Natural love potion: Dietitian's list of foods to boost sexual desire

"Aphrodisiacs are products and plants that are believed to create a mood for lovemaking or increase sexual desire. According to legend, aphrodisiacs were consumed by the Italian adventurer and lover Casanova. Among other things, he would consume dozens of oysters before seducing another woman," the doctor says.

However, Shvets adds that it has not been scientifically proven that specific foods stimulate sexual desire and the functional state of human reproductive organs. But dishes and the atmosphere of dining can evoke thoughts about sex, stimulating desire in the body.

He shares a list of products considered aphrodisiacs:

Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts promote blood circulation. This improves heart health and blood pressure, contributing to the onset and maintenance of erections. Consuming 50-70 grams of pistachios daily can also be beneficial.

Avocado. One of the few fruits containing healthy unsaturated fats. It helps maintain hormone balance. Avocado also contains folic acid, necessary for histamine production, a compound released during orgasm.

Pomegranate. Pomegranate juice can improve sexual life. One study showed that drinking a glass of juice daily for 2 weeks increases testosterone levels in both men and women. This hormone is necessary for both sexes to increase sexual desire.

Chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, known as the "chemical of love." However, this property of chocolate is more of a myth than reality.

Berries. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are beneficial for overall health. They can also help men maintain erections. Berries are rich in flavonoids, which reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Additionally, blackberries contain zinc, important for testosterone production.

Alcoholic beverages. One or two glasses can set a romantic mood. One study showed that women who drank one or two glasses of red wine a day had increased sexual desire. However, excessive alcohol consumption can cause sexual problems.

Some plants can also enhance sexual desire, namely:

• Gingko biloba
• Ginseng
• Maca
• Tribulus

"Research results show that when it comes to aphrodisiacs, their effectiveness is mostly in our heads - they work if we believe they will work. Probably, this is related to the placebo effect," emphasizes the dietitian.

According to the doctor, some substances advertised as aphrodisiacs are actually very dangerous and essentially poisonous. These include:

• Spanish fly, derived from the blister beetle, which contains a toxin called cantharidin. It can cause kidney damage, genital and gastrointestinal bleeding, and mouth burning.
• Mad honey. An exotic type of honey derived from the nectar of the rhododendron bush, which contains a toxin called grayanotoxin. It causes heart problems, confusion, and other serious symptoms.
• Yohimbine. Made from the bark of a tree that grows in some parts of Africa. Yohimbine consumption may increase the risk of heart attacks and seizures.

"Aphrodisiacs cannot solve sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness due to menopause or other reasons, or lack of interest in sex. In such cases, consultation with a doctor is necessary, who can offer effective personalized therapy," says Shvets.

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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.