Nutritious foods are not only great for overall bodily function, they can also enhance your love life. These healthy aphrodisiac foods contain vitamins and nutrients that can improve fertility, promote healthy reproductive organs, balance hormones and, as a result, take feelings of romance to another level.
These aphrodisi-snacks are healthy enough to incorporate into your diet on the reg, so while you’re eating right for your for nutrition and fitness goals, you can support your libido while you’re at it.
Need healthy recipe ideas for the ingredients below? Check out Mealplan on iOS.
PINE NUTS
Pine nuts are a natural aphrodisiac, and because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pine cones, they are extremely high in zinc! Zinc helps the body produce and regulate many hormones including testosterone. Pesto for two, please!
ARUGULA
The minerals and antioxidants found in dark leafy greens like arugula have been proven to block environmental contaminants that could negatively harm libido. Just another reason to love your leafy greens!
HONEY
Honey contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost. The word ‘honeymoon’ originates from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey given to the happy new bride and groom! Do we hear wedding bells?
Try honey on these Blueberry Honey Pancakes from Mealplan App!
CHOCOLATE
Dark chocolate has shown to spike dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. The aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are attributed to two chemicals: tryptophan and phenylethylamine.
Tryptophan is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in arousal.
Phenylethylamine is a stimulant related to amphetamine, and is released in the brain when two people fall in love. Need we say more? Get after that sweet tooth.
Try this chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe by Michelle Lewin on Mealplan App!
BANANA
The sweet and hearty banana contains bromelain, and its potassium and vitamin B contents elevate energy levels.
In Central America, the sap of the red banana tree is sipped as an aphrodisiac elixir. Order that banana split or try slicing up a banana and baking it in the oven with some coconut oil and cinnamon.
OYSTERS
Oysters are an amazing source of zinc. Three ounces of cooked oysters contain almost 500 percent of the daily recommendation. Plus, nutrients like magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12 can help keep your energy up on date night! They even contain dopamine, a brain chemical that increases desire. Try them with just a bit of lemon juice or tangy cocktail sauce.
CHILES
This bright-red colored exotic spice is considered a natural aphrodisiac and a symbol of love. Chile peppers also stimulate endorphins (the brain’s feel-good chemicals), speed up heart rate and make you sweat. Where’s the salsa at?
WATERMELON
Watermelon relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation, making for a relaxed and feel-good date night. Watermelon is also high in the organic compound citrulline, which increases the amount of nitric acid in the body. This increase promotes blood flow, blood vessel relaxation, and ultimately, arousal. Two watermelon margaritas, por favor!
MACA
Maca is a Peruvian sweet root vegetable that grows in the heart of the Andean mountains, and it’s increasing in popularity throughout the world as an aphrodisiac and fertility booster.
Maca is believed to support the reproductive system, balance hormones and get your libido going.
For long-term effects, add maca to your coffee or Mealplan App antioxidant shake in the mornings.
Which of these healthy aphrodisiac foods light your fire? Click here to find out!
