APHRODISIAC

 An aphrodisiac is something that has the ability to boost your libido and stimulate your sexual desire, performance, and pleasure.

Many believe that eating libido foods can get you in the mood for some love-making. Historically, aphrodisiac foods have been revered by many cultures as a way to invigorate sexuality. Ancient Greece and Peru, as well as the Venetians and Aztecs, used certain foods for aphrodisiac purposes. So do aphrodisiacs really work? Research indicates that aphrodisiac foods are not just an old wives’ tale––they can actually help you get turned on and perform better in bed!

History of Aphrodisiacs

The introduction of the drug sildenafil (Viagra) help generate greater interest in the use of aphrodisiacs, but their use actually dates back thousands of years. Throughout human history, people have turned to foods and other natural substances to help increase desire and even fertility.

Types of Aphrodisiacs

·        Natural supplements containing ingredients such as Ambrien, Yohimbine, horny goat weed, and ginseng

·        Food such as oysters and dark chocolate

·        Herbs including cloves and sage

·        Psychoactive substances such as alcohol and marijuana

·        Synthetic substances such as MDMA (ecstasy), phenethylamines (amphetamines and methamphetamines), and synthetic testosterone.

·        Spicy substances, such as hot chili peppers, are sometimes considered aphrodisiacs to induce feelings of arousal because they increase body temperature.4

Reproductive organs of certain animals, such as eggs or animal testicles, are sometimes believed to increase sexual potency or performance.

Foods that evoke the senses, including sights, smell, and taste, are often supposed to have aphrodisiac properties. By arousing the senses, such substances are thought to help people feel more sexually aroused.

Categories of Aphrodisiac

·        Libido: Low desire is the most prevalent sexual problem for middle-aged women, affecting nearly 70% of women during midlife.5 However, low libido is something that can affect men and women of all ages. Supplements are often marketed to increase libido, although the effectiveness of these substances remains questionable.

·        Potency: Aphrodisiacs are often also purported to increase sexual potency and performance. Some substances are marketed to improve stamina, lubrication, and endurance.

·        Sexual Pleasure: Finally, some aphrodisiacs are marketed as being able to improve overall sexual pleasure. Such products are thought to make sex more enjoyable. Even people who enjoy a healthy sex life may find the lure of more enjoyable sex a good reason to try an aphrodisiac.

 

Others Ways to Improve Your Sex Life

If you want to improve your sex life, there are some things that you can do that can help:

·        Eat a healthy diet. Research has shown that following a diet that emphasizes lean meat, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains can improve hormone levels, blood flow, and nerve functioning.

·        Get regular exercise. Studies have shown that physical activity has a beneficial impact on sexual health. Even small bursts of activity can help with overall sexual functioning.

·        Control your stress levels. Stress can have a serious impact on libido, so it is important to find ways to manage stress levels effectively. Good self-care and techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and visualization can be helpful for lowering stress.

Don’t forget that you should always talk to your doctor if you are thinking about trying a substance or supplement to address a sexual problem, incorporating certain foods into your diet can be a safe (and delicious) way to have fun with aphrodisiacs.

Potential Pitfalls

If you are interested in trying an aphrodisiac, there are some potential pitfalls you should watch for and precautions you should take.

 

·        Talk to your doctor first:  Don’t rely on aphrodisiacs to fix problems that might have a medical basis. Sexual problems can often be a sign of an underlying medical or mental health condition, so it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms, including ones related to sex. People are sometimes hesitant to bring up such issues to their doctor out of embarrassment, but its something important that you should mention.

·        Be cautious of potential side effects and interactions: Also, don’t assume that just because something is “natural” that it is safe, harmless, or without side effects. Even natural substances can have adverse effects or may interact with other medications or supplements that you are taking.

·        Remember that sexual desire and behavior aren’t one-dimensional: Physical factors do play an important role, but there are also important interpersonal and psychological factors at work. How you feel about yourself, your partner, and your relationship can all have an influence on how often you desire and engage in sexual activity.

 

If you are experiencing problems with sexual functioning, including low libido or physical issues that make sex difficult or impossible, talk to your doctor. Such problems are often treatable, or they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.

 

Examples of Foods and Natural Supplements to Boost Sexual Life

 

·        Raw Oysters

Raw oysters are one of the most well-known libido foods. Cleopatra loved oysters, as did Casanova. Even in romantic Venetian times, virgins were seduced by sliding an oyster from a man’s mouth into a woman’s. Oysters also contain dopamine which can increase your sense of desire.

·        Dark Chocolate

This sexy superfood contains phenylethylamine, an organic compound that triggers a sense of happiness and excitement. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that found that women who enjoy a piece of chocolate on a daily basis have a more active sex life than those who don’t. In addition to being one of the most romantic desserts, chocolate is a food that you can play within the bedroom. You can easily make chocolate cream at home using raw cacao powder, cocoa butter, and a little coconut oil. Eat it as a treat or invite your partner to lick it off your body!

 

·        Watermelon

Some say eating watermelon can offer similar effects as taking performance-enhancement drugs.

 

·        Bananas

The vitamin B, riboflavin, and potassium in bananas can also make you feel energized and ramp up your testosterone levels making you feel ready for a romp in the sheets.

 

·        Chili Peppers

Eating chilis can also activate endorphins in your brain and increase your heart rate which may get your sexual juices flowing.

 

·        Celery

After munching on some celery, the odor of androstenone and androstenol travel into a man’s mouth and through his nose, creating a pheromone scent that boosts arousal.

 

·        Vanilla

Research shows that the smell of vanilla can stimulate arousal in men and increase sexual satisfaction.

 

·        Avocados

Avocados have high amounts of vitamin E which can elevate your energy levels and boost your performance in bed.

 

·        Goji berries

Eating goji berries can increase testosterone levels, stimulating libido for both men and women.

They may even be able to treat metabolic syndrome which is a precursor to erectile dysfunction. These bright red berries are recommended by nutritionists to help people look and feel younger and improve stamina, mood, and well-being which can give you more sexual confidence.

 

·        Maca

According to Organic Authority, “the maca plant is used by the Peruvian culture to increase strength, stamina, energy, fertility, and libido.”

The sweet root vegetable has been shown to boost libido and assist with erectile dysfunction in animal studies. Humans have also experienced increased sexual desire after eating foods or supplements containing maca.

 

·        Pomegranates

The pomegranate fruit is a superfood packed with tons of antioxidants. Eating pomegranates can help generate blood flow throughout your body, including the penis and clitoris. As a result, many people experience increased genital sensitivity. Studies suggest that drinking pomegranate juice might even help with erectile dysfunction.

 

·        Honey

This ooey-gooey, sticky-sweet food has many sexy qualities. Because honey is created through the pollination process, it symbolizes procreation and fertility.

Honey consists of boron which regulates testosterone and estrogen levels. It also contains nitric oxide, a gas released from the blood during arousal. In ancient Greece, honey was prescribed to increase sexual vigor. Similar to dark chocolate, honey can be played with during sex.

 

·        Ginseng

Ginseng is a root herb used for tons of therapeutic remedies in both foods and supplements.

According to Medical News Today, it can “boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction in men.” Some believe it can boost your libido and sexual performance by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing energy levels.

 

·        Red Wine

It might seem obvious, but red wine is considered to be one of the best and most powerful aphrodisiacs. It contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that decreases inflammation and stimulates blood flow throughout the body.