Hungry for love? We bring you some commonly known aphrodisiacs and get nutritionist Dr Sonia Narang to decode them. now, Add a dash of love to your Valentine spread and satiate those cravings.
There are foods for boosting your energy and then there are foods that boost your libido. The Greeks knew that food and sex drive are closely linked with each other. And over the years, even science has backed that ancient wisdom, that what you eat could directly impact your sexual desires.
Aphrodisiacs—foods and drinks named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty—have in them a quality to boost one’s sexual desires. And most of us eat a number of these food items without even being aware of their libido-boosting powers. Here is a checklist of the commonly found but mostly unheard of aphrodisiacs, and their effect on one’s libido.
Chocolate
The latest research says that dark chocolate is good for the heart, circulation and brain. It has even been suggested that it may be beneficial in fisting major heath challenges such as autism, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and ageing, in general.
The erotica factor: Chocolate has a sensual quality, with both its taste and aroma. Chocolate gets right to the heart of sexual pleasure by increasing the brain’s level of serotonin, the feel-good chemical. The increased brain serotonin promoted by chocolate increases sexual excitation, desire and responsiveness.
While both men and women with depleted serotonin levels demonstrate increased aggressive sexual tendencies and a higher rate of masturbation on consuming chocolate, women are more sensitive to chocolate because they have more serotonin in their systems than men do. Chocolate provides mood boost to women during PMS and menstruation, when their serotonin levels are often down, getting them in the mood for some love.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a very good source of fibre, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
The erotica factor: Asparagus is rich in potassium and folic acid, a form of complex vitamin that aids in the production of chemicals that enhance one's sex drive. It contains high levels of vitamin E, which stimulates the production of testosterone, a critical sex hormone that plays a key role in a man’s sex life. Elevated testosterone levels in a man, means higher libido. However, make no mistake; asparagus is not recommended just for men, for this vegetable is known to increase sex drive in women as well. What’s more; asparagus is an effective promoter of both male and female fertility.
Chilli
Believe it or not, chilli contains up to seven times the level of vitamin C in an orange. And chillies have
a range of health benefits, including fighting sinus congestion, aiding digestion and helping in relieving migraines and muscle, joint and nerve pain. Additionally, chilli has long been used to reduce food micro-contamination, and is considered a potential metabolism booster for weight loss. Several studies have found that it also plays a role in treating lung and prostate cancer as well as leukaemia.
The erotica factor: Chilli warms you up, gets your heart pumping, stimulates nerve endings, increases the blood flow and makes you sweat. It causes your blood vessels to expand. When your man eats fiery food, it means more blood flows into his penis, meaning a harder erection.
Watermelon
Each juicy bite of watermelon has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, and lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There’s also a modest amount of potassium in it. This quintessential
summer snack is fat-free, low in sodium and has only 40 calories, per cup.
The erotica factor: The lycopene, citrulline and beta-carotene found in watermelon may help relax blood vessels and provide a natural enhancement for revving up your sex drive. The nutrient citrulline found in watermelons has a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels. This is the same effect that Viagra has in treating erectile dysfunction. Watermelon may help improve blood flow in erectile tissues (present in the clitoris and penis), increasing arousal and helping the penis to enlarge to full capacity, thereby allowing increased size, hardness and erection frequency.
Celery
This herb is rich in vitamin C, lowers cholesterol, prevents cancer, manages arthritic pain, helps in weight loss, detoxifies the body, reduces high blood pressure and promotes overall health in many other ways.
The erotica factor: Celery contains phytoandrogens, which is similar to testosterone, and can increase sexual desire in women. When women consume celery, it increases the blood flow to their genitalia, making them more responsive. The chemical compounds in celery affect the pituitary gland, which is the primary gland that regulates the levels and actions of sex hormones in the body.
Pomegranate
This fruit is said to be a good source of vitamins A, C and E, and folic acid. It contains three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea. Known for curing heart-related problems and for maintaining effective and healthy blood circulation, pomegranates are also beneficial in curing stomach disorders, cancer, dental conditions, osteoarthritis, anaemia and diabetes.
The erotica factor: Pomegranate is high in antioxidants. So it boosts the blood flow, in turn increasing genital sensitivity. The fruit causes surges in testosterone, improves sperm quality and increases sex drive and mood, in both sexes. When the testosterone levels in men are elevated, they naturally experience greater sexual desire. Women who have elevated testosterone levels also experience an increased sex drive. Additional benefits for women include increased muscle strength and stronger bones.
Nuts
Nuts contain L-citrulline, which supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure, detoxifies the liver and helps eliminate ammonia from the body.
The erotica factor: Nuts have been linked to a healthy sex drive. The nitric oxide found in nuts helps relax the blood vessels and increase their size, which further helps in increasing the blood flow. It also boosts energy levels and increases nerve cell response. Amino acids like arginine, which are present in nuts, are necessary for sperm production and sperm mobility.
Other than this, nuts are rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acids, which are the building blocks for producing sex hormones. They also help the body store vitamins that keep humans sexually active and feeling erotic.
Nuts also increase the production of sex hormones and promote a firmer erection while improving one's
sexual performance.
Oyster
Oysters are naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals, also proteins, irons, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc and vitamin C.
The erotica factor: Oysters are high in zinc, which can trigger a surge in the production of sex hormones and help correct any deficiencies that hinder sexual arousal. They also contain two rare amino acids—D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate. They also increase testosterone in males and progesterone in females—both of which are hormones associated with heightened sexual activity.
Banana
Bananas contain a high level of vitamin B6. They are known to reduce swelling, protect against developing type-2 diabetes, aid in weight loss, strengthen the nervous system and help with the production of white blood cells.
The erotica factor: Bananas contain minerals that can boost your libido and get you involved in the game. This commonly available fruit contains vitamin B and potassium, both of which play a very important role in the body’s ability to produce sex hormones. When a man’s body has what it needs to produce male sex hormones, he will have a better chance of lasting longer in the bedroom.
Mango
Mangoes are a low-fat, low-calorie, cholesterol-free source of a variety
of nutrients. They contain vitamins A and C, dietary fibre and antioxidant compounds.
The erotica factor: The Indian therapeutic health system of Ayurveda describes mango as an easily digestible, strength-providing and sexually arousing fruit. In addition, vitamin E, which is abundantly present in mangoes helps regulate sex hormones, increases stamina and boosts one’s sex drive. Men and women with low libido can benefit by eating lots of mangoes.
Cardamom
Cardamom is known to be good for health. It provides gastrointestinal protection and controls cholesterol, offers relief from cardiovascular issues and improves blood circulation in the body. It is useful for curing dental diseases and urinary tract infections such as cystitis, nephritis and gonorrhoea.
The erotica factor: Cardamom is a natural alternative to Viagra, as it is believed to help counter male impotence. It contains cineole, a compound that increases blood flow to the sexual organs, and possesses aphrodisiac properties. It is also considered a cure for impotency, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Peach
The health benefits of peach fruit include relief from diseases like hypokalaemia, cancer, obesity, cholesterol, blood stasis and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the fruit also helps in maintaining healthy vision, skin, nervous system, healthy bones and teeth, helping in detoxification, and has anti-ageing properties.
The erotica factor: The vitamin C, present in peach, improves sperm count and the quality of the sperm. The peach fruit contains high levels of vitamin C, which is great for reducing infertility.
The writer is a nutritionist and dietitian practising in New Delhi
