8 Foods that Are Aphrodisiacs to Get You in the Mood

Many of us will enjoy a romantic meal together as part of a date or a date night for married couples.  Food has long been known to do more than just fill our bellies and give us energy and some foods are known as aphrodisiacs.  But which ones really do help get you in the mood and why?

Hot chilies

This one might sound a little crazy but eating hot chilies releases epinephrine (adrenaline to most of us) that pushes up the heart rate.  This makes the body release endorphins, those natural opiates we all have in our bodies and this makes us feel good.  But don’t be tempted to try eating them off one another’s skin – that same stuff can burn badly.  If you want some bedroom fun, buy something from Pleasure Delights and leave the chilies on the table!

Asparagus

This is another food that you just wouldn’t think could help get you in the mood.  But it can for two reasons – one is that it contains a high amount of Vitamin E and this increases blood and oxygen flow in all important places.  The other is that it has lots of potassium in it and this is linked to the production of sex hormones.  Plus, there is that funny visual element to the food that is good for a giggle…

Bananas

Bananas are ones for the guys because they contain an enzyme called bromelain that has been shown to boost the sex drive.  Bananas also contain potassium, riboflavin and vitamin B2, all of which help to keep energy levels up when you need them most.

Dark chocolate

There are reasons why we give dark chocolate as a present for Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions, even if we don’t know what they are.  Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which is a stimulate that makes use excited as well as boosting our sense of well-being.  Plus, chocolate contains caffeine and we all know that gives us a boost.  Aim for 75% or higher cacao content to get the best from the snack.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are very popular at the moment due to their status as a superfood and some of those benefits help them be an aphrodisiac too.  They contain a huge number of antioxidants that can do anything from decrease inflammation to prevent plaque building in the arteries.  But for our topic, the increased blood flow is one of the main benefits.  In fact, some studies have shown that pomegranates can be a natural way to help with problems such as erectile dysfunction.

Salmon

Salmon is popular due to its Omega-3 fatty acid content and this helps with heart health – ensuring a good, strong flow of blood.  But it also contains elements that are required by the body to create vital hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a popular summer fruit but is easy to find at all times of the year and is great because it contains a phytonutrient called citrulline.  This increases the nitric acid in the body that boosts blood flow, blood vessel relaxation and even improves sexual arousal.

Strawberries

The aphrodisiac properties of strawberries have been known since the times of Ancient Greece in fact, the goddess whose name leads to the term aphrodisiac – Aphrodite – was said to have cried strawberries when she learned of her love Adonis’ death.  A nice story but the reality is that strawberries are full of Vitamin C which helps the production of sex hormones as well as boosting chemical neurotransmitters – these increase libido.  It even helps the immune system so that cold you have been suffering with doesn’t spoil the mood as much.