22 Aphrodisiac Foods: Boost Your Sex Drive, Deliciously! Let’s Get It On…in the Kitchen!!

Nikole Stewart |

Sep 10, 2024

image of oysters on the half shell on a plate with lemon representing aphrodisiac foods. — When it comes to aphrodisiac foods, oysters come to mind for most, but there are more on the menu.

Can eating specific foods get that mojo going? I’m a skeptic about this theory, but curiosity got the best of me so I decided to investigate. Because hey, I’ll admit, there are times we could all use some inspiration to get in the mood and get it on. And what better way than through the gut? That’s where grabbing the best aphrodisiac foods come in. If experience serves me right, specific foods (we meet again, dark chocolate) do stimulate bodily desires, so bring it on baby with these 22 aphrodisiac foods.

As one of my favorite doctors Dr. Nalini Chilkov L.Ac., O.M.D., states, “Love foods that stimulate desire are prized in cultures worldwide. These foods have circulatory, relaxant, and muscle-strengthening effects, or visual, tactile, or sensory impacts that stimulate the psyche. The brain, after all, is the largest sexual organ in the body.”

So to get you in the mood and get the mojo going, here is a list of top foods to boost your sex drive naturally. Move over Viagra, we’ve got some delicious aphrodisiac foods.

Sign up for the newsletter for more delicious foods to try in the kitchen.

1. Oysters

Oysters have long been suspected as a love drug. Cleopatra and Casanova had one thing in common, they loved oysters. Legend has it that Casanova ate dozens of oysters per day. The Venetian romancer reportedly once seduced a vestal virgin by seductively sliding an oyster from his mouth to hers. If that doesn’t get you in the mood, I don’t know what will.

In fact, current research proves our suspicion. Oysters improve dopamine levels¹ which boosts libido in men and women. Oysters are also high in zinc which is vital for testosterone production and healthy sperm.

2. Watermelon

Some experts have called watermelon the new Viagra, making it one of the best aphrodisiac foods. Bhimu Patil, researcher and director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, stated eating watermelon delivers Viagra-like effects on blood vessels throughout the body and may increase libido.

This cool refreshing fruit contains citrulline amino acid. Citruline is good for the cardiovascular system and helps relax the blood vessels that increase sex drive². If you want to get in the mood, make this Watermelon Sorbet and share it with your partner. I’m all about the easy and delicious recipes.

3. Cocoa or Chocolate

All chocolate comes from cacao beans. In its processed form it is known as cocoa. The Aztecs referred to cacao as nourishment of the Gods. Modern-day foodies know raw cacao in its pure unadulterated form is a superfood. It has more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. It also contains a stimulating chemical known as phenylethylamine, which stimulates the sense of excitement and well-being³.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that found, women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t. I get my daily dose of raw cocoa with my Raw Cocoa Coconut Fudge Recipe. I eat it every day, and it’s literally a five-minute recipe.

4. Asparagus

Known for its suggestive shape, asparagus is high in a B vitamin known as folate⁴ which aids in increasing the production of histamine. Histamine is important for a healthy sex drive in men and women. The most delicious asparagus is just picked; it is so sweet. Grow your own or buy it fresh and organic at your local farmers market.

5. Avocados

Surprisingly, avocados are one of the best aphrodisiac foods to stock up on. A recent report stated organic Sicilian avocados are taking Europe by storm. Apparently, the Europeans can’t get enough of them. The ancient Aztec’s nickname for avocado was “ahuacatl,” or “testicle” because of the fruit’s shapely form. The Catholic Spanish priests found avocados so sexy, they forbade their parishioners to eat them.

6. Maca

Maca or Ginseng Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Known by many as Peru’s “natural Viagra,” apparently this root has been known throughout Peru’s history as a sex-enhancing food prized by the Inca. According to Discovery Health’s medicine hunter Chris Kilham, the maca plant is used by the Peruvian culture to increase strength, stamina, energy, fertility, and libido⁵. Wow, this sounds like a winning combination. Maybe I’ll start adding it to my morning smoothies.

7. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Like oysters, pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is essential for healthy sperm production⁶ and preventing testosterone deficiency in men. These aphrodisiac foods are loaded with libido vitamins and minerals like vitamins B, E, C, D, K, and minerals including calcium, potassium, niacin, and phosphorous. Next time Halloween comes around, now you know what to do with those leftover pumpkin seeds–roast those babies.

8. Celery

You wouldn’t normally think of celery as a libido-inducing food, but according to Judy Gaman, Dr. Walter Gaman, and Dr. Mark Anderson, authors of the book “Stay Young: Ten Proven Steps to Ultimate Health,” eating celery actually increases the pheromone levels in a man’s sweat, making them more attractive to women.

