If part of your sex prep involves having a little pre-sesh snack to curb your hunger cravings, there's a good chance you know a thing or two about aphrodisiac foods. (And if not, hi, I'm here to help). According to sexuality professional and mental health clinician Shanae Adams, an aphrodisiac is a substance thought to "encourage and/or increase libido, aka the energy and desire to have sex, and increase arousal." This is mainly physical changes, such as erection, self-lubrication, increased respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Which yes, sounds almost too good to be true, but according to the experts, it's a real thing. While you might've heard in passing that oysters are aphrodisiacs, there are also a ton of other less-exotic foods rumored to have aphrodisiac qualities that you probably eat every day (no offense to the daily oyster crowd).
From leafy greens to fruits with high water content, you'd be surprised how many natural foods are out there just waiting to kickstart your sex drive. For some people, it's all about the actual chemical reactions in the body. For others, it's more of a placebo (because there's just something supremely sexy about eating a strawberry).
Regardless, it's important to note that not everyone will respond to aphrodisiac foods the same way. Marta Montenegro, a Miami-based nutrition fertility lifestyles specialist at IVFMD, explains that some people might look for proteins and fats to boost alertness, while others turn to carbohydrates to calm nerves and relax.
Here, experts get real about some of the most popular rumored aphrodisiacs and some foods that might actually lessen your desire, so you can select your sex snacks smartly.
fcafotodigitalGetty Images
1 of 36
Arugula
Arugula is one of the oldest aphrodisiacs around and the dark, leafy greens are vital to sexual health. According to a study at Al-Nahrain University, in addition to boosting male fertility, arugula can help block out environmental contaminants that wreak havoc on our libidos.
fcafotodigitalGetty Images
2 of 36
Olive Oil
Just imagining dipping some fresh bread or pita into quality olive oil is enough to turn me on, but there are actual reasons why the oil is so damn sexy. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which keeps the skin smooth and the body running. But additionally, the oil itself has been used for sensual massages since ancient Egyptian times.
Westend61Getty Images
3 of 36
Cinnamon
Add it to your coffee, your desserts, even your veggies—cinnamon has long been used to help control blood pressure, improve overall alertness, and get you feeling cozy. It's also a good source of manganese, which is thought to help increase male sex drive.
istetianaGetty Images
4 of 36
Basil
Basil's magic is in the scent, which is supposed to be stimulating and promotes blood flow (and probably reminds you of pizza which is also very alluring), all things that enhance the libido. The plant has also been a symbol of love since Roman times.
Westend61Getty Images
5 of 36
Truffles
There are a few reasons truffles are one of the most well-known aphrodisiacs. First of all, they're rare and expensive which obviously increases their allure. Additionally, they're high in protein which promotes stamina. But most interestingly of all, their aroma is said to mimic the male pheromone which subconsciously makes people want to gobble them up.
Science Photo LibraryGetty Images
6 of 36
Julia Murray / EyeEmGetty Images
7 of 36
Sweet Potatoes
There's a good chance you know about sweet potatoes' (also called "yams") sex-boosting properties thanks to Sex and the City 2. Samantha ate them in an effort to get a "natural" dose of hormones when she had to go without her menopause supplements. The root veggie contains vitamin A, which can help generate testosterone and affects arousal.
Michelle Arnold / EyeEmGetty Images
8 of 36
Maca
According to Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, CST, an AASECT certified sex therapist, sexologist, and licensed marriage and family therapist for AdamEve.com, "Maca, the Incan root that is made into a popular tea, is also known as Peru's 'natural Viagra' and is thought to increase energy, stamina, fertility, and libido."
Montenegro notes that while the verdict isn't in yet on scientific research for Maca, however, "the plant's roots are rich in magnesium and fiber which are good for improving stamina and well-being."
istetianaGetty Images
9 of 36
Pumpkin
Marta Montenegro explains that pumpkin is high in fiber and has potassium, "both good for stamina" as well as magnesium, which can help calm nerves and muscles.
JGI/Jamie GrillGetty Images
10 of 36
Champagne
Steve McGough, who has a doctorate in sexology and a BS in biochemistry, suggests that champagne as an aphrodisiac has more to do with getting in the mood for a special occasion than for the actual science behind the bubbles. In fact, he adds, "Studies have shown that for women, limited amounts of alcohol can increase subjective desire and potentially lower inhibitions. Larger amounts or chronic consumption can reduce libido and overall health."
Johner ImagesGetty Images
11 of 36
Celery
McGough says that celery contains small amounts of androstenone, which is a pheromone that some people find attractive in men. No word on how much celery you'd have to eat to start sweating a love potion, but hey, if you have the time.
Robert DalyGetty Images
12 of 36
Garlic
It's a fact that garlic absolutely slaps in flavor and if you're chill with your partner's garlic breath, it might do wonders for you in the bedroom too. According to McGough, Garlic is high in allicin which increases blood flow and overall cardiovascular wellness.
Torbjorn LagerwallGetty Images
13 of 36
Pine Nuts
If a guy is zinc deficient, pine nuts can help increase their libido. Pine nuts also contain a variety of other health oils and phytochemicals that promote overall health and in turn, can potentially increase libido.
