An aphrodisiac is a food or drug that arouses sexual instinct, brings on desire, or increases sexual pleasure or performance. Today, there are hundreds of OTC drugs targeted at boosting both male and female libido. 

But, with the wellness movement on the rise, many people are choosing natural substances and herbs over lab-manufactured drugs, as natural aphrodisiac foods are generally safer and tend to have fewer side effects.

What’s important to note is that aphrodisiacs don’t work as a natural viagra pill. Many factors contribute to a lack of libido. It could be age-related, hormonal, stress (one of the biggest causes of a dip in sex drive these days). Food can help relieve stress, help in blood circulation and in lubrication for women, among other things. This is how aphrodisiacs are interrelated to sex drive - they are not an instant solution.

What Foods Are Aphrodisiacs?

Any food that arouses sexual desire and enhances performance can be considered an aphrodisiac.

There are a whole host of natural aphrodisiacs, ranging from red wine, dark chocolate and raw oysters to South American maca, Mediterranean chaste berry and red ginseng (used in Chinese medicine). 

However, we do suggest that you move over the usual chocolates, strawberries & oysters, and try out Indian aphrodisiac foods. Packed with nutrients, these work their magic by boosting energy levels and bringing down stress levels.

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Offering more than just pleasure & good taste, Indian aphrodisiacs are known to increase potency, improve sperm quality and boost libido. While each food has different enzymes and vitamins that have different effects, the main benefit remains the same 

There are many easily available aphrodisiac fruits in India to choose from, like bananas, figs and pomegranate. 

1. Figs

The ancient Greeks considered figs as the ‘sacred’ fruit, symbolic of love and fertility. Some cultures believe that figs may have been the fruit that caused original sin in the Garden of Eden, rather than apples! Figs are rich in amino acids, which are known to increase stamina. For healthy eggs and ovulation, you need a copious amount of iron, which figs have in abundance. If you are trying to lower your BMI (Body Mass Index) in preparation for fertility treatment, include figs in your diet as they are high in fiber and keep you full for longer periods of time. The best way to have figs: eat one soaked fig before bedtime. 

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2. Ashwagandha 

Anything that helps reduce stress, which is often the root cause of fertility and conception problems - is also what can bring results between the sheets. Ashwagandha, with its anti-inflammatory properties, is known to help lower cortisol levels, a hormone produced by the body in response to stress. The Kama Sutra calls it a “powerful sexual stimulant” for a reason - it has been clinically shown to improve both the quality and health of sperm, increase testosterone levels and significantly boost fertility in men. Several studies have shown an increase in sperm concentration with the consumption of Ashwagandha root. The best way to have it is by mixing 1 tsp with milk and drinking it before bedtime. 

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3. Shatavari

Shatavari or Indian asparagus contains phytoestrogens, the precursors of estrogens and is very helpful for women who suffer from low natural estrogen levels as a result of menopause. This herb also regulates hormonal secretion and helps prevent irregular menstrual cycle (one of the causes of fertility issues). It is therefore used to increase feminine libido. The best way to have it is to combine  1/2 tsp of Shatavari powder with water or milk and drink it before bedtime.

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4. Pine Nuts

Pine nuts have been used as a performance-enhancer for years. They are also known as “vegan oysters” because of their high zinc content, which plays a part in the production of testosterone. In addition, the magnesium in Pine nuts helps boost sex drive, restore libido and prevent pre-ejaculation. The best way to have pine nuts is to take 7 nuts with milk at night before bed.

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5. Pomegranate

If you are looking for an aphrodisiac food in India, this is probably the easiest one to get hold of. 

This is among the most common aphrodisiac foods for males and females. Reputed since antiquity as a fruit of passion & fertility, pomegranate helps improve sperm quality and mobility, sex drive and even, erectile dysfunction. Rich in antioxidants, it helps in reducing the oxidative stress in the body, getting you in some mood for love. It also helps in regulating the testosterone and estrogen levels in the body. It also helps with hormonal balance in women. Have a bowl of pomegranate as a mid-morning snack. 

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Some other aphrodisiac foods include bananas and fenugreek. With high levels of B-vitamins, potassium, bananas offer a good way for the blood vessels to relax. Studies have shown that that fenugreek may be an effective treatment to increase female sex drive.

What Is The Most Powerful Aphrodisiac?

There are several foods that have potent aphrodisiac properties, like red ginseng, watermelon, pomegranate and even fenugreek. However, this can vary from person to person, and no natural aphrodisiac can have an instant effect on sexual performance. 

Impact Of Aphrodisiacs

Like we mentioned, natural aphrodisiacs foods are not an instant solution or quick-fix treatment. What natural aphrodisiacs can do is help address some of the underlying issues that may be causing a slump in your libido and over a sustained period, improve it. 

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FAQs

Is pineapple an aphrodisiac?

Yes, pineapples do have aphrodisiac properties. They lift libido, boost happy hormones and energy levels, thanks to the presence of Vitamin C and thiamine. Pineapples also contain manganese, which is good for men’s sexual health.

Try our Pineapple Mint Pops Recipe

What is the most powerful natural aphrodisiac?

There is no one food that can be considered the most powerful natural aphrodisiac. There are several foods and fruits you can consume, like pineapples, pomegranates, bananas, figs, fenugreek, ginseng, saffron, pistachios etc. 

Does aphrodisiac have side effects?

Generally, natural aphrodisiacs don’t have any side effects, unless you are allergic to them. However, there is a herb called Yohimbe native to Africa that is being increasingly used in libido-related treatments these days, which has a range of side effects, including anxiety, weakness and even paralysis. 

What is a good female aphrodisiac?

Foods that work as female aphrodisiacs included gingko, ginseng, maca root powder, saffron, red wine, fenugreek, dark chocolate, coffee, figs, bananas and chaste berry.