The 16 Best Aphrodisiac Foods to Increase Pleasure

Chocolate, ginger, and cinnamon are well-known aphrodisiac foods. Why not think about incorporating them into your meals to increase pleasure during intimate moments?
The 16 Best Aphrodisiac Foods to Increase Pleasure

Last update: 05 April, 2019

By eating so-called “aphrodisiac foods” you can increase your sexual desire. This is due to the nutrients they contain, which function as vasodilators or increase certain hormone levels. As a result, these aphrodisiac foods increase sexual arousal.

Below, we’ll give you some detailed information about these foods and their effects on the human body.

The best aphrodisiac foods

If you’re planning a romantic evening and you want to prepare the perfect atmosphere, consider including the following aphrodisiac foods in your recipes.

1. Oysters: one of the most renowned aphrodisiac foods

This food is an aphrodisiac thanks to its high zinc content. Zinc is a nutrient which is not only an antioxidant but also helps to promote the regeneration of skin cells. Additionally, this food helps purify the liver, which can improve your mood and increase testosterone production. As a result, your libido increases.

2. Chocolate: the sweetest of the aphrodisiac foods

Thanks to the tryptophan and phenethylamine found in chocolate, it’s one of the most well-known aphrodisiac foods. Tryptophan is an amino acid that activates the production of serotonin, a hormone linked to pleasure and mood.

On the other hand, phenethylamine is a stimulant that’s released when we fall in love.

3. Strawberries: just one of the fruits considered to be aphrodisiac foods

This is a widely used aphrodisiac food, above all when served with cream. This fruit activates the endocrine glands that reduce stress and increases blood flow. As a result, it increases the ability to achieve an erection.

On the other hand, it stimulates the central nervous system and contributes to the body’s relaxation, which favors an increase in sexual desire. Hungry for dessert? How do strawberries and cream sound?

4. Basil: aphrodisiac herb

This herb increases heart rate and improves blood flow, which increases sexual desire. Add it as a spice to one of your meals and experiment!

Woman eating a giant watermelon slice aphrodisiac foods

5. Watermelon

Watermelon is very good for sexual desire because it contains citrulline. This is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves blood flow. As a result, watermelon can increase arousal and stimulate an erection in men.

6. Coconut water

Coconut water has a high content of minerals and vitamin C. This beverage contains the same amount of electrolytes as blood, so it helps speed up the metabolism and increase blood flow.

7. Honey

You should consume raw honey to raise your testosterone levels. This hormone increases masculine sexual desire. Additionally, it’s rich in vitamin B and contains boron, which increases the production of estrogen, which is important for female sexual desire.

8. Ginger

This is a great ingredient to add to your recipes! Additionally, it increases circulation and body temperature. In fact, it’s one of the aphrodisiac foods that are able to increase sexual desire and pleasure.

9. Bananas

Bananas are aphrodisiacs because they contain bromelain, an enzyme that stimulates the production of testosterone. They also contain potassium and vitamin B and they give you a lot of energy.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon produces a thermal effect and increases sexual desire. It’s also a very healthy food with anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Having tea with honey and cinnamon is a great way to mix these two aphrodisiac foods.

11. Asparagus

This vegetable is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamins B6, A, and C, thiamine, and folic acid. At the same time, it stimulates the release of histamines, which are involved in increasing your ability to reach orgasm, as much for men as for women.

12. Pomegranate 

Pomegranate juice has a similar effect to Viagra. On the other hand, the seeds of this red fruit improve blood flow and increase genital sensitivity.

13. Carrots: vegetables are also aphrodisiac foods

This food also contains vitamins that are important for hormone production. For example, vitamin A is involved in the production of sex hormones and helps protect the male reproductive cells from premature aging. Carrots also increase sperm production.

Fresh carrots bunch with green tops on wooden surface

14. Cardamom

This plant has a warm and spicy flavor. It can increase blood flow, which is probably what explains its aphrodisiac properties. Cardamom is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

15. Celery

Celery has two important components: androstenone and androstenol, which make you feel more sexual attraction when you consume them.

16. Arugula

Apart from its aphrodisiac properties, arugula aids in digestion and is a great source of vitamins A and C. Therefore, it improves the functioning of the organism, favors wellbeing, and promotes sexual desire.

Try adding these aphrodisiac foods to your diet!

As you can see from this article, there are many aphrodisiac foods that can help increase your libido, thanks to their nutrients.

Choose the food you like the most and consume it by itself, as with watermelon, or add a herb such as basil to your dishes. Finally, there are so many options. Get cooking and prepare to feel more sexual desire!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Garcés García-Espinosa, Luis & Yoldi, Tatiana & Ledesma, Luis. (2009). Sobre los alimentos denominados afrodisíacos. Revista Cubana de Alimentación y Nutrición. 19. 194-210.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.