Basically, when your body is happy, your odds of getting turned on are higher.
Getty Images
14 of 36
Ginseng
Studies have found Asian and American varieties of the Ginseng herb to help libido and sexual performance. Clinical nutritionist Josh Axe explains, "Ginseng likely affects the central nervous system, altering hormones in the process."
Getty Images
15 of 36
Apples
McGough adds that apples have also been associated with increased sex drive. A 2014 study suggested that eating an apple a day correlated with better sexual quality of life in people with vaginas.
Getty Images
16 of 36
Stockdisc/Getty Images
17 of 36
Hot Chilies
Diana Hoppe, MD, author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life, says capsaicin, the stuff responsible for making chili peppers spicy, stimulates nerve endings on the tongue, which releases epinephrine (adrenaline), the chemical that increases your heart rate and releases endorphins (natural opiates found in your body). Just make sure you're eating them and not actually just, like, rubbing chili pepper on your partner's body—the shit will sting.
Getty Images
18 of 36
Figs
Not only do figs look sexy (anyone else completely unable to eat Fig Newtons the same way after seeing a halved fig for the first time, or just me?), Dr. Hoppe says they're also thought to be a sexual stimulant, as they're high in amino acids, which boost sexual stamina and increase libido.
Getty Images
19 of 36
Asparagus
The high amount of vitamin E in asparagus can increase blood and oxygen flow to the genitals, Dr. Hoppe explains. There are also high levels of potassium, which is linked to sex hormone production. Plus, if the suggestive phallic shape of things also helps get you in the mood, then hey, good for you!
Getty Images
20 of 36
Avocados
A sexy fun fact about your favorite $2 add-on at Chipotle: The Aztec word for avocado is "ahuacatl," which means "testicle." But besides their sex-thetic appeal, avocados also contain high levels of folic acid, vitamin B9 (which provides the body with more energy), and vitamin B6 (which helps increase testosterone production), says Dr. Hoppe.
Getty Images
21 of 36
Bananas
Your least favorite phallic fruit to eat in public, Dr. Hoppe says, contains a bromelain enzyme—believed to increase a man's sex drive—as well as high levels of potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin B2 (supes important to keep your energy levels up while you bone).
Getty Images
22 of 36
Chocolate
According to Dr. Hoppe, chocolate contains phenylethylamine—a stimulant that elicits excitement and a sense of well-being. The natural caffeine doesn't hurt either. Make sure to get dark chocolate that's at least 75 percent cacao to get the heart bennies too.
Getty Images
23 of 36
Oysters
Urban legend has it that Casanova once seduced a virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips to hers. Yum, because what about communal seafood just doesn't scream seductive? Dr. Hoppe says these puppies contain tons of zinc, a mineral important in the production of testosterone and sperm production. Plus, they contain dopamine, a brain chemical that increases desire.
Stockdisc/Getty Images
24 of 36
Pomegranates
What can't this superfood do (besides not cost an arm and a leg)? Poms are hella full of antioxidants, which are important to decrease inflammation and plaque from building in your arteries and help deliver more blood flow to all areas of your body, including your genitals. Dr. Hoppe adds that there have also been some studies that suggest pomegranate juice may be helpful with erectile dysfunction (for that $8/bottle price tag, it better, honestly).
Clarke Robertson/istock
25 of 36
Red Wine
Not only can it help you get in the mood, the resveratrol in red wine is also a powerful antioxidant, which, again, helps decrease inflammation and helps quite literally get your blood pumping.
Getty Images
26 of 36
Salmon
Dr. Hoppe says salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is important not only for heart health (hence: why you keep seeing it all over vitamin bottles) but also for helping your libido by supplying the building blocks for production of estrogen, testosterone, and progresterone.
Getty Images
27 of 36
Almonds/Walnuts
Not only have these been a symbol of fertility in art forever, they're also a prime source of beneficial fatty acids like omega-3, which, again, help with hormone production. Dr. Hoppe adds that the aroma of almonds is purported to arouse passion.
Wolfgang Amri/istock
28 of 36
Vanilla
Vanilla doesn't just smell sexy, Dr. Hoppe says it can also create an overall calming effect. No wonder all those late-night scoops of vanilla feel so damn good.
Getty Images
29 of 36
Watermelon
Besides conjuring up sexy memories of summer flings gone by, watermelon is also high in citruline, a phytonutrient, Dr. Hoppe says, that increases the amount of nitric acid in the body, which in turn increases blood flow, blood vessel relaxation, and sexual arousal.
Getty Images
30 of 36
Honey
TBT to ancient Greece, when Hippocrates used to prescribe honey for sexual vigor. This "liquid gold," as Dr. Hoppe calls it, contains boron, which helps regulate hormone levels and nitric oxide (which helps increase blood flow during arousal). Nitric oxide also helps open up blood vessels involved in creating erections and clitoral engorgement.
0 Response to "Funny Pictures of Food Having Sex"
Post a Comment