Food has always had an effect on human sexuality. According to Discovery Health, some of the best-known aphrodisiacs contain vitamins and minerals that improve the health of the reproductive system and increase libido. Common libido-increasing foods include oysters, chili peppers, avocados, asparagus and chocolate.
Oysters
Oysters have held a reputation for being an aphrodisiac since the 18th century. This could be due to zinc, which oysters have more of per serving than any other food, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. A chemical analysis of raw oysters shows that they also contain the amino acids D-aspartic and N-methyl-D-apartate. Dr. George Fisher, a professor of chemistry at Barry University in Australia, performed the analysis. When Fisher injected these amino acids into male rats, it increased their testosterone production. When he injected them into female rats, it increased progesterone. Both hormones are responsible for increasing sexual desire. The zinc in oysters also increases the sexual activity in male rats, a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences" suggests.
Chili Peppers
The compound capsaicin gives chili peppers their famous "bite." This compound also stimulates the release of chemicals that raise the heart rate. Discovery Health states that capsaicin may be responsible for triggering the release of endorphins that give you a natural "high," boosting your sexual desire.
Avocados
The Aztecs often referred to the avocado tree as the "ahuacatl", meaning "testicle tree" in reference to the shape of its fruit. Avocados contain high amounts of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins. The vitamin B6 in this fruit increases male hormone production. Libido-increasing food.com states that avocados also contain potassium which increases female libido levels by affecting the regulation of the thyroid gland.
Asparagus
Aside from its sexually suggestive shape, asparagus is a food that may increase libido as it contains high amounts of vitamin E, according to Discovery Health. This vitamin is important for the production of testosterone and may be responsible for overall sexual health.
Chocolate
The chemical phenylethylamin in chocolate creates a sense of well-being and boosts a person's mood. Its effects, however, may not be as powerful as commonly thought. You would have to eat approximately 19.2 percent of your body weight in chocolate to see an increase in your libido level, states the article "A Viagra Alternative to Serve by Candlelight" published in The New York Times in Feb. 2010.
