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19 Surprising Aphrodisiacs To Turn You On

by Jill Di Donato

The hedonist in me can't decide what I love more: food or sex. What's your pleasure? Luckily, the aphrodisiacs to turn you on delightfully combine these two passions, and the result is downright delicious.

For centuries people have sought out food and drink to improve their sex lives, well before pharmaceutical companies capitalized on drugs to do just that. And although you usually devour something for sustenance, its health benefits, or its taste, there's something fun about food and drink with a sexy legacy behind it.

Food to help get you get in the mood and drink to whet more than your palate, also have the added bonus of thoughtfulness. Preparing a meal to cultivate a feeling, whether it's physiological, psychological, or both, is in and of itself a damn sexy thing to do for your lover. And maybe it's the classics nerd in me, but knowing that people from ancient times ate and drank these delicacies back in the day before ravishing each other, makes these aphrodisiacs even hotter. Some foods have physiological benefits to spice up your sex life; others carry the mythology of being sexy and that's enough to jumpstart your libido. Whatever your taste, the following nibbles will satisfy your cravings while making your hunger for something else.

1

Figs

Rumored to be Cleopatra's favorite fruit, figs are believed to have aphrodisiac qualities, PBS noted. Packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, fiber, and potassium to promote sexual healing, figs are a delicious treat to get you in the mood. Their seeds represent fecundity and their leaves make an appearance as attire in the biblical story of Adam and Eve.

2

Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate and strawberries are both aphrodisiacs, according to Cosmopolitan, so when you put them together, you get double the pleasure. Dark chocolate has more health benefits than milk chocolate, noted Prevention, with antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate. Its taste is also more refined and sophisticated, especially if you stick to high cacao percentages. Doesn't that just sound sexy?

3

Frozen Banana

Yes, the phallic shape of this fruit is a turn on for some. But what makes bananas an aphrodisiac is the potassium, which gives your muscles strength, noted Cosmopolitan. The stronger your muscles, (down there) the more intense your orgasm. Try freezing a banana for an intensely flavored desert.

4

Cherries

Cherries are sexy to look at. Cherries are sexy to eat. Cherries contain nutrients to stimulate pheromone production, claimed Naturally Healthy Eating. Fresh cherries are an obvious aphrodisiac, but why not try dried cherries, as well.

5

Honey

The sweet nectar produced by worker bees for their queen, honey oozes sex appeal, and for good reason. Honey contains boron, which may regulate hormone levels, and nitric oxide, which is released in the blood during arousal, PBS reported. Plus, it's delicious to drizzle over your lover's sexy parts.

6

Pink Champagne

Bubbly Champagne can boost brain power, noted Forbes. It's widely known that the largest sex organ is the brain, or so Sex therapist Ian Kerner told Today. When you choose pink Champagne, you're opting for a beverage that's colored pink, signaling love and a natural flush.

7

Olive Oil

Psychology Today noted that healthy fats, like the kind contained in olive oil, make for a healthy sex life. Your body needs healthy fats to stimulate hormones that get your sex drive going, and olive oil, known for its Greek ancestry, does just that. Among other things, the ancient Greeks knew how to throw a good orgy.

8

Pine Nuts

The same article in Psychology Today claimed that pine nuts have aphrodisiac powers that date back to Medieval times. Pine nuts work in either sweet or savory dishes, and they're high in zinc, which is said to be a cure for impotence, according to Healthline.

9

Red Wine

The Journal of Sexual Medicine indicated that moderate consumption of red wine led to an increase in sexual desire. I'll raise my glass to that.

10

Chai Tea

Rant Food noted that cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, the spices in chai tea, make it an aphrodisiac. These spices improve circulation and get blood flowing to all the right places.

11

Oysters

A decadent fish, priced at as much as $6 per oyster, eating this shellfish just feels like a special occasion. However, The New York Times confirmed that oysters are an aphrodisiac, mainly because of the psychological association oysters have with sexual arousal.

12

Pomegranates

The Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, is said to have planted the first pomegranate tree, as noted by Mythencyclopedia.com. The seeds of this decadent fruit are related to fertility, abundance, and plenty. Adding to the pomegranate's aphrodisiac powers, PBS reported that drinking pomegranate juice daily lowered cortisol levels, which can correspond with increased testosterone in both men and women.

13

Truffles

Maybe it's because they're expensive and indulgent, but Delish reported that any kind of truffle is an aphrodisiac. In ancient Muslim nations, these delicious fungi were banned for sale near mosques because of fear of the sexual indulgences they might lead to.

14

Avocadoes

PBS reported that the Aztec name for avocado (ahucatl) means testicle. Turned on yet? You will be after consuming this rich fruit, which is high in vitamin E, proven to boost immunity and promote healthy skin, according to WebMD, so you're soft to touch.

15

Chili Peppers

Sex expert and yogi Psalm Isadora told Harper's Bazaar that a surprising aphrodisiac is found in the chili pepper. The capsaicin in chili peppers creates improves circulation and spices up more than your food, but your libido as well.

16

Salmon

Salmon is full of heart-healthy omega-3 fats, which according to The Journal of Reproductive Medicine activate your sex hormones, and keep them on point.

17

Watermelon

According to Live Science, watermelon is packed with vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as lycopene, all which are important for healthy cardiovascular health. Not only do does a strong heart mean more stamina in bed, healthy circulation can keep you aroused, and intensify your orgasm, noted Everyday Health.

18

Vanilla Bean

Fresh vanilla bean is a popular aphrodisiac due to its aroma, reported ABC. The complex flavor with just the right amount of sweetness makes it ideal for dessert.

19

Maca

Another article in Psychology Today reported that maca is an aphrodisiac. Maca is a root (Lepidium meyenii) that stimulates sex drive in men and women. You can consume it in liquid or powder form, whatever suits your desire.