Milk
Oysters
You’ve heard what they say about oysters—and as it turns out, the urban legend is true. The seafood delicacy has earned its reputation as an aphrodisiac thanks to its high levels of zinc, a nutrient which helps produce sperm and increases libido.
Asparagus and Other Veggies
Liver
It may be hard to find someone who enjoys eating liver, but it can make you a better lover, so why not try it? The reason: Liver is loaded with zinc, which is necessary to maintain optimum levels of testosterone. “Inadequate zinc levels prevent the pituitary gland from releasing hormones that stimulate testosterone production,” James explains. “Zinc also inhibits the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into excess estrogen.”
Red Wine
Eggs
Caviar
And of course, caviar is a type of egg too! It contains the same B5 and B6 vitamins that chicken eggs have, which balance hormone levels.
Bananas
Penis jokes aside, bananas really do help you get in the mood. They’re loaded with potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and the bromeliad enzyme—ingredients that enhance the male libido.
Flaxseed
“Lignans are another exemplary phytoestrogenic food group,” says James. They’re present in a wide variety of plant foods, including seeds (flax, flax seed oil, pumpkin, sunflower, poppy), whole grains (rye, oats, barley), and fruits (particularly berries). “Flaxseed is by far the richest dietary source of plant lignans,” says James.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only a healthier alternative to French fries, they’re also a good “sex” food. It’s simple—your body transforms the beta-carotene found in the vegetable into vitamin A, which keeps your vagina and uterus in good shape, plus helps produce sex hormones.
Coffee
Chocolate
Pumpkin Seeds
Nutmeg
According to Indian researchers, nutmeg extract is an aphrodisiac. Simply put, it stimulates nerve cells and blood circulation, which boosts sexual desire. Try adding it to your coffee for a double dose of sexy.
Truffles
Sunflower Seeds
Like oatmeal and pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds have a similar effect to boost hormone levels and sex drive, thanks to the good oils they contain.
Fish
Peanuts
Peanuts are high in zinc, which has proven to help the body produce healthier sperm by increasing sperm count and motility. “A USDA study found that semen volume dropped 30 percent when zinc intake was low,” James says.
Edamame
Roast Beef
Like liver, roast beef is also loaded with zinc. But for nutrition’s sake, if you’re going to eat roast beef to amp up your sex drive, go with the low-fat kind, such as that found in the beef shoulder, shank, and chuck, which contains about 10 mg of zinc per 100 g serving.
Mutton or Lamb
Avocado
Avocados’ sexy shape mimics the curves of a female body, but the sexual characteristics don’t end there. The fruit also contains vitamin B6 and potassium that gives the system a sexual boost. Spanish priests in history forbade them to their parishioners, in fact.
Oatmeal
Strawberries
Eating this sweet fruit—especially when dipped in libido-boosting dark chocolate—can be sensual enough on its own. But these berries can also help improve circulation, which in turn is crucial for sexual health in both men and women. Plus, they’re rich in vitamin C, which along with antioxidants has been linked to higher sperm counts in men.
Watermelon
It turns out this summertime favorite may be better off for Valentine’s Day than the Fourth of the July. Scientists at Texas A&M found that the phytonutrients in the low-calorie fruit, including lycopene, beta carotene and citruline, can help relax blood vessels—much like Viagra does—and may help increase libido.
