Even the sexiest among us could occasionally use a little help in the libido department, right? After all, life has a way of leaving us drained at the end of the day and sometimes even the hottest relationship goes through a dry spell. That’s when it pays to have a few tricks up your sleeve to jump starting the old sexual engines.
Sex toys, roleplaying, and lingerie aren’t the only tools you have at your disposal when it comes to getting in the mood more often either. Natural aphrodisiacs can be really helpful and the chances are pretty good that your kitchen is already full of them. Try testing the effects of some of the following options the next time your libido could use a little push.
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Chili Peppers
You know that feeling you get right after you bite into a red hot chili pepper. You can feel your blood pumping, your senses waking up, and your body temperature rising – all phenomena you should associate with sexual arousal. Plus, hot chilis both boost circulation and promote the brain’s release of endorphins, its natural “feel good” hormones. In other words, a spicy dinner or treat definitely sets the stage for a possible night of copulation.
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Chocolate
This is one of the more commonly known aphrodisiacs and with good reason. Not only does it work, but its aphrodisiac effects have been celebrated across centuries, not to mention numerous world cultures. Chocolate contains natural compounds linked to higher levels of brain serotonin. Serotonin is one of the chemicals responsible for putting you in a good mood, helping you feel relaxed, and – you guessed it – putting you in the mood to groove.
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon is similar to hot chili peppers in that it raises your body’s core temperature, encourages circulation, and jumpstarts your sex drive. Perfect if you prefer sweets to spicy food! Try reinforcing the effects of chocolate by sprinkling cinnamon into your hot cocoa or reaching for some cinnamon-infused chocolate cake.
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Oysters
Great news for seafood lovers! Along with chocolate, oysters are among the more famous natural aphrodisiacs. They’re so good at putting you in the mood because of their high levels of zinc. They’re also packed with essential amino acids that help get your sexual juices and arousal hormones flowing, so to speak.
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Bananas
No, it isn’t their naturally phallic shape that makes bananas so effective as aphrodisiacs (although some people do believe it’s nature’s way of advertising what they can do). They’re full of energy-boosting Vitamin B, which makes them perfect for stimulating a second wind after an extra-long day at the office. They also contain lots of bromelain, a natural component linked to higher levels of arousal-boosting testosterone.
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Garlic
The pungency of garlic might not make it the first food you think of when you’re hoping to cultivate a sexy mood, but it can be incredibly helpful nevertheless. Garlic is rich in allicin, which among other things, can really help you with blood flow, circulation, and arousal. It’s also been known to help people last longer when it’s time to get down and dirty, so you might want to reconsider leaving it off the menu if you’re hoping to pull an all-nighter in the bedroom.
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Avocado
If you’re one of the millions that can’t seem to get enough avocado, allow us to give you one more reason to add it to absolutely anything. Not only are avocados nutritious and very good for you, but they have aphrodisiac cred that goes all the way back to the Aztec days. Avocados are also rich in “good fats” Vitamin E, making them fantastic picks for any time you want to keep your energy up.
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Nutmeg
Whether or not you consider yourself a true home chef, you probably have a container of nutmeg in your kitchen somewhere. Not only is nutmeg an incredible secret ingredient to add to almost any dish, but it’s also been known to help you get horny and stay that way. Consider adding a dash or two to your morning coffee, tea, or cocoa for an easy way to get more of it into your diet. You can also sprinkle a bit on top the next time you serve your lover a romantic dessert. Nutmeg is really versatile, so get creative!
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Asparagus
Asparagus is stellar for improving circulation to the genitals in particular, as well as for promoting a healthy libido in general. Plus, it goes wonderfully with romantic dinner options like steak, seafood, or pasta. It’s just plain delicious as well. Try adding it to your rotating menu more often and seeing if things pick up between the sheets.
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Celery
Celery may not seem like the sexiest vegetable in the produce section, but it’s well worth a second look if you’re serious about cultivating a smoking hot mood in the bedroom. It’s rich in two different components that are strongly linked to sexual attraction and desire – androstanol and androsterone. Try chowing down on a few stalks before you head out for that hot date you’re looking forward to or serving it alongside a pre-sexy time snack. Celery makes an easy addition to salads and morning smoothies as well. Give it a whirl and prepare to reap the benefits!
