Eat your way to feeling sexy with natural aphrodisiacs
Do make a sushi date
The seaweed wrapped around sushi rolls is packed with libido-enhancing magnesium, iodine and iron. Plus, Chinese medicine points to palate-cleansing ginger to improve circulation . “It’s a great meal to share with a loved one because it’s a fun finger food that you can feed to your partner,” says Linda De Viller, author of Simple Sexy Foods. “Turning eating experiences into sexual experiences is a great form of foreplay.”
Do savour a salad with benefits
Top the first course with these sensual ingredients, and let the sparks fly.
Spinach is rich in magnesium, which helps muscle contraction and relaxation. “It’s also loaded with riboflavin, a B vitamin that promotes reproductive function,” says British Columbia–based dietitian Natalie Brown.
Figs contain potassium, an electrolyte that may be lost through sweating. And it’s believed ancient Olympic athletes were given them during training .
Walnuts may increase feelings of pleasure, due to high levels of alpha linolenic acid, a type of omega-3.
Do spice it up
Researchers from the University of Guelph recently reported the possible performance-enhancing effects of saffron. It’s true, says Vancouver Island– based psychologist Cheryl Fraser. “Spices add sense pleasure to our food, and sense pleasure can be linked to sexuality.”
Make it a habit: Swap brown sugar topping for a sprinkle of cinnamon. Some experts believe that diets high in sugar can wreak havoc on your sex drive, but many experts tout the heart-healthy benefits of cinnamon.
Do top oatmeal with bananas
Hot cereal may not seem sexy, but it’s great for your heart (and thus your sex organs). "Sensual enjoyment depends on good circulation and blood flow,” says Lou Paget, author of The Great Lover Playbook. Plus, oatmeal and bananas may increase testosterone to help put you in the mood.
Bonus points: Drizzle with libido-boosting honey.
Do indulge in something dark and delish
Just one bite of dark chocolate is enough to make your body release feel-good chemicals that boost arousal. You can thank a compound called phenylethylamine. Nicknamed the love chemical, it’s a natural stimulant that activates the same chemicals our brains release after sex.
Do slip into some spandex
Not only does exercise keep you limber and ready for action, but researchers at the University of Arkansas found it also makes women feel more desirable.
Do eat like a guy
“Men instinctively choose foods that boost sex drive,” says Marrena Lindberg, author of The Orgasmic Diet. High-protein foods like lean meat and fish and beans up feel-good hormones. “Women trying to eat well often cut out protein and healthy fats, and their libido disappears.”
Pictured recipe: Pan-roasted salmon steaks with fennel
Do pop pumpkin seeds
Lost your mojo? Low levels of zinc may be to blame. Fortunately, these super-seeds are overflowing with it. Some experts believe zinc is associated with better libido. Get nearly half the daily recommended amount with 1/2 cup of seeds.
Do serve a seductive dinner
What makes some meals different? “A seductive dinner is the one you make to get in the mood,” says Paget.
Sexy seafood spaghetti: Spicy red sauce with capsaicin, the component that gives peppers their heat, may promote pleasurable feelings according to some experts. Oysters contain high levels of zinc, which is thought to boost desire, as well as two types of amino acids that may stimulate sex hormones in men.
Sensual salmon with avocado salsa: “You can’t beat salmon as a libido-enhancing entrée, because it’s so high in omega-3s ,” says Lindberg. Avocados are great sources of hearthealthy monounsaturated fats and potassium.
Passion pizza: Cheese contains calcium and magnesium, two minerals we couldn’t orgasm without!
Pictured recipe: Three-cheese pizza with sundried tomatoes
The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.
Subscribe to Chatelaine!
Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.