12 Aphrodisiac Foods That Are Actually Worth Trying, Based On Science

According to psychotherapist and sexologist Jessica Cline, LCSW, Ph.D., aphrodisiacs are foods or substances people ingest for a temporary boost to their sexual experience, whether that's to elicit a spark, enhance sexual pleasure, or increase sex drive, desire, arousal, and performance. 

The science behind aphrodisiacs depends on the particular substance, says Ashley D. Sweet, M.A., LPC, LMHC, CCRC, a licensed psychotherapist and clinical researcher who specializes in sex and pleasure. In general, most aphrodisiacs are believed to work because they increase blood flow, which may help activate the bodily senses, or because they may release feel-good neurochemicals that help relax the mind.

That said, while people often slurp down oysters in hopes that they're an aphrodisiac, Cline says there isn't enough scientific evidence to support many of the aphrodisiacs of pop culture. She explains that when studied, most research doesn’t confirm that foods often considered being aphrodisiacs—such as cocoa, berries, or food resembling genitalia—create a meaningful [sexual] response.

"These foods may increase vital nutrients, such as zinc or magnesium, which help your body function properly (including sexual function), but [they aren't] the pop of horniness that is claimed," Cline says.

Some aphrodisiacs have more scientific evidence behind them1 than others. Among those substances claiming aphrodisiac properties that don't have solid evidence, Sweet notes that a placebo effect is often the true science driving their success as sexual enhancers. "In these cases, the aphrodisiacs work because the person using them believes that they'll work."

Could Beyoncé have been right about this fruit? According to Diana Hoppe, M.D., board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life, the answer is yes. 

Watermelon is a rich source of citrulline, a naturally occurring amino acid, which Hoppe explains relaxes and dilates blood vessels, similar to Viagra and other drugs aimed at treating erectile dysfunction. "All that citrulline results in increased blood flow, blood vessel relaxation, and sexual arousal," which may lead to improvements in blood flow to the erectile tissue and the clitoral area, Hoppe explains.

A Peruvian root vegetable and popular superfood powder, maca has been found to increase libido2 and help postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, as well as men with erectile dysfunction. Another study also found that it can help boost sexual desire for people taking SSRI antidepressants, which are often linked with reduced sex drive as a side effect. Plus, maca contains arginine, which may support blood flow and has also been linked to increased levels of testosterone3 in animal studies. Testosterone is a hormone that influences libido and sexual functioning4.

For hundreds of years, oysters have been considered a natural aphrodisiac and used to increase sex drive and desire. Despite this, their effect on libido is still met with skepticism.

However, both Hoppe and Gloria Tsang, a registered dietitian and founder of Simply Zero Foods, believe they can be effective in certain quantities. "A lot of shellfish—including oysters, clams, crabs, lobsters, and mussels—are high in zinc, which can trigger a surge in the production of sex hormones," notes Tsang. 

Numerous studies suggest that this pricey ​Southwest Asian spice can actually bring the heat. Five studies5, part of a systematic review, found saffron had a significant positive effect on sexual dysfunction. Another study found6 that it boosted arousal and lubrication in women, while another showed that it proved successful in improving erectile function7 with 30 milligrams of saffron per day. 

Antioxidants have been shown to wield a hefty range of potential benefits on our sexual health. For starters, they relax the blood vessels (potentially helpful for erections) and are thought to improve testosterone levels11. Researchers have also found that increased consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction by 38%. 

In general, there are many known benefits of magnesium. A daily dose of this important mineral is associated with better sleep quality, better cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes12, support for mental well-being13, and much more. When it comes to your sexual health, research suggests magnesium may help testosterone14 remain in your bloodstream. Magnesium also promotes relaxation and regulates stress hormones, so you might even be able to enjoy yourself more during the act.

Zinc sustains our health in many ways, making it an essential nutrient. (It's literally found in every cell of your body!) Besides supporting our immune systems, metabolism, and brain health, zinc also helps in the production of the key sex hormone testosterone.

Why is this important? Because low testosterone is associated with low libido, fatigue, and even erectile dysfunction. Testosterone significantly increases sex drive, making zinc a bedrock for sexual function. According to one study, zinc is essential for male fertility15.  

While some aphrodisiac foods have some scientific evidence backing their ability to get you in the mood, others are considered to be enhancing simply because of their sexy shape, texture, or the seductive ways you can eat them. 

Across big and small studies, many herbal and natural aphrodisiacs have been scientifically proven to improve sexual dysfunction. Sourced from around the world, these herbs are rich in nutrients that support health, making it easier to connect with your desire.

An extract from the ancient tree species native to China, Ginkgo biloba is another herb commonly seen in traditional Chinese medicine. It's typically used as a remedy for depression, sexual dysfunction, and other ailments because of its ability to increase blood flow—which is a major reason it makes a worthy aphrodisiac. 

Sometimes called "herbal Viagra," Yohimbe is a West African herb that's found in the bark of yohim trees. For centuries, this herbal aphrodisiac has been considered one of the best ways to naturally enhance sexual performance, and some studies have found it useful in supporting healthy erections19.

A wild shrub native to South and Central America, Texas, Mexico, and the Caribbean, dried Damiana leaves have long been used as an aphrodisiac to improve ​​sexual response. It's also said to have hormone-balancing benefits. 

Many people enjoy an alcoholic drink or use cannabis before having sex to relax and open themselves up. In fact, Sweet shares that new research21 is emerging about cannabis, CBD, and wine acting as aphrodisiacs. 

Not many people can relax their bodies enough to enjoy sex when their stress or anxiety levels are sky-high. Whether you're experiencing life stress or specific sex-related anxiety, these feelings are a known barrier to an active libido and proper sexual functioning, not to mention getting or maintaining an erection. 

Experiencing a lull in sexual desire and frequency at various points of a relationship is normal. However, you don't have to stay in that place. Focusing on improving, and sometimes rediscovering, your connection to each other can boost both your sex drives.

Sexual desire is complex and factors in both psychological and physical components. Even if you have a physical condition that affects libido, bettering your emotional and psychological response to sex can be just as key to enhancing sexual functioning.

Exploring new ways to enhance your sex life is a varied experience that, yes, can include food. Aphrodisiacs can be a creative way to boost your and your partner's libido, though there's much to be aware of. Note that some supplements containing insect or plant extracts can come with side effects, so always consult your health care provider before adding any new ones. They can also look into underlying medical conditions, offer suggestions, or refer you to a sex therapist or counselor to help you support your libido in other ways.