The debate of aphrodisiacs and their ability to spice up your love life has always been a heated one. Whilst some individual’s legacies are due entirely to their life long commitment to these types of foods (Casanova, anyone?) many modern medicine practitioners tout the supposed benefits of aphrodisiacs. While most of the evidence for aphrodisiacs is anecdotal, it dates back to practices that have existed and passed down for thousands of years. There are historical records of the utilizations of foods and herbs as sexual performance or fertility enhancers come from a wide variety of backgrounds including ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and China to name a few.

Whether or not you believe in the direct effects of consuming these foods, the truth remains that the provisions often called aphrodisiacs are some of the healthiest and most nutrient dense foods on the planet! A healthy body means being healthy all over, so it’s not surprising to think that the benefits historically reported to directly affect sexual arousal and function were felt throughout the entire body. Once you learn what these foods do for you, you’ll probably fall in love with them too:

Oysters

The Classic! Casanova reportedly ate oysters every day, and we can’t blame him. They are incredibly high in zinc, which is essential to the proper formation of the hormone testosterone and also a key nutrient in the production of sperm. Additionally, it’s important in maintaining the senses of smell and taste, which is even more important in moments of intimacy!

Ginger

No, I’m not talking about a redhead. This powerful root has been used for thousands of years for its multitude of benefits, one of them conveniently being its ability to increase circulation. I don’t think I need to go into details about how crucial blood flow is for love making, but suffice it to say that you will feel its effects everywhere. Another bonus is that according to Ayurvedic traditions, Ginger is said to have warming qualities – a perfect quality to have when you need to heat things up!

Figs

Although in mythology their leaves represent modestly, their seeds represent fertility and shape represents sensuality. Becoming historically popular in Egypt then Greece, figs are loaded with antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals like manganese and copper and electrolytes like potassium. They are also a source of energy providing clean carbohydrates. Will all of that nourishment, you’ll be unstoppable.

Avocado

If you thought the shape of an avocado was suggestive, you wouldn’t be the first. The Aztecs called the tree of this fruit “Ahuacuatl” which translates to “testicle tree” as that is what two fruits hanging near one another resemble. Avocados are high in B vitamins, which are great for energy. It is also high in Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy reproduction, as well as antioxidants like Vitamin C, which helps to fight free radical damage and keep cells young!

Honey

Do you really think we would pass up the opportunity to mention honey in the discussion of the birds and bees? This amber coloured ambrosia is sweet, smooth and lasts forever…if only other physical experiences could be the same! Dating back centuries, the tradition of giving mead (a drink similar to wine, but using honey instead of grapes) to newlyweds was where the origin of the term honeymoon came from. Honey is high in boron, which helps to regulate hormone levels and also B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production. Eating honey will also produce a rise of serotonin in your body. Correspondingly, getting spoon fed honey by your partner in bed may cause other things to rise as well.

Are there any aphrodisiacs you think are worth noting? Any secret family love recipes to share? Let us know in the comments!