If you had to choose between eating a rich piece of chocolate cake and having mind-blowing sex, which would you pick?
If you're finding it a tough call, here's why: Food and sex are two of the strongest and most closely linked human desires. "The satisfaction from eating a delicious meal and the satisfaction from having sex both activate pleasure receptors in the brain," says Audrey T. Cross, Ph. D., formerly a professor of nutrition at Columbia University's School of Public Health. "This explains why humans often associate eating with sex."
And while the notion of aphrodisiacs is largely unfounded, there are certain foods that can energize you, trigger your libido, and give you stronger orgasms. Eat these 11 foods regularly for a boost in the bedroom.
Share a dark chocolate dessert
Of course, the act of devouring something gooey and decadent is incredibly sensual. But there's an even sweeter side to chocolate: According to research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, a compound in dark chocolate called phenylethylamine releases the same endorphins triggered by sex and increases the feelings of attraction between two people. And indulging could pay off in bed: The Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that those who consume at least one cube of dark chocolate daily experience greater desire and better overall sexual function than those who don't partake.
Add a carnal condiment
A spicy meal can spice up your romance. Sauces, sides, and dressings made from chili peppers (such as hot sauce or salsa) contain the chemical capsaicin, whose effects mirror the signs of arousal (sweating, tingles, rapid heart rate, and flushed cheeks). And, according to WH advisor Yvonne K. Fulbright, Ph. D., people tend to credit their date with evoking those spine-tingling feelings.
Munch on a banana
Got pre-date jitters? Eat a banana a few hours before your rendezvous. This yellow superfruit helps release serotonin (the happy chemical) into your bloodstream, lifting your mood and calming your nervous system. And they have a sexy side effect: "Bananas contain potassium, a mineral that increases muscle strength, an element crucial to orgasm," says Lou Paget, author of The Great Lover Playbook. Nibble on asparagus
It can make your pee smell funky (so not sexy), but this vegetable is bursting with folate, a B vitamin that increases blood levels of histamine, a neurotransmitter that helps you orgasm. "Asparagus also contains the plant chemical protodioscin, which has been shown to boost arousal and even help combat erectile dysfunction in some men," says Lynn Edlen-Nezin, Ph. D., coauthor of Great Food, Great Sex.
Serve filet mignon
"Lean cuts of red meat are great sources of zinc, a mineral that curbs production of a hormone called prolactin, which at high levels can cause sexual dysfunction," says Jennifer Berman, M. D., director of the Berman Women's Wellness Center in Los Angeles. Choose deep red cuts with round or loin in the name. These types are the leanest.
Split a pizza
Cheese contains magnesium, a mineral your muscles need in order to contract (spasm) during orgasm, according to Edlen-Nezin. Add healthy toppings like mushrooms and broccoli—both of these vegetables contain vitamin A, which regulates progesterone, a steroid hormone that helps flip on your sex drive. And don't be surprised if he feels a surge of desire too—studies show the scent of cheese (any type) increases blood circulation to his nether regions by 5 percent.
Munch on a banana
Got pre-date jitters? Eat a banana a few hours before your rendezvous. This yellow superfruit helps release serotonin (the happy chemical) into your bloodstream, lifting your mood and calming your nervous system. And they have a sexy side effect: "Bananas contain potassium, a mineral that increases muscle strength, an element crucial to orgasm," says Lou Paget, author of The Great Lover Playbook.
Nibble on asparagus
It can make your pee smell funky (so not sexy), but this vegetable is bursting with folate, a B vitamin that increases blood levels of histamine, a neurotransmitter that helps you orgasm. "Asparagus also contains the plant chemical protodioscin, which has been shown to boost arousal and even help combat erectile dysfunction in some men," says Lynn Edlen-Nezin, Ph. D., coauthor of Great Food, Great Sex.
Serve filet mignon
"Lean cuts of red meat are great sources of zinc, a mineral that curbs production of a hormone called prolactin, which at high levels can cause sexual dysfunction," says Jennifer Berman, M. D., director of the Berman Women's Wellness Center in Los Angeles. Choose deep red cuts with round or loin in the name. These types are the leanest.
Split a pizza
Cheese contains magnesium, a mineral your muscles need in order to contract (spasm) during orgasm, according to Edlen-Nezin. Add healthy toppings like mushrooms and broccoli—both of these vegetables contain vitamin A, which regulates progesterone, a steroid hormone that helps flip on your sex drive. And don't be surprised if he feels a surge of desire too—studies show the scent of cheese (any type) increases blood circulation to his nether regions by 5 percent.
Nibble on asparagus
It can make your pee smell funky (so not sexy), but this vegetable is bursting with folate, a B vitamin that increases blood levels of histamine, a neurotransmitter that helps you orgasm. "Asparagus also contains the plant chemical protodioscin, which has been shown to boost arousal and even help combat erectile dysfunction in some men," says Lynn Edlen-Nezin, Ph. D., coauthor of Great Food, Great Sex.
Serve filet mignon
"Lean cuts of red meat are great sources of zinc, a mineral that curbs production of a hormone called prolactin, which at high levels can cause sexual dysfunction," says Jennifer Berman, M. D., director of the Berman Women's Wellness Center in Los Angeles. Choose deep red cuts with round or loin in the name. These types are the leanest.
Split a pizza
Cheese contains magnesium, a mineral your muscles need in order to contract (spasm) during orgasm, according to Edlen-Nezin. Add healthy toppings like mushrooms and broccoli—both of these vegetables contain vitamin A, which regulates progesterone, a steroid hormone that helps flip on your sex drive. And don't be surprised if he feels a surge of desire too—studies show the scent of cheese (any type) increases blood circulation to his nether regions by 5 percent.
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