9. Chilis

The stuff that makes chilis hot, capsaicin, revs up your libido too⁷. Have you ever noticed a natural high when eating chilis? Capsaicin promotes the release of chemicals that raises your heart rate and trigger the release of endorphins that give you a natural high, which pumps that libido.

10. Figs

Legend has it figs were one of Cleopatra’s favorite foods and one of the best aphrodisiac foods. According to Dr. Nalini Chilkov, L.Ac., O.M.D, figs have been prized as a sensual food for their resemblance to the female sex organs. The ancient Greeks valued figs more precious than gold and many cultures associated figs with fertility.

11. Garlic

Raw garlic anyone? Eating raw garlic may make your partner turn the other way in bed, but it can certainly stir up your sexual desire. The heat in garlic is what stirs up your libido. Garlic contains allicin⁸, which is thought to increase blood flow to sexual organs.

This trick doesn’t work overnight however, apparently, you need to consume it for about a month to reap its rewards. If you can’t stand the raw garlic go for the capsules found at your local natural food market.

12. Basil

The scent of basil has long been associated with arousal. Women used to rub basil powder and oil on their skin to attract men. It boosts circulation and protects the heart, qualities necessary to charge up the libido.

And, don’t worry, you don’t have to bathe in the stuff to reap the rewards – simply garnish a meal shared with a loved one with fresh basil and let the aroma do the talking. The culinary uses are plenty.

13. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is considered to be one of the most effective natural aphrodisiac foods⁹. It heats the body, increasing appetite, both physical and sexual. Cinnamon oil has also been shown to improve cognitive function, so you can stay more focused on and attentive to your loved one.

Sprinkle cinnamon in your coffee, yogurt, or milk, or use the spice to zest up baked desserts, such as muffins, cupcakes, cakes, and cookies.

14. Pine Nuts

Since Medieval times, people have been consuming pine nuts to stimulate the libido¹⁰. They are high in zinc, which has been shown to contribute to sexual competency among males by boosting testosterone levels in the body.

The best and easiest way to incorporate pine nuts into the diet is to toss them into a salad or stuffing, like this healthy stuffed butternut squash with quinoa and toasted pine nuts.

15. Cardamom

Regarded as a potent spice for treating impotence, cardamom has long been deemed a powerful aphrodisiac. Cardamom contains high concentrations of the compound 1.8-cineole, which increases blood flow and releases muscular tension.

Its aroma is equally as stimulating and piques the senses. Try out this skillet spiced apple and cranberry crumble recipe recipe for a unique way to introduce spice into your diet.

Also Read: 5 Surprising Things That Can Decrease Libido and Disrupt Your Sex Life

16. Almonds

Get your spoons ready – discreet dips into the almond butter jar take on a whole new meaning. Almonds have long stood as a symbol of fertility, and scientists are now bringing more fodder to the myth. Almonds are rich in selenium and zinc, both essential for reproductive health¹¹. The omega-3 fatty acids in almonds also boost blood circulation and get the juices flowing.

17. Ginger

One of the best aphrodisiac foods is ginger, which is common in Asian cuisines, smoothies, baked goods, and tea. Ginger increases blood flow in sexual organs¹² and warms the blood, optimizing the body’s temperature. Enjoy ginger in tea, soups, and smoothies.

18. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, which combats high blood pressure, a condition that is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.

Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene¹³, providing the body with plenty of vitamin A, which boosts fertility by promoting better cervical fluid. The internet is no stranger to sweet potato recipes, but perhaps the best and most straightforward way to enjoy sweet potatoes is as french fries.

19. Coconut Water

Coconut Water Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

The water derived from coconuts contains the same level of electrolytes as your blood. Because of this, it improves blood flow, and thus, may serve as an aphrodisiac¹⁴. Drink coconut water straight or add it to your smoothies for a libido kick.

20. Arugula

Praised for its libido-boosting properties since the first century AD, the pepper, bitter, leafy green vegetable arugula nearly graduated to “fertility god” status among Ancient Romans. Arugula is chock-full of vitamins and minerals and it fits gracefully into your salads, smoothies, and soups.

21. Vanilla

As early as the 18th century, vanilla was prescribed by doctors as a way to increase male potency. In a survey conducted by The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, vanilla was rated as euphoric and sensual by men themselves. Take notes, girls. Make your own vanilla and get the ingredients involved in both your beauty and culinary routine (beyond baked goods, that is).

22. Pomegranate

According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, pomegranate juice is a potent natural aphrodisiac¹⁵ due to its ability to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates sexual appetite as well as improves mood, reduces stress, and increases memory. Pomegranate can make its way into your diet in a variety of ways, such as in a relish, quinoa salad, or cocktail.