From the plate straight to the bedroom

What are aphrodisiacs and how do they affect libido?

Libido is also called sexual desire. It includes sexual longing and the sensation of pleasure. Sometimes this desire can fade over time due to the routines of a relationship, problems, psychological factors, hormonal contraception, medications or alcohol consumption.

In such cases, aphrodisiacs can be an interesting option for some couples. The word comes from Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty and desire.

An aphrodisiac is a substance or food that is said to have a stimulating effect by specifically triggering sexual desire, pleasure or sometimes even the function of the sexual organs. Aphrodisiacs can increase receptivity to erotic stimuli and intensify the experience of lovemaking. They often exploit the sensory pleasure associated with eating and include fine ingredients that make shared dining a sensual experience.

Which aphrodisiac foods exist and how do they work?

Rather than artificial mood enhancers, take a look in the kitchen: the aim of aphrodisiac foods is to increase partners' receptivity to erotic stimuli, boost performance and make the act of love more intense.

This is about pure sensory pleasure associated with food, that is, anything that responds to erotic stimuli: tasting, smelling, touching, seeing and even hearing. In addition to select and stimulating ingredients, the artful preparation of aphrodisiacs from foods, plants and spices is included, making shared enjoyment a sensual experience.

Worldwide there are several hundred plants believed to have aphrodisiac properties, although scientific proof is often lacking. For asparagus, carrots, horseradish and similar roots, it is sometimes claimed that one can infer a libido‑enhancing effect from the shape of the plant or its flower.

If you want to pamper and seduce your partner with culinary refinements, consider this: a full stomach is no friend of love! Of course both partners should be satisfied, but only as much as necessary. Otherwise the reward for romantic efforts will be tiredness rather than sensuality.

How do aphrodisiacs act on the limbic system?

Aphrodisiac foods are also thought to have a positive effect on the limbic system in the brain through their visual, olfactory and gustatory stimuli. This area plays a key role in emotions and the release of endorphins. As a result, blood vessels dilate, circulation gets a boost and blood flow is stimulated – a powerful kick for sexual desire.

What alternatives to medical potency drugs do aphrodisiacs offer?

Although aphrodisiacs are not officially classed as potency enhancers, they have been shown to have a positive effect on libido: improved circulation and increased wellbeing certainly contribute to greater sexual desire. Effectiveness can vary individually, however, since each body reacts differently.

The effect also depends on personal taste preferences. If you dislike a particular food, it is unlikely to stimulate you.

Even if the effect is only placebo, the outcome is the same: medical experts recommend trying natural aphrodisiacs first before considering medical potency drugs such as Viagra.

These foods can turn your next romantic dinner into a sensory experience

• Oysters. Zinc deficiency can lead to impotence in men. A single oyster covers the daily zinc requirement of an adult man. Their high protein and zinc content are said to promote the production of male sperm. Zinc also supports production of the male sex hormone testosterone and good blood circulation. Proteins naturally have an aphrodisiac effect as well.
• Chilies. Chili is said to improve blood flow to the sexual organs while releasing feel‑good hormones such as endorphins and dopamine. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat. Chili also works as a spice in flaked form. The spice stimulates the taste buds and the whole organism.
• Pomegranate. Consumed daily as juice, it lowers cortisol levels, which can in turn stimulate production of the sex hormone testosterone – in both men and women. This, in turn, can increase desire. Pomegranate contains, among other things, phytoestrogens, essentially plant‑based female sex hormones.
• Artichoke. It contains essential oils with a stimulating effect that may encourage the body's production of the female sex hormone oestrogen. For this reason it is often credited with aphrodisiac effects in women.
• Alcohol. Alcohol is relaxing and disinhibiting up to a blood alcohol concentration of around 0.5‰. It reaches the brain via the bloodstream or the olfactory mucosa and acts on the limbic system. Hormones are released. If significantly more is consumed and blood alcohol rises above 0.5‰, alcohol often has the opposite effect.
• Chocolate. Chocolate makes people happy. Dark chocolate raises levels of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters. These are responsible for feelings of wellbeing and thus also for sexual arousal. A hot chocolate spiced with chili or vanilla becomes a stimulating drink. The reason is the messenger substance phenylethylamine, which is also present in our brain. It particularly excites women.
• Bananas. The yellow fruit contains a large amount of magnesium, a mineral that has a positive effect on male libido. The same applies to the potassium in bananas. Potassium helps maintain lower blood pressure and thus protects against heart disease. A healthy heart is better able to pump blood through the body – including to the penis. In this way, the banana helps prevent erectile problems.
• Nutmeg. Nutmeg contains the active compound myristicin, which is said to increase sexual desire. It works best when the nut is grated. But beware: consuming too much nutmeg can cause fullness, headaches and in the worst case even poisoning.
• Vanilla. The aromatic compound vanillin in vanilla is chemically related to human pheromones, often referred to as sexual attractants. These pheromones are exchanged between men and women and are present in particularly high concentrations during lovemaking. Therefore the scent elicits a similar arousal response as human sexual attractants.
• Ginger. The compounds zingiberol and gingerol have anti‑inflammatory, warming and circulation‑promoting effects, including in the intimate area. The spicy root is thought to increase sensuality and sexual desire.
• Ginseng. Ginseng is known to boost performance, stimulate metabolism and the cardiovascular system. This also combats lack of sexual desire. Red ginseng in particular counteracts low libido and improves sexual life. Among other things, it supports erectile function of the penis.
• Asparagus. Indian asparagus in particular supports erectile function of the penis because its constituents act in a way similar to testosterone. Asparagus promotes circulation in the lower abdomen and is rich in trace elements such as folate and phosphorus, which positively affect libido.
• Celery. The root contains hormones similar to testosterone, making it a male aphrodisiac. Celery is also used in women as a natural remedy for sexual dysfunction.
• Turmeric. Curcumin is said to improve the firmness and function of the male organ by increasing activity in erectile tissue.
• Maca. This superfood contains many trace elements such as boron, selenium, magnesium and zinc as well as valuable minerals and helps prevent decreases in libido. Simply add maca drops to a smoothie or dilute in water.
• Saffron. The precious threads of saffron particularly improve women's sex life. Regular intake of saffron increases sexual arousal.

The world of aphrodisiacs reveals a fascinating connection between cuisine and sensuality. Whether their effects are based on scientific evidence or are placebo, one thing is certain: a shared meal with stimulating ingredients can lift the mood and sharpen the senses for romantic experiences.