Close-up of a young woman's hand picking an oyster from a bed of ice
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An aphrodisiac is a substance that creates a sexual desire in people. It can be a drink, food or drug that makes men and women want to have sex. Aphrodisiacs were originally pursued as a cure for various sexual problems and anxieties. Reproducing offspring was a critical moral and religious requirement. Aphrodisiacs were used to ensure procreation.

Chocolate and Red Wine

Brownies with chocolate syrup
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Chocolate contains a powerful neurotransmitter called theobromine. Theobromine is similar to caffeine and widens blood vessels (vasodilator). Chocolate was often called by the ancients as the “food of the gods.” It also contains cancer fighting enzymes called antioxidants. Another aphrodisiac that contains antioxidants is red wine. The combination of chocolate and red wine is said to be one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs. The mixture of alcohol, theobromine and antioxidants relaxes and stimulates blood flow in the brain.

Oysters

Oysters entree
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The reality about oysters is that they are nutritious seafood that is high in protein. Although eating raw oysters takes some getting use to due to the texture, there are other methods of preparing them. The Romans first documented oysters as an aphrodisiac in the second century A.D. Descriptions were found about the sexual appetites of women after eating oysters and drinking wine. Modern theories include the fact that oysters resemble the female genitals and stimulate sexual thinking.

Bananas

Bananas
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Although strawberries typically get tagged as a sexual fruit, bananas are proven to inspire sexual desire. The shape of the banana is easily related to a phallic symbol that reminds people of sexuality. Chemically, bananas have large amounts of vitamin B and potassium. These compounds are critical for the production of sex hormones. In addition, bananas contain chelating minerals, which are said to boost the male’s sex drive.