Want to boost your libido? Before thinking about ‘miracle pills,’ take a look at your pantry. Many foods present in your pantry have aphrodisiac properties. Some were known and used throughout history to boost sexual desire. During the Aztec period, cocoa was a popular aphrodisiac. The mistress of Louis XV said, ‘If the woman knew what celery did to man, she would go and get it from Paris to Rome.’ She believed so much in the aphrodisiac power of this vegetable that she regularly prepared a celery delicacy for the king to maintain sexual vigor. However, consuming foods with aphrodisiac properties will not turn you into a sex beast ready to ‘jump on anything that moves.’ It will basically stimulate the production of hormones, which will affect your libido.
Discover natural aphrodisiacs for a wholesome sex life, here.
Among the various foods that are potent aphrodisiacs, here are some seeds that can help you boost your sex life:
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds can have aphrodisiac potential. Thanks to their high zinc content, pumpkin seeds are supposed to increase libido. Zinc helps normal fertility and healthy testosterone levels in the blood.
Fenugreek seeds: The phytoestrogens present in fenugreek, including saponin, choline, and trimethylamine, can cause estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects. Phytoestrogens stimulate the synthesis of sex hormones, i.e., testosterone for men. This stimulation leads to an aphrodisiac effect and increased sexual desire, which promotes better erections.
Sesame seeds: Studies indicate that antioxidants and lignan present in sesame seeds can help improve sperm count, motility, and quality. Thus, regular consumption of sesame seeds can be an aid to address fertility issues in men.
Cumin seeds: It is attributed to aphrodisiac virtues, especially among Arabs who prepared a mixture of cumin, pepper, and honey to stimulate the libido. Cumin seeds are also rich in zinc content, which is known to improve sperm production. Potassium and other elements present in cumin also help to address erectile dysfunction, virility issues, and premature ejaculation.
Carom seeds: These spicy seeds can help spice up your sex life too. Ajwain or carom seeds act on the sex hormones to boost libido and improve potency. It also has a relaxing effect on your body.
Most aphrodisiacs work best if sexual desire is already present and they up the level of pleasure. In the case of erectile dysfunction, aphrodisiacs can rarely regulate them. To treat significant sexual dysfunctions, the underlying causes must first be resolved.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP