There are plenty of things you can do to get yourself in the mood for sexy time. One such option is eating foods that can potentially increase your libido. That’s right: We’re talking about aphrodisiacs. Keep reading for more information on these frisky foods and whether they can really do anything for your sex life.

What are aphrodisiacs — and do they really work?

An aphrodisiac is defined as any food or drug that arouses the sexual instinct, induces venereal desire, and increases pleasure and performance, as noted in a 2013 article published in the journal Pharmacognosy Review.

Named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, aphrodisiacs are foods that have been known to spike sexual desire. “[Aphrodisiacs] have been used for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using various herbs, spices, and foods to increase sexual desire,” explains Ketan Parmar, MD, psychiatrist and mental health expert at ClinicSpot. “Though the effectiveness of these aphrodisiacs has not been scientifically proven, many people still swear by them.”

Certain foods contain feel-good compounds (like capsaicin in chili peppers) that can help enhance bodily sensations. Meanwhile, fruits like cherries, pomegranates, and strawberries can help improve blood flow. And other foods like asparagus, figs, and oysters resemble our intimate bits. 

List of aphrodisiacs

Chocolate

Chocolate is perhaps one of the most popular aphrodisiacs out there. Parmar says it contains several chemicals that can enhance arousal levels and mood, including phenylethylamine, which helps boost endorphins, and tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin. Chocolate also contains antioxidants, which can help increase energy and reduce stress levels.

Figs

Figs are a powerful aphrodisiac due to their high vitamin C content, which helps boost fertility in both men and women, shares Parmar. They also contain amino acids that work to improve circulation and sexual energy levels. Lastly, figs have an inherently sweet flavor that’s said to induce feelings of passion and desire. Bow-chick-a-bow-wow.

Oysters

Oysters are probably one of the most widely known aphrodisiacs out there due to their high zinc content. “Zinc is essential for the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone, and helps promote healthy sperm production,” notes Parmar. Additionally, oysters contain dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemicals that induce feelings of pleasure.

Here are a few more noteworthy aphrodisiacs:

• Almonds
• Artichokes
• Arugula
• Asparagus
• Basil
• Beets
• Celery
• Chasteberry
• Cinnamon
• Coffee
• Fenugreek
• Epimedium
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng
• Honey
• Hot and spicy chili peppers
• Maca
• Olive oil
• Pine nuts
• Pistachios
• Pumpkin
• Red ginseng
• Red wine (in moderation, of course, since too much alcohol can have the opposite effect on your sex drive)
• Saffron
• Salmon
• Sweet potatoes
• Tribulus
• Truffles
• Vanilla
• Walnuts

Important note: Some of these foods are more commonly found in supplements — and though some of these foods and ingredients are known as aphrodisiacs, more human studies need to be done to solidify a few of these. Hey, if you want to try them anyway, go for it and live your truth. And who knows — it may even help to boost libido. Just be sure to double check with your doctor if you’re unsure.

Aphrodisiac fruit

Certain fruits may be able to give you a boost in the bedroom. They include:

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Cherries
• Pomegranates
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

Fun fact: If you love avocado toast, then you may feel friskier. Parmar says avocados are another popular aphrodisiac due to their nutrient-rich composition. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E, which can help boost sexual desire. Avocados also contain healthy fats that can help balance hormone levels and increase libido.

The bottom line on aphrodisiacs

Whether you’re interested in aphrodisiac fruit or all of the aphrodisiacs, this list of aphrodisiacs may help to enhance your next sexual soiree. Sure, they may just offer a placebo effect more than anything else — but if a romantic dinner complete with figs, oysters, and chocolate-dipped strawberries sounds appealing and delicious to you and your partner, why not indulge?

Many of these aphrodisiacs and aphrodisiac fruit offer many other health and nutritional benefits outside of the bedroom when part of a regular diet — so there’s no harm in trying one or more of these. Plus, enjoying a few of these aphrodisiacs is actually the perfect low-budget date idea.

So go grocery shopping with your partner for this list of aphrodisiacs, then get your top chef hat on and have a cozy date night in. Who knows, you may even skip the dessert course and head straight for the bedroom. (Cue the orgasms.)