Spice Up Date Night With Aphrodisiacs

Dating is exciting — whether you are going on a first date with someone new or spending some quality time with your significant other. You get all dressed up, the butterflies in your stomach start to flutter, and you cannot seem to erase that smile from your face. Love is in the air, and so are the aromas of those romantic foods that give us all the feels. On your next date night, indulge in these aphrodisiacs with your special someone.

Chocolate

Chocolate has a velvety texture and a rich flavor that make it irresistible, but it is far more than just a delicious treat. According to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which aids in the production of endorphins — hormones that make us feel good — and increases our dopamine levels. Some scientists even credit phenylethylamine for that gloriously giddy feeling we experience when we fall in love.

Oysters

They are the most well known aphrodisiac, and with good reason. Oysters are considerably high in zinc, which according to Dr. Sara Gottfried of the Gottfried Institute, stimulates the production of testosterone and sperm. It is no wonder people slurp up these slippery mollusks on dates.

Chili Peppers

These red, hot peppers pack a powerful punch that, according to a study published in Food Quality and Preference, awakens your endorphins, causes your heart to race and makes you break a sweat — similarly to when you are aroused. The heat from the peppers makes your tongue tingle, your lips plump and your body warm.

Caviar

These tiny fish eggs evoke a feeling of elegance and sophistication. They are chock-full of zinc, which energizes you and the amino acid L-arginine, which according to the Mayo Clinic, increases your blood flow and improves erectile dysfunction.

Goji Berries

These red berries are treasured in China for their aphrodisiacal properties. Affectionately referred to as “happy berries” in China, these tiny fruits are believed to help those affected by erectile dysfunction. According to an article in “Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects,” goji berries were shown to improve copulatory performance and reproductive function in rats.

Strawberries

These juicy fruits scream love with their red hue and heart shape, but they are also loaded with Vitamin C, which helps keep your blood flowing steadily. Need we say more?

And while these sweets and seafood bring on the romance, not all foods awaken your sensual side. Stay away from…

Garlic

While it may be fragrant and delicious, garlic often leaves you with unpleasant breath, which is not ideal for snuggling up close to your sweetheart or going in for a kiss.

Beans/legumes

Beans, beans are good for your heart. The more you eat, the more you … well, you get the idea.

Spaghetti

Lady and the Tramp may have made it look adorable, but there is nothing romantic about two people slurping up long noodles — not to mention, the sauce can be super messy.

Corn on the cob

When your date is undoubtedly listing all of the reasons why he or she is thrilled to be spending some one-on-one time with you, you will want to flash a smile full of pearly whites — sans corn kernels.