8 Vegan Aphrodisiacs for You and Your Lover

by Michaela Kennedy | Jun 23, 2014 | Food Guide, Recipes

Vegan aphrodisiacs and recipes with these colorful, stimulating ingredients can enhance any mood. One belief is that aphrodisiacs evoke or stimulate sexual desire. Yet, there’s no scientific evidence. Experts say that aphrodisiacs can work in two ways. There are those that create sexual desire by working on the mind, and there are those that create desire by affecting parts of the body. This post covers the latter. A common belief is that these eight vegan foods are aphrodisiacs. At the end of this post, I have added a dinner suggestion. Enjoy!

Almonds
This nut is one of the earliest cultivated foods and regarded as a symbol of fertility throughout history. In fact, the tradition of having almonds at a wedding began during Roman times. Guests would throw the nuts at newlyweds. It is also thought that the smell of almonds incites passion in women.

Asparagus
Touted as an aphrodisiac as early as the 17th century, asparagus boosts potassium and folic acid. The latter to boost histamine production, a necessary component in reaching orgasm for both sexes. Bridegrooms in the 19th century France were served three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinner.

Avocados
Avocados boast the famous feminine shape and are high in omega-3 fatty acids and potassium, as well as vitamin B6, which increases male hormone production. They are so effective, in fact, that Spanish priests used to forbid their parishioners from eating them.

Bananas
Regarded as a symbol of fertility by Hindus. The banana has a sensual shape and is chock full of potassium and B vitamins, both needed to produce sex hormones. Additionally, bananas contain the male libido-enhancing bromelain enzyme.

Basil
This member of the mint family helps promote circulation, which stimulates sex drive. In Moldavian folklore, a man will fall in love with a woman if he accepts a sprig of basil from her.

Chocolate
Chocolate is a staple Valentine’s Day gift for a reason. The food is full of compounds including anandamide, a psychoactive feel-good chemical. And phenylethylamine, a chemical that releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, and produces feelings of excitement and happiness. Cacao also contains tryptophan, which is essential for the brain to release serotonin, a “happiness” chemical.

Figs
Believed to have been in the Garden of Eden, figs were also Cleopatra’s favorite fruit. The ancient Greeks associated them with love and fertility. Figs are a great source of flavonoids and antioxidants, and some believe that figs can increase sexual stamina.

Garlic
This member of the onion family contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow. Both in Hinduism and Jainism beliefs, garlic can increase desire, also good for warming the body. It is well known, that this little bulb creates some strong breath when eaten. Steer clear on a first date.

Vegan aphrodisiacs in recipes

Try out all these (in the) mood-boosters in one fell swoop with these tasty dishes.

Start out the evening with some almond stuffed mushrooms and easy bruschetta, before moving on to apple fig walnut rocket salad.

For the main course, treat your lover to sesame-glazed tofu with sides of grilled avocado with roasted veggies and rroasted asparagus salad.

Let’s not forget dessert! Chocolate Fondue with figs, bananas, and strawberries, and Chocolate Turtle Truffle Torte are two sweet choices for your lucky honey.