Need some more zing in the bedroom? A little more heat with a side of passion? Foods that boost libido may be the perfect answer to take your sexual experience to the next level! Also known as aphrodisiacs, these are foods that can enhance arousal and performance before sex.

What are aphrodisiacs?

Aphrodisiacs are specific foods that contain compounds that increase your libido (sexual desire). These substances increase blood flow (possibly in the areas where it matters when aroused if you know what we mean). They also enhance desire and heighten the sexual experience.

The best foods that boost libido for enhanced sensual play

Despite getting turned on with toys, maybe some porn, and your partner pushing the right buttons, the foods we eat also play a role in our arousal. And this is not a new sexual trend that’s recently popped up. Ancient civilisations have consumed certain herbs and foods to boost performance and improve sex for centuries.

In fact, Ancient Indians used the ashwagandha herb to increase male sexual performance, and women ate the Shatavari root for sexual stamina. Yup, different foods react differently in women and men. And not all foods will work the same for everyone. Aphrodisiacs create a chemical reaction in the body, meaning they will have varying effects on different people.

Ready to find out what foods get your juices flowing? Here are 6 foods that you and your sexual partner/s can explore before you begin playing in the bedroom.

1. Oysters

With romance and mystery from the ocean, oysters have been considered a natural aphrodisiac for hundreds of years. Known for its appearance as a foreplay food in pop culture, oysters take the crown for the most seductive and sensual food. But there is still some scientific controversy. They are loaded with zinc – an essential mineral known to increase testosterone in males.

The copious amount of zinc in oysters may also assist in maintaining dopamine – the happy hormone –  levels helping increase libido in women. However, more research is needed to determine this.

Oysters also contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acid, which increases blood flow and can help get it erect.

Need a boost in sexual performance? Are oysters not to your taste? Don’t worry, there are plenty of fish in the sea. No reason to gulp down a few dozen of these before getting it on. There are several other foods out there waiting to help your sex drive.

2. Truffles

The allure of truffles may be because of their rarity, unique flavour profile, and royal cuisine status. In addition to these, white and black truffles are high in protein content aiding in sexual staminia.

And their true appeal? The aroma of truffles mimics the pheromones of male mammals – the chemicals responsible for sexual attraction between individuals. Have you ever got a whiff of someone after a gym session driving you nuts, and wanting to pounce on them like a wild animal? That’s the pheromones doing their job. And truffles do just that.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate, the sticky, sweet, and slightly bitter food of sensuality and romance, has been shared between lovers on Valentine’s Day and other romantic gestures for decades. And the ancient Aztecs used it as their staple aphrodisiac.

Containing compounds, such as serotonin, phenylethylamine, and anandamide, chocolate boosts our mood and sexual desire. The best part? You can involve melted chocolate in your sensual play. Drip it on your sexual partner and explore with your mouth and tongue. (Just make sure you’re not using the expensive sheets!)

4. Maca

Maca, naturally grown in the Peruvian mountains, is famously known as Peru’s natural viagra. Grounded and made into a tea with an earthy, nutty flavour, maca has the potential to increase libido, performance and staminia.

Besides drinking it as a tea, you can add it to your coffee, smoothies, yoghurt and morning cereals. It’s also known to boost fertility – stay safe!

5. Strawberries

A sexy little red fruit perfect to involve in some kinky food foreplay, the strawberry boosts sex drive and increases blood flow. The sweet-speckled berry also produces oxytocin in the body – the happy, love hormone that increases arousal and elevates orgasms, making everyone feel on top of the moon (or on top of someone). Chocolate-covered strawberries for two aphrodisiacs in one?

6. Ginseng

Ginseng herb boosts sex drive in both men and women. In ancient China, Emperor Shen-Nung used ginseng to increase sexual desire and for erectile dysfunction. It also helps the body destress and eliminate fatigue. You can buy the root and put it in food or a warm drink, or purchase a ginseng tincture and drink it with water.

Foods to avoid

Like some foods can help us get there, there are some foods that we should avoid or consume in moderation for improved sexual experiences.

• Don’t drink too much. A glass or two of our favourite alcoholic beverages can help us unwind, destress, and feel less anxious. But drinking too much can damper our sex drive and performance. Alcohol lowers testosterone levels, and affects our blood circulation and nerve sensitivity, which makes it more difficult to get aroused.
• Avoid heavy and fatty foods before sex. Saturated fats like fatty beef and butter can lower blood circulation impacting our sexual arousal in the long term. Opt for a balanced diet for a healthy body and sex drive!

Et Voila, dinner is served

Ready to explore the wonderful world of aphrodisiacs? Foods that boost libido are not only a great way to explore what may increase sexual desire, performance and staminia, it’s also a great way to plan what to eat for your next date night! You may also find what works and what doesn’t for you. Pro tip: Involve some aphrodisiacs before getting it on for some food foreplay (or during sensual play)!