11 Aphrodisiac Foods That Might Just Help Level Up Your Sex Drive

There are a few reasons why truffles—particularly black and white ones—are some of the most well-known aphrodisiacs around. First of all, they're rare and expensive, which increases their ~allure~ They're also high in protein, which promotes stamina. But most interestingly of all, Silcox says it’s their aroma that truly gets folks (and animals!) in the mood.

“The tiny truffle has the capacity to take us into the musky qualities of our humanity, with some even claiming the truffle has a sexual pheromone-like scent,” she explains. Basically, these sex stimulators are rumored to mimic male pheromones, which subconsciously makes people (and, um, pigs?) want to gobble ‘em up.

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.”

Maca usually comes as a powder, so it’s super easy to add to tea, coffee, milk—whatever. And beyond all the sexy perks, Silcox says maca can help balance hormones with its adaptogenic properties and reduce PMS. Plus, it’s full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals! Love that for us.

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.”

As the holy grail of Chinese medicine, Silcox says the biological effects of ginseng are “undeniable.” Starting around 3500 BCE, Emperor Shen-Nung used the herb to manage erectile dysfunction and increase desire. It’s still one of the most widely recognized aphrodisiacs on the market to this day, whether you shave it into a soup or put some powder in your fav warm drink. Silcox says it’s also great for reducing fatigue, de-stressing, neutralizing free radicals, and general immune system support, so go get you some ASAP, mmk?

While this stemless red herb (native to native to India, Iran, and Greece) might be a bit pricey, Silcox says it’s worth more than its weight in gold thanks to its hormone-balancing properties. “Saffron has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a women’s fertility support for hundreds of years,” she explains.

Steve McGough, who has a doctorate in sexology and a BS in biochemistry, adds that there’s some impressive evidence for saffron’s effect on sex drive as well. Saffron’s history as an aphrodisiac dates back to Cleopatra, who reportedly bathed in saffron-infused milk for its aphrodisiac qualities. Recent studies have also shown that saffron helps increase sperm motility and can decrease some of the sexual side effects of taking certain antidepressants. Sprinkle a bit in some warm milk to feel all regally aroused.

A fun fact about your favorite 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 (which is v important during pregnancy), vitamin B9 (which provides the body with more energy), and vitamin B6 (which helps increase testosterone production), says Diana Hoppe, MD, author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life.

Not only are avocados supes lubricating (wink wink), but Silcox notes that their oil is one of the best collagen-saving substances on the planet. “An avocado a day gives us smoother, more moisturized skin (all body parts included),” she says.

As for avocados upping your sex drive, Tebbs says that, according to recent research by Green Chef, out of six popular diets, the keto diet (in which avocados are popular) was found to experience the most significant boost in lifestyle benefits. “More than 50 percent of people following a keto diet claimed to have better sex due to increased libido than those following other diets. The high level of aphrodisiac foods that can often be found in a keto diet, such as avocados and asparagus, could be one of the factors contributing to an increased sex drive.”

Does it get any sexier than chocolate? Clearly, that’s a rhetorical Q bc, no! It actually doesn’t! “There is a reason we’ve been giving one another this substance as a romantic gesture for hundreds of years; it’s the quintessential aphrodisiac food from the ancient Aztecs,” says Silcox. While chocolate is erotic (and delicious) when drizzled all over your lover, there’s actually some science as to *why* the treat gets us all hot and bothered.

It turns out, chocolate contains multiple compounds that can boost mood and arousal, such as phenylethylamine, serotonin, and anandamide. “It is also rich in PEA, a.k.a. ‘the love chemical,’ which is believed to promote feelings of well-being and happiness,” Silcox explains. The natural caffeine doesn’t hurt either. Make sure to get dark chocolate that’s at least 75 percent cacao to get the heart benefits, too.

From their look to their texture to their taste, it’s pretty damn clear why oysters are one of the most renowned foods of foreplay. 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 heaps of zinc, a mineral important in the production of testosterone and sperm production. Plus, they contain dopamine, a brain chemical that increases desire.

Silcox adds that oysters are high in many things we need for sexual vitality and general health, including vitamins B12, C, and D, as well as omega-3 fats, iron, selenium, and copper.

Not only have walnuts been a symbol of fertility in art forever, but they’re also a prime source of beneficial fatty acids like omega-3, which, again, can help with hormone production. “Walnuts are great for the brain, and as we know, sex often starts in our psychology,” explains Silcox. “The science is clear—walnuts give us an amazing boost of unsaturated fats, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acid. It also practically squirts out vitamin E and polyphenols, which can help reduce oxidative stress and lower inflammation.”

If walnuts aren’t your snack of choice, Dr. Hoppe adds that the aroma of almonds is purported to arouse passion, so grab a party mix and chow down.

TBT to ancient Greece, when Hippocrates prescribed 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.

Also, have you seen honey? It literally looks sensual, right? “Oftentimes, the appearance and smells of foods are what makes them sexy,” says Silcox. “Honey reminds us of the vital, life-bringing sap of our sexual fluids. It is also the deep nourishment of life, the sweetness of our passion and pleasure. Honey is a condensed effort—much like our human baby-making substances.”

While the legend says that strawberries originated from the heart-shaped tears of Aphrodite after she learned of her lover Adonis’s death, modern-day strawberries are anything but a bummer. Dr. Hoppe says they’re loaded with vitamin C, which is important for the production of sex hormones and chemical neurotransmitters in the brain to increase libido. Plus, vitamin C can help keep your immune system up.

Also, let’s talk about their aesthetics for a sec. “Perhaps more than anything, strawberries are so sexy because they just look like something you want to put in your mouth,” says Silcox. Remember that scene from the OG Gossip Girl when Serena eats a chocolate-covered strawberry, and Dan loses his GD mind? I rest my case.

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. These fruits are so erotic, Silcox adds that in Spain, the vagina is sometimes called “the fig,” which basically says all you need to know.

“Figs, plums, apples, pears, and berries—cross-culturally, these fruits have often aroused images of Eve and her feminine body expression,” she explains. “On a physical level, berries are super high in antioxidants, making them one of the healthiest foods on the planet.”