Aphrodisiacs are foods and herbs believed to put you in the mood for love making or increase sexual desire. The word comes from the name of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Foods considered aphrodisiacs are those intended to stimulate the amorous senses – sight, smell, taste and touch. Food has not been scientifically proven to stimulate the genitals. But foods and the act of eating can lead to the thought of sex, which in turn helps stimulate desire in the body. Here are some foods considered natural aphrodisiacs: 1. Chocolate Compounds in cocoa are often touted to have aphrodisiac effects, especially in women. The ancient Aztecs considered it a powerful aphrodisiac. Chocolate contains the compound phenylethylamine, also known as the “love chemical.” 2. Berries Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are aphrodisiac fruits that are good for your overall health. They can also help men maintain an erection. Research has linked foods rich in flavonoids to a lower risk of erectile dysfunction (inability to get or maintain an erection). Blackberries, for example, contain zinc, which may play a role in regulating testosterone production. 3. Avocado Avocado is one of the few fruits that contains healthy unsaturated fats. It can also help keep hormones in balance. It also contains folate, a vitamin necessary for the production of histamine, a compound that is released during orgasm. 4. Nuts Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts in particular help to pump blood in the body better. This can improve heart health and blood pressure or help get and maintain an erection. Eating 100g of pistachios may also be helpful. It also helps to reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. In one small study, men who consumed 100g of pistachios per day for 3 weeks had increased blood flow to the penis and fuller erections. 5. Saffron Saffron is a spice that is extracted from the Crocus sativus flower. It originates from Southwest Asia and is one of the most expensive spices by weight. This spice is often used as an alternative remedy to treat depression, reduce stress and improve mood. Moreover, saffron is also popular for its potential aphrodisiac properties, especially in people taking antidepressants. One study observed that a group of men who took 30 mg of saffron per day for 4 weeks had a greater improvement in erectile function than men who received a placebo. A subsequent study in women reported that those taking saffron had higher levels of arousal compared to the placebo group. 6. Fenugreek Fenugreek is a plant cultivated all over the world. Its seeds are most commonly used in South Asian dishes, but it is also popular in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory and libido-enhancing treatment.This herb contains compounds that the body can use to produce sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. In one small study, men who took 600 mg of fenugreek extract per day for 6 weeks reported increased sexual arousal and more orgasms. References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21228801/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22552758/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21312304/ https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/sex-aphrodisiac-foods https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aphrodisiac-foods#3.-Ginkgo-biloba https://www.ncbi.nlm .nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731873/