Which foods seduce your senses and tantalize your passions?

Explore your tastes and arouse your senses with natural food aphrodisiacs this Valentine’s Day. Our list of top Super foods is a great place to start and will definitely have you (and your Valentine!) asking for seconds. And be sure to check our our new line of natural and organic elixirs and sensual oils.

ARUGULA

These vitamin filled peppery plants have been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Considered one of the most potent super foods, arugula is believed to be an effective stimulant and an arousal aid. Ancient Greek philosophers identified it as a food that can increase libido, while ancient Romans considered its potential to boost fertility.

AVOCADO

Perhaps it’s the sensuous pear shape, or the soft luscious texture, this fruit – yes fruit – has an avid reputation for being an aphrodisiac. As far back as 200 B.C. ancient Mayans and Aztecs consumed avocados to enhance sexual desirability and stamina.
Some modern studies have even looked into the fruit’s capacity as a remedy to treat erectile dysfunction. Rich in nutrients, avocados are also bursting with vitamins A and E, vital for maintaining youthful vigor and energy levels – the kind needed to also keep the sparks alive.

BASIL

Although most of us know Basil as a flavor-boosting herb, it was once considered among the earth’s most sacred plants. In ancient Greece it was even known as a “royal” plant, while in the Roman Empire it was a symbol of love. Basil leaves contain a variety of libido-lifting nutrients including vitamin A and C, magnesium and potassium. For a boost of passion, whip up a Caprese Salad or add a few leaves as garnish on your fresh cucumber drink.

Chili Peppers

This invigorating spice has an exotic reputation and a bright red color, which could be why it’s considered a symbol of love. But there’s scientific backing, too.
Chili peppers stimulate endorphins (the brain’s feel good chemicals), speed up heart rate and make you sweat, which all mimic how you feel when you’re aroused. For a sweet and spicy combination, try chili peeper infused dark chocolate bars from Lindt or Vosges.

CHOCOLATE

Sensual in taste and aroma, chocolate is a well-known inducer of pleasurable feelings. We’ve all reached for it as a mood pick-me-up. So what makes it so seductively effective? Studies show that dark chocolate in particular can cause spikes in dopamine– a neurotransmitter that relays signals between nerve cells and the brain. In other words, dopamine naturally induces feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
While a direct cause between chocolate and sex drive not yet been established, scientists have observed that women who ate chocolate daily do have a higher libido than those who don’t. So if you’re looking for some lovey-dovey with your honey this weekend, make sure you stock up on your favorite dark chocolate candies.

FIGS

These small but potent fruits are one of the oldest in recorded history, cultivated by humans as early as 9,400 B.C. Sweet and soft, they are delicate in taste and texture but are loaded with minerals like iron, calcium and potassium. There are lots of references to figs in history and mythology, often considered a source of love and fertility by ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. It is believed that the fig was Cleopatra’s favorite fruit. The Romans associated figs with Bacchus, God of intoxication. And who can avoid all the references to fig leaves as coverings of unmentionables on countless ancient statues.

HONEY

This natural sweetener gives a whole new meaning to the “Birds and the Bees.” Honey is made through pollination and is a natural symbol of procreation. The sweet treasure of the ancient world, honey carries the boron mineral which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost for those passionate moments. In fact, the word ‘honeymoon’ gets its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey given to the happy new bride and groom.

OYSTERS

One of the most notorious aphrodisiacs, oysters have enjoyed a reputation for improving sexual potency in men since the days of ancient Rome. High in zinc, an important mineral in raising testosterone levels in men, oysters are also thought to contain varying levels of dopamine which is known to stimulate arousal.

And if you just can’t get your hands on any of the above, here are a few simple ideas to make Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch alluringly more romantic.