Aphrodisiacs That Are Healthy Foods

Cooking for Love?

An aphrodisiac is something that arouses you or intensifies sexual desire—they were named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.﻿﻿ Throughout history, the title of aphrodisiac has been bestowed upon several foods that were thought to improve sexual function or fertility.


Watch Now: Healthy Foods That May Help Your Sex Life

Today we know that aphrodisiac foods probably don't have as much of an impact on your sex life as previously thought, though many of them are still good for your health. Perhaps the longevity-promoting vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants found in these aphrodisiacs are the real secret to a healthy love life.﻿﻿

Scroll through the slideshow to see some of our favorite aphrodisiac foods.



Bananas are said to be aphrodisiacs.

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The allure of the banana as an aphrodisiac is fairly obvious, given its shape. But they have impressive nutritional benefits as well because they're rich in potassium, and also contain vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and choline. Bananas also contain an enzyme called bromelain that is said to enhance male sexual health.﻿﻿




Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman





Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Honey has a long history as a sweet and sticky aphrodisiac. It was often prescribed to newlyweds on their honeymoon by healers during ancient times.﻿﻿ From a nutrition standpoint, honey isn't much better than any other sugar, although it does have some nutrients and is easily absorbed for a quick burst of energy. But it's the flavor that makes honey so magical—a drizzle of honey can add a little decadence to any dish.




Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Avocados resemble another part of the male anatomy and have long been thought of as aphrodisiacs. Whether or not they arouse anyone to do anything is questionable, but they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and monounsaturated fats, and may also help support prostate health.﻿﻿




Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Chocolate is everywhere on Valentine's Day so it must have some aphrodisiac quality, right? Maybe—dark chocolate has antioxidants that support healthy blood vessel walls which might help to get your blood flowing.﻿﻿ The flavor and melt-in-your-mouth feel of chocolate can go a long way toward setting the mood.


Raw Oysters


Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Raw oysters are legendary as aphrodisiacs—but could it be the shape or the texture? Or maybe the nutritional content—oysters are high in zinc, which is necessary for sexual health.﻿﻿ They're also rich in protein, calcium, iron, copper, selenium, and vitamin B12, and even contain some potassium.﻿﻿



Figs are aphrodisiacs.
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Fig leaves are often used to cover the nether regions in otherwise naked figures in paintings so maybe there's some association there. Or maybe it's how ripe figs are full of seeds (and, of course, their shape). In any case, figs may or may not have any power over your sex life but they are indeed nutritious. Figs are rich in antioxidants which may help prevent cell damage,﻿﻿ and also contain a healthy dose of fiber.




Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Strawberries are associated with Venus, the Roman love goddess, and they're heart-shaped, so it's obvious why they're often thought to be aphrodisiacs. Given the low glycemic index of strawberries,﻿﻿ they are certainly among the healthiest of foods on this list. Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, folate, magnesium, and antioxidants.


Chile Peppers

Red chili peppers are aphrodisiacs.
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Chile peppers bring fire and passion to any meal and maybe they can bring that same heat to your love life. Chile peppers contain capsaicin, the natural compound that produces the heat. They're also nutritious—chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals.




Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Pomegranates are a symbol for Aphrodite, the Greek love goddess.﻿﻿ Voluptuously round ripe pomegranate fruits are laden with juicy seeds and are often associated with fertility. Pomegranates are incredibly healthy, too—its arils or "jewel-like" seeds are rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, and are loaded with fiber and antioxidants.

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Article Sources
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