People have been using food to stimulate arousal for centuries. Recorded history is full of improbable aphrodisiacs, ranging from hyena eyeballs in ancient Rome to rhinoceros horn in Chinese tradition to modern sexy foods like oysters on the half-shell. Though some of the traditional aphrodisiacs of folklore don't stand up to modern science, there is evidence that some foods can stimulate the female libido.
Oatmeal
It may not sound like sexy food, but oatmeal--along with granola, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, garlic, ginseng and chickpeas--is a rich source of arginine, an amino acid that increases circulation in the extremities. The more blood flow that gets to the genital area, the more sexual response a woman is likely to experience.
Chocolate
There's a good reason chocolate always ends up on the list of libido-boosting foods. The phenylethylamine in chocolate mimics the effect of the chemicals your brain releases when you fall in love, creating strong feelings of happiness and contentment. Suzannah Olivier, a nutrition consultant and the author of "Food Medicine," states that the aphrodisiac effect of chocolate corresponds to its cocoa content.
Papaya
Papaya fruit contains a chemical that acts like the female hormone estrogen, which can increase the female libido. According to "Psychology Today," papaya is used in folk medicine to stimulate menstruation and milk production in women because of its estrogenic effects.
Chiles
Capsaicin, the substance that gives chiles their spicy bite, makes your blood flow faster, your heart beat more rapidly and your body amp up its production of endorphins, also known as the feel-good hormones. These factors combine to boost sensations of arousal in women.
Soy
The isoflavones in soy products, including soy beans, soy milk and soy cheese, help increase vaginal lubrication, which can help boost both women's sexual arousal and their sexual satisfaction. If you've had breast cancer or have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the risks of consuming soy--in some cases, soy may increase the likelihood that breast cancer will reoccur.
