It has often been said that food and sex are two sides of the same coin, but did you know that your diet could be the secret to sexual nirvana?
What Is An Aphrodisiac?
An aphrodisiac is defined as a food, drink or similar substance that encourages sexual arousal. Although aphrodisiacs may encompass certain pharmaceutical products, people tend to be more interested in the natural dietary staples as opposed to anything medical or synthetic.
When investigating the wide range of aphrodisiacs out there, what's interesting is how eclectic the different foods are. This would suggest that the key to an invigorated sex life is to consume as healthy and varied a diet as possible, ensuring that you're focussed on getting all the key nutrients your body needs.
To celebrate these natural libido boosters, Adore & More have put together a few of our favourites to add to your diet and enhance your sex life right now!
Bananas - they may be the most phallic of fruits, but it's not just the suggestive shape that can get pulses racing. Bananas have a nutrient profile that is essential for healthy hormone production, including vitamin B and potassium. They also contain an enzyme called bromelain which can boost testosterone, raising your desire to have sex.
Pumpkin Seeds - Scraping out the seeds inside your pumpkin may result in the most erotically charged Halloween of your life. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc which has been proved to improve your libido. In fact, zinc deficiency can lead to low mood and poor circulating testosterone in the body, which can kill your sex drive.
Coffee - Whether coffee is strictly an aphrodisiac is a complicated question. It's definitely an energy-boosting stimulant which increases blood flow and raises your mood by triggering dopamine production, so this can create all the right conditions for a perfect storm of sexual arousal.
Watermelon - Or natures natural viagra...well, sort of. Watermelon contains citrulline, a nutrient that can help improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, as well as having a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
Oysters - We've all heard that oysters are the ultimate aphrodisiac, but why is this? Oysters have a high zinc content and the neurotransmitter dopamine which lights up the areas responsible for arousal in the brain. It's often been said that oysters are the most powerful aphrodisiac out there, mainly due to the constant media exposure, but the truth is, they're probably no more effective than anything else on this list.
Chocolate - The smell, taste and look of chocolate may already fuel your food based desires, but chocolate actually contains a few chemicals that can turn you on. Chocolate contains small quantities of the serotonin-based amino acid tryptophan and phenylethylamine which has stimulant properties, although it's probably also safe to say that mood-lifting sweetness of chocolate probably plays a bigger part in why chocolate is considered a sexual enhancer.
Coconut Water - The water from a coconut is a metabolic enhancer that improves blood flow, containing the same electrolytes present in the blood as well as vitamin C and other key minerals that help invigorate the body.
Salmon - Contains protein for stamina, omega-3 for serotonin mood enhancement and a range of A, B and D vitamins which can kick start your libido.
Avocados - they're an incredibly healthy source of fat, but they'll also brilliant for those looking to send their sexual appetite to the next level. Avocados are also like supercharged bananas, containing more potassium that your favourite phallic shaped fruit.
Apples - An apple a day will keep the doctor away and may even fuel your sex drive! According to a scientific study, apples has a positive impact on the sex lives of women - the reason behind this could be down to a compound found in apples called phloridzin which is similar to a female sex hormone responsible for sexual arousal called estradiol.
Hot Chilies - Chillies release adrenaline in your body when the spicy flavour hits your tongue, lifting your heart rate and release endorphins which will hopefully ignite the sexual fire within.
Cinnamon - Anything that warms your body can help to switch on your sex drive. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory spice that can regulate blood sugar levels, keeping you energized and satisfied, therefore putting you in a great mood for a steamy session between the sheets.
