level up lust and leave you feeling well and truly in the mood.
But is there truth behind these so-called aphrodisiacs or are they simply romantic fiction?
What’s an aphrodisiac?
Defined as ‘a food, drink or drug that stimulates sexual desire’, aphrodisiacs are captivating substances that have a rich history.1
Their evocative name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and passion, famously known to have personified grace and allure.2 But their history goes beyond Ancient Greece, with almost every culture seeking foods that could fire up the senses.
References to aphrodisiacs have been found everywhere, from ancient Egypt and Rome to traditional practices in China, India, the Middle East and Africa.3,4
While today aphrodisiacs are more linked to lust and libido, previously, they were associated more with reproduction and fertility – in early modern England, aphrodisiacs were so closely intertwined with conception that they were prescribed to married couples to help them start families.5,6
How do aphrodisiac foods work?
So, can what you eat really affect your sex life? And, if so, how do these alluring edibles cast their spell?
Turns out, researchers haven’t been able to confirm if aphrodisiac foods can help turn you on. In fact, some discussions highlight the sheer power of the placebo effect and that sometimes simply knowing a food is considered an aphrodisiac is enough to ignite the senses.7
Aside from believing it might just be a placebo effect, some researchers point to aphrodisiac foods working by subtly sending energy to where it’ll be most appreciated.8
It’s believed that foods, like those rich in L-arginine, nitrates, or those with vasodilating properties, can contribute to this.9,10
Please note: if you’re having trouble in the bedroom, it’s always best to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional. And remember, not all aphrodisiacs work the same for everyone.
What foods are aphrodisiacs?
Traditionally, aphrodisiac foods were hard to find, expensive or looked like certain body parts – think rare plant extracts, vegetables and even unusual ingredients like insects. Nowadays, aphrodisiacs are much more palatable and you’ll find most of them in your local supermarket.
Here’s the lowdown on eight aphrodisiac foods to fill your date-night dinner menu.
When it comes to aphrodisiac foods, you probably first think of oysters, as they’ve long been linked to love and sex.
While some may dismiss them as an old wives’ tale, others really swear by their alluring power – including Casanova himself. Their romance-rousing reputation could stem from their zinc content, a vital mineral that’s long been linked to contributing to testosterone levels, plus fertility and reproduction.11
But overall, there’s limited evidence of oysters affecting desire and that’s partly because the placebo effect of these slippery shellfish is so big – our long-standing belief they are aphrodisiacs often clouds whether they influence us or not.
A sweet root vegetable, maca is hailed as the ‘Peruvian Viagra’ in parts of South America and has quite the reputation when it comes to kindling the flames of desire.12
Native to the Andes mountains in Peru, maca root was revered in the Incan culture for over 2,000 years thanks to their belief that it could improve sexual desire in men.13,14
There might be lots of stories about these foods but what does the science say? It’s currently quite limited and definitely needs more robust research but current studies do highlight promising results when it comes to libido.15
Quite literally bringing the heat, chillies might not only spice up your dinner plate but maybe your sex life too.
While there’s no definitive proof that chillies do directly increase libido, there are studies which suggest that eating hot chillies releases endorphins and speeds up your heart rate – all of which could add a little stimulation in the bedroom.16,17,18 This reaction is primarily due to chillies containing the compound capsaicin, responsible for their infamous heat.17
Ginkgo what now…? It’s a tongue-twister, but this oddly named herbal supplement comes from the ancient Ginkgo tree – one of the oldest tree species on the planet.
Ginkgo biloba has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese culture for various maladies. It’s aphrodisiac qualities stem from its purported ability to help relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.19
It’s generally well-tolerated by most but can act as a blood thinner, so it’s best to check with a healthcare professional before taking (especially if you’re already on blood-thinning medication).20
Giving chocolate as a gift is a deliciously loving tradition but there could be something more to its romantic reputation.
Whether you prefer milk, white or dark, chocolate can contain theobromine which is a stimulant like caffeine, believed to help make you feel more intimate.21
Beyond theobromine, chocolate boasts concentrations of phenethylamine (PEA) which is sometimes referred to as the ‘love chemical’.22 PEA is suggested to improve mood by potentially triggering the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain, leaving you feeling more excited and a bit more in the mood.22
You might’ve seen this potent herb in supplement form or in herbal teas but it might add some serious depth (and desire) to your dishes too.
Red ginseng is another popular herb in Chinese culture and is often used due to its believed effects on low libido or sexual dysfunction in men and women.
Many studies have been carried out to investigate red ginseng’s aphrodisiac effect, with some suggesting it might help remedy erectile dysfunction and others showing a promising effect on arousal among menopausal women.23,24,25
Asparagus’ ability to turn the love dial up a notch isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, it was reportedly eaten three times a day by French grooms in the 19th century before their weddings to help get their sex drive going.26
Why asparagus? Well, there’s no clear evidence or research to back it up so we can’t say for sure. Perhaps it could be their signature shape…
There’s a reason we take bottles of wine to parties and not barrels of oysters or bunches of asparagus – wine, more specifically red wine, has been associated with romance for centuries.
Red wine can be quite seductive, whether it’s the deep, rich red colour, the heady scent or the sharp yet smooth taste. But it could also be the resveratrol – a type of antioxidant that gives red wine it’s deep colouring and is suggested to improve blood flow 27,28
Combine that with wine’s alcohol content, widely known to increase desire in some people and you’ve got a potent aphrodisiac that gives a whole new meaning to drunk on love.29
The final say
Sadly, the jury’s out on whether aphrodisiac foods can actually affect your desire. Whether it’s thanks to a lack of human studies and conclusive evidence or some suggesting it might just be all in your head.
But if enjoying a glass of red wine or sharing a plate of oysters during your date night makes you feel good, then why not? Indulge in a romantic dinner and see where the night takes you!
Our sex lives can have their ups and downs for so many reasons. If intimacy isn’t quite what it used to be find out what might cause a low libido and what could help reignite the spark…
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. You should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
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