In order to give you a better service we use cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. I Agree
Celebrating over 30 years of Excellence and Innovation        |       Free Shipping on Orders Over $99
Explore superior support at every angle with Pivot™ positioning products

8 Aphrodisiacs to Spice Up Your Life

By: Sportsheets

Spice Things Up

Are you looking for a little boost in the bedroom? Life can get to you sometimes, and we often become so bogged down in everyday stresses that the last thing from our minds is sex.

Physical intimacy is an important (and healthy) part of a committed relationship. It's essential to make sure that you're not neglecting your physical needs, as sex (particularly orgasms) can have a great effect on your health.

For centuries, certain foods and substances have been rumored to have erotic properties to 'spice' up an individual's sex life.

By definition, an aphrodisiac (named after the Goddess, Aphrodite) is a food, drink or otherwise consumable substance that increases sexual desire.

How do these foods accomplish the task?  

They have been known to:

  • Reduce stress
  • Increase blood flow
  • Positively affect neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain)

To avoid feeling ?blah? in the bedroom try some (or all) of the 8 natural aphrodisiacs mentioned in this article.

1.    Chili Peppers

Chili Peppers

Historically, chili peppers were used by multiple cultures not only as an aphrodisiac but as an aesthetic, to promote cardiovascular health and to alleviate chronic pain.

Most famously, the aphrodisiac power of chili peppers was in the fortifying chocolate drink the great ruler Montezuma consumed to make his tongue dance and his pulse quicken in preparation for his daily visit to his beautiful concubines.

Chili pepper can release tones of 'feel-good' endorphins. Endorphins also give you the 'high' you'd usually get after extreme physical exertion. This floating, energizing sensation is so powerful that it can cause and addition to spicy cuisine.

The sensual power of chili peppers increases heart rate, doubling the pleasure of the meal-time Rendez-Vous.   

2.    Honey

Honey

It's been known that honey has beneficial effects on sexual health. It promotes testosterone production in men and the mineral boron present in honey aids the use of estrogen in women.

In addition, a scientific study found that a 3-ounce dose of honey significantly increased the level of nitric oxide, the chemical released into the bloodstream during arousal. Honey has also been used in the past as a home remedy for erectile dysfunction.

The use of honey as an aphrodisiac today can be traced back to many cultures and traditions whereby the sweet sticky liquid is popularly shared between lovers as a sensual food. It's often associated with:

  • blissful times
  • romance
  • union in marriages

For example, In Indian weddings, the bride offers honey to the groom as a symbol of sweetness in life.

According to ancient Viking tradition, honey is a fertility booster. The newlyweds would daily drink a cup of honeyed wine (mead) in their 1st month of marriage.

3.    Watermelon

Watermelon

Watermelon is a rich source of non-essential amino acid citrulline. Citrulline is a chemical that dilates blood vessels much like Viagra and other drugs designed to treat erectile dysfunction.

Citrulline is more concentrated in the rind than in the flesh of the fruit - which isn't ideal to eat. Researchers are trying to develop a new variety of watermelons with rind-quality concentrations in the more edible part of the fruit. 

Previous to the citrulline discovery, watermelon was valued as one of the finest natural sources of lycopene (a natural chemical which is essential for heart health and prostate health) available.

4.    Chocolate

Chocolate

Everything about chocolate is sensual! From its taste to its aroma. Research has discovered that there's more to chocolate's erotic reputation than its initial appearance. 

The aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate can be narrowed down to 2 chemicals:

  • Tryptophan
  • Phenethylamine

Tryptophan is an essential building block of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of happiness, excitement and sexual arousal. When released after climax, it brings feelings of calm, well-being and satisfaction.

Phenethylamine, on the other hand, is a stimulant that's released in the brain when people fall in love.

 

5.    Bananas

 Banana

Its shape makes the banana a shoo-in for the world's most suggestive food. However, phallic allusions aside, bananas have much to offer the world of romance.

For starters, behind that slick peel, the slender banana's fruit is packed with nutrients essential to sexual hormone production.

They contain bromelain, which is an enzyme that triggers testosterone production in men. They also contain potassium and B vitamins, which elevate energy levels.

6.    Nuts  

 Nuts

Nuts can help boost your sexual drive. Many types of nuts are high in L-arginine (an amino acid), which increases blood circulation and helps with sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and even female arousal.

Almonds are rich in an essential fatty acid that helps with hormone production and has been associated with longer and stronger erections.

Pine nuts (which are technically seeds) are rich in protein and zinc and have been used for many years to stimulate libido.

Brazil nuts have a high selenium content. According to the National Institutes of Health, selenium can boost testosterone levels in men.

7.    Pomegranate Juice

 Pomegranate

According to a study conducted by Queen Margret University in Edinburgh, pomegranate juice is a potent natural aphrodisiac due to its ability to increase testosterone levels.

Pomegranates are also filled with antioxidants which support blood flow, which can aid in promoting erectile function.

Testosterone is the male hormone that stimulates sexual appetite as well as

  • improves mood,
  • reduces stress, and
  • increases memory

8.    Cherries

 Cherries

How are cherries an aphrodisiac? At its core, the potassium in cherries can help produce hormones that are essential during sex.

Cherries display pheromone-like properties. The fruit is commonly paired with chocolate because the latter is famous for its aphrodisiac properties as well.

The fruit is loaded with antioxidants, which are linked to lovemaking and deliver nutrients that promote positive mood behavior.

Some argue that they also encourage more endurance, which is integral to the process of intercourse.

Diminished sex drive is referenced by a plethora of couples for lack of communication and intercourse. Cherries could be a cog in the system to boost awareness and a healthy vigor to share love-making.