In honor of the month of love, why not reap the double benefits of aphrodisiac super foods? Not only are the foods discussed in this article packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, but they will also give you an extra special…boost!
An aphrodisiac is something that promotes or stimulates sexual desire.
For centuries and in cultures across the globe, people have used different foods for what are thought to be their aphrodisiac effects. The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has stated that all non-medical approaches to stimulate sex-drive are not effective, but this certainly doesn’t change the fact that aphrodisiac foods are commonly prepared and touted for their many sensual benefits. And hey, they can’t hurt…This February, decide for yourself. Being in the dead of winter, be sure to take plenty of health-promoting steps and precautions in warding off illness. The foods discussed here are not only touted for their aphrodisiac benefits, but are also all incredibly nutrient dense, so they can support us in our path to health, all year round.
Before getting into specific foods and recipes, let’s take a quick look at a few foods have historically been categorized as aphrodisiac, and why.
Foods Shaped Like Genitalia
It doesn’t get any more literal than this! Oysters are an excellent example, and are perhaps one of the most potent aphrodisiac foods around. Others that fit into this group would be caviar, clams and eggs.
Spicy Foods
This makes sense, as spicy foods increase our blood flow and heart rate, which can have an aphrodisiac effect in and of itself.
Foods High In Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays over three hundred important functions in the human body. It is the nutrient that allows us to relax, which is why it could be seen as an aphrodisiac. A common aphrodisiac food that is high in magnesium is the vegetable okra.
Medicinal Herbs
While this somewhat leaves the food category, many medicinal herbs have been used for their aphrodisiac properties. Common aphrodisiac herbals include ginseng, maca root, damiana and horny goat weed. As with any herb taken in therapeutic doses, this should be done under the supervision of a licensed Herbalist.
Now, on to the recipes…
Avocado
The early Aztecs of South America referred to the avocado tree as ahuacuati, meaning “testicle tree.”[1] Aside from being thought of and used for their aphrodisiac benefits, avocados are also packed full of healthy fats, are high in potassium and magnesium. Last but certainly not least, this delicious fruit offers a healthy dose of vitamin E, which is known as the “sex vitamin.”
Raw Avocado Chocolate Mousse | Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
- 1/2-1 ripe avocados, mashed
- 3-4 tbsp. raw cacao powder
- 2-4 tbsp. raw honey (depending on how sweet you’d like it)
- 3 tbsp. almond butter (raw, if possible)
- sea salt to taste
Instructions:
- First, mash your avocado using your hands, a fork, or a potato masher. If you have a high power blender, you can probably skip this part and simply peal and de-seed your avocado.
- Next, add all ingredients to a blender, mix, and serve!
- This mousse is delicious served with fresh fruit, like strawberries.
Cherries
This sweet and juicy fruit is full of aphrodisiac properties, as it boasts a wide range of nutrients thought to increase sexual performance. Potassium is mineral that supports and promotes healthy sex hormone levels[2], and cherries are also thought to promote pheromone production. Try this creamy cherry smoothie, and reap its multiple benefits.
Cherry Protein Shake| Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk (use organic regular milk if you are not dairy sensitive)
- 1 tsp. raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop of high quality protein powder, such as a grass-fed whey or pea powder
- pinch of honey or maple syrup as a sweetener
Instructions:
Simply blend and serve!
Arugula
On the subject of super foods, arugula is on the top of the list! This bitter, leafy green offers digestive support; as it stimulates stomach acid production that allows us to better digest our proteins. Historically, arugula was known as the “love drug,” mainly due to its impressively high density of minerals that support detoxification pathways, including libido-lowering toxins. Try this salad with avocado, and double the aphrodisiac effects.
Arugula Salad with Avocado| Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2-3 bunches organic arugula, de-stemmed and washed
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 avocado, cubed or sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp. walnuts, chopped
- 1/2-1 tbsp. kosher salt
Instructions:
- In a salad bowl, mix all salad ingredients together (leaving the oil and vinegar aside).
- To prepare your dressing, place your minced garlic in a jar with salt. Using the back of a fork, mash them together as best you can. Now, add your oil and vinegar, place the lid on the jar, and shake vigorously.
- Dress your salad, and serve! Make this heartier by adding a protein such as chicken or fish.
Pomegranate
Perhaps one of the most well known aphrodisiac foods, pomegranate historically has symobolized fertility because of its abundance of seeds. Pomegranates are rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants, and have impressive anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, one study showed that pomegranate juice can actually improve erectile dysfunction in men.[3] 
Coconut Pomegranate Bliss| Serves: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 3/4 cup coconut milk (light or full-fat, organic)
- 1 tbsp. flax seeds
- 1 cup spinach
- ice and water depending on desired consistency
Instructions:
Simply blend and serve!
Oysters
Last but certainly not least, oysters are widely known for their aphrodisiac properties. First of all, they are high in zinc, a mineral that supports fertility (interestingly, zinc is also essential for our immune system, so oysters to fight a cold are great, too). Second, oysters actually contain sex hormone-promoting amino acids. More nutrient benefits are reaped when oysters are eaten raw.
Quick and Easy Raw Oysters| Serves: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 12 raw oysters
- 2 tbsp. organic butter (grass-fed, preferably)
- juice of one lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Open your oyster shells.
- In a small saucepan, melt your butter, adding lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk or mix together thoroughly.
- Drizzle your butter mixture over the raw oysters, and enjoy!
References:
- [1] https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5563805. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
- [2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612075331.htm. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
- [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17568759. Retrieved February 16, 2016.