Libido-Boosting Foods For Valentine’s Day

2. Oysters

The shelled delicacy has long been touted as an aphrodisiac. Just look to Casanova, who, according to legend, bedded a vestal virgin by feeding her an oyster from his own mouth. Despite tales from the legendary lover, oysters are high in dopamine and zinc, which boosts libido and testosterone.

3. Avocado

The Mayans used this velvety, smooth fruit (yes, avocados are fruits) as a means to boost sexual prowess.  Avocados contain many nutrients –such as beta carotene, magnesium, and vitamin E—all linked to improved sexual function.

4. Chocolate

Aztec cultures called cacao as nourishment of the Gods, and all chocolate is derived from the cacao bean. In its processed form it is known as cocoa. Even though raw cacao is dubbed a “super food” because it’s rich in antioxidants as well as a stimulating chemical known as phenylethylamine, which arouses excitement, a small square of chocolate each day is linked to improved sex life.

5. Lemon

Soaking up the intoxifying scent of lemon is known as a natural stress reliever, which can calm sexual energy and help you find your smooth, sexual mojo. Just brew a slice of lemon with some chamomile tea or just hot water, let it steep, and inhale to wipe away anxiety and create an environment of relaxation and ease.

6. Olives

The Ancient Greeks popped olives for their powers of seduction. For instance, green olives were known for boosting virility in men; while black olives were savored to boost sexual desire for women.

7. Chili’s

Capsaicin turns up the heat as well as your libido! When you eat or sprinkle chilies on your food, a chemical reaction occurs that actually speeds up your heart rate and prompts the release of endorphins, which give you a natural high and an exhilarating feeling of sexual confidence!

8. Basil

According to an ancient Italian myth, basil was used by women to attract eligible husbands. However, natural practitioners claim that a bit of sweet basil encourages blood circulation, which raises the body’s temperature and creates sensual response.

9. Almonds

The Romans showered newlyweds with almonds in hopes of boosting fertility. However, today we eat a healthy handful of almonds because they are high in essential fatty acids (or healthy fats), which boost the production of sex hormones.

10. Figs

Figs are prevalent in stories of Cleopatra, who was known for lounging while she noshed on the sweet, sticky fruit. Take it from the world’s oldest and most revered sex object—figs are closely linked to fertility due to the fact that they do resemble the female sexual organs. They really do, take a closer look!

11. Honey

Forget the champagne, the bride and groom toasted with mead in medieval times because the fermented brew was known for enticing desire. However, it’s the honey base (which is high in a mineral called boron) of the brew that is linked to increasing testosterone while metabolizing estrogen.

12. Asparagus

Perhaps it’s due to the fact that asparagus spears are rather phallic in shape that’s supported their sexual boosting reputation for centuries. It’s true they are rich in vitamin E, which has been dubbed the “sex vitamin” due to the fact that it’s linked to increasing fertility.

13. Maca

Peruvians call maca, a root vegetable, the “natural Viagra” and still eat it in hopes of enhancing sex drive, strength, energy, libido, fertility, and stamina. Sounds much sexier than popping a little blue pill!

14. Garlic

Garlic is high in allicin, a compound that increases blood flow to the sex organs. However, eating too much garlic can really test the passion of your date…so much so that he or she might be turned off of your bad breath.  So if you do eat garlic, be sure you consume it together…and stay in for the evening.

15. Arugula

This leafy, slightly peppery green is a staple in many salads and pasta dishes, as well as a rather surprising aphrodisiac! Employed as a natural aphrodisiac since the 1st century AD by ancient Greek philosophers like Pilny and Dioscorides, arugula is linked to increasing libido because it’s super high in antioxidants and minerals such as folic acid, magnesium, and calcium.