An aphrodisiac is a food or drug that arouses sexual instinct, brings on desire, or increases sexual pleasure or performance.
A myriad of pharmaceutical drugs are available and marketed specifically for their
libido-boosting effects, however, some individuals prefer natural alternatives, as they’re generally safer and tend to have fewer side effects.Natural aphrodisiacs are extremely popular among men wanting to strengthen their desire, although scientists have failed to prove the effectiveness of many popular aphrodisiacs and are skeptical towards their supposed properties
Natural aphrodisiacs – source of minerals
Today, natural love foods are associated with the richness of numerous minerals and vitamins that positively affect the sexual drive. It's not surprising that sea foods rich in zinc, also known as an element of life, are considered aphrodisiacs.
Zinc is necessary for the proper development of male reproductive organs, as it raises the testosterone level. Aphrodisiacs also very often contain phosphorus, which is necessary to feel desire and properly produce semen. Lecithin has also a positive influence on the quality of sperm, while magnesium facilitates the transmission of impulses in nerve cells.
Aphrodisiacs are also rich in potassium, which strengthens the sexual drive. Some contain arginine, an amino acid boosting the supply of blood to the reproductive organs.
Good influence on the sexual drive has also capsaicin (responsible for the hot taste of some foods), which stimulates the production of endorphins and faster blood circulation – including to the male reproductive organs.
Aphrodisiacs – side effects
You read – natural, you think – harmless. You could not be more wrong, as even natural aphrodisiacs can induce adverse side effects. For example, if ginseng is used too often, it may lead to overdose and this is manifested by:
- insomnia,
- hypertension,
- nervous hyperactivity,
- diarrhoea,
There is another aphrodisiac called Cantharidin, considered an extremely strong aphrodisiac, it is commonly known as a “Spanish fly” ( secreted by blister beetle), it may lead to the irritation of the intestine, stomach, and the urinary tract. It often leads to painful erections in men.
There is natural aphrodisiac which is extracted from the bark and leaf of Yohimbe tree, it may cause adverse reactions in men with the circulatory system diseases, hypertension, and stomach ulcers.
There are lots of aphrodisiacs available on the market even though we are unaware of the fact they may increase our desire for sex. Small amounts of red wine or champagne, coffee, cocoa, and milk drinks are considered strong aphrodisiacs.
Popular aphrodisiacs in our kitchen are spices and herbs, such as: lovage, chili peppers, capers, vanilla, cayenne pepper, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, savoury, garlic, cinnamon, wild rue, ginseng, ginkgo, damiana seeds, convolvulus pluricaulis, lotus flower etc
A perfect lover of aphrodisiac should also have the following romantic foods as frequently as possible: asparagus, eggs, seafood, trout, sardines, beef, avocado, celeriac and ribbed celery, walnuts, and chocolate, carrot (its rich in vitamins C and E, and β-Carotene) etc.
Ginkgo biloba
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Ginkgo biloba |
This is a herbal supplement derived from one of the oldest species of trees the Ginkgo biloba tree. Traditional Chinese medicine uses it to treat many ailments, including depression and poor sexual function. Ginkgo biloba is said to act as an aphrodisiacTrusted Source by helping relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Nevertheless, studies have produced mixed results.
In 1998, for example, a small study Trusted Source reported that ginkgo biloba reduced the loss of libido that antidepressant use caused in around 84% of participants.
Both male and female participants said they experienced increased desire, excitement and ability to orgasm after consuming 60–240 mg of the supplement daily, although effects seemed stronger in female participants. However, this was a low-quality study, and its findings may not be reliable.
Lovage – aphrodisiac
This is a popular herb which today is a good alternative for sodium glutamate – in Ancient Rome, it was a popular aphrodisiac. A love potion was made of this herb. Today, there are no scientific research that would support those properties; nevertheless, lovage contains large amounts of phytosterols, which have a positive influence on our organism – reducing the LDL cholesterol level.
Oysters
It is said that Casanova – a lover of all time – ate 50 oysters every day. He could easily do that because, considering his place of residence, he had a constant access to seafoods rich in zinc and other minerals strengthening male vitality. Besides oysters, shrimps are also considered strong aphrodisiacs.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an annual plant cultivated worldwide. Its seeds are most commonly used in South Asian dishes, but it’s also popular in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory and libido-boosting treatment.
And perhaps this is for good reason — this herb appears to contain compounds that the body can use to make sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
In research conducted revealed that, men who took 600 mg of fenugreek extract per day for 6 weeks reported experiencing increased sexual arousal and more orgasms.
However, this supplement also contained 17 mg magnesium, 15 mg zinc, and 5 mg pyridoxine, which could have contributed to the results. Zinc is a nutrient that plays a key role in male fertility.
Fruit aphrodisiacs
Apricot
The cuisine of lovers cannot lack fruit, especially figs, apricots, and dates. It is often good to reach from time to time for a watermelon, as it improves blood circulation and increases desire for sex thanks to the content of citrulline. Pomegranates and mangoes also have stimulating effects, as they are rich in zinc.
Strawberries
A special attention should be drawn to strawberries, particularly because this seasonal fruit is rich in folic acid and B-group vitamins – substances that not only boost male libido, but also improve the quality of semen.
Maca
Maca
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| Maca |
Maca is a sweet root vegetable with several health benefits. In South America, people commonly use it to boost fertility and its nickname is “the Peruvian Viagra.” Maca grows mainly in the mountains of central Peru and is related to cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage.
Animal studies found increases in libido and erectile function in rodents after consuming maca. Other Source suggest it may boost libido in humans, too.
One small Source has indicated that maca may help reduce the loss of libido that commonly occurs as a side effect of certain antidepressant drugs.
Most studies provided 1.5–3.5 grams of maca per day for 2–12 weeks.
Participants generally tolerated these intakes well and experienced few side effects. However, more studies are needed to determine safe dosages and long-term effects.
