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Look at the picture above and gauge your level of arousal. They're oysters—wet, slightly salty, i.e., vaginal—and they're one of the more commonly discussed aphrodisiacs. An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire (but no, the porn saved on your hard drive does not count as an aphrodisiac).
Many of the most common (and famous) aphrodisiacs are food, some of which you might already have around the crib. If you don't, think about investing in some. You'll be wanting some of this next time your prepping a meal for your lady, or having a small snack before heading out to make it happen.
These are 10 Everyday Food Aphrodisiacs.
Avocados
10. Avocados
The Aztecs called these heart-healthy items fruit of the "testicle tree." Don't think too hard about that. Think instead about the Vitamin E contained in each one, which can boost your state of arousal and the intensity of your orgasm. Cut in half, the fruit insinuates sex, a nod to both organs. And then there's that outer protective layer that you don't really need and a very pleasing sensation to the mouth when you peel it away to get at the flesh beneath. We might be talking about blowjobs. Who can say, really?
Tomatoes
9. Tomatoes
They're ripe, they're juicy, and you probably want to bite into one right now. They're tomatoes. Aren't they? Anyhow, if you ever had any doubts about the worth of the fruit that is the lifeblood of salsas and pomodoros alike, try this on. Tomatoes not only calm nerves, they're also known to improve muscle control, which can help with tricky joystick maneuvers, acrobatics, and keeping you from busting too quickly. Keep crushin'.
Wasabi
8. Wasabi
As good for your libido as it is fun to say, the Japanese horseradish has been oversexing businessmen since before karaoke and restaurants with mirrors for floors. Not to mention that sushi itself is considered an aphrodisiac (with it's clean fats and oils and B vitamins). Be sure and spend some time with the green sinus clearing machine the next time you sit down to some unagi (are we talking about fish or female genitalia? WE DON'T EVEN KNOW ANYMORE). The hotness of wasabi is not the same as the capsaicin in chili peppers; instead this is closer to mustard, working more in the nasal passages, which increases depth of breath. That'll set you at ease while you love her ass to sleep #ChrisBrown.
Basil
7. Basil
Maybe there's a reason Italians are said to be such passionate people. Pesto seems to be made only of aphrodisiacs (pine nuts, basil, and garlic, a sort of cocktail of sensuous ingredients). But the herb that can be found in Italian cuisine that will help you cultivate your secret garden? Beautiful, fragrant basil. It increases your heart rate and blood flow. It also goes perfectly with tomatoes.
Garlic
6. Garlic
You gotta love it. Not only is it the most flavorful thing you can add to most food, it also contains allicin, which gets the blood flowing and increases your go-power. People worry about eating it on dates, but if you can find someone who can get past your garlic breath, then you're in for some real connection later.
Pistachios
5. Pistachios
One thing that's tough to guess about the nut found inside the sort of shell Georgia O'Keefe would've found inspiring is that it's very good for penises. In fact, it's the only aphrodisiac on this list that is also a natural cure for erectile disfunction. According to the American Pistachio Growers, men who ate about 3.5 oz. a day saw improvements in performance after just 3 weeks. Why the Pistachio Growers are testing and treating men for erectile disfunction is questionable (the song "Sex Farm" comes to mind), but the nuts speak for themselves.
Cinnamon
4. Cinnamon
One of the spices that makes everything nice, a little cinnamon can do the trick, nah mean? Over time, it can increase your sex drive and lower high blood sugar, which prevents the blood from rushing to where all the action is. Don't pound a teaspoon of cinnamon before hopping into bed (or ever, for that matter), but maybe some cinnamon toast for breakfast or in your coffee is the right addition to your morning routine to get your drive in gear. Which is another way of saying, "To get your penis inside a vagina."
Peppers
3. Peppers
Should you sprinkle a little cayenne to finish off your pasta dish? If it's for your date, then you'd best spike that shit. Capsaicin heats up your body and pumps blood. Most importantly, it releases endorphins, those wonderful little chemicals that also come out during a good workout (so many puns, so little time). This, when coupled with the effects of the ingester's appearance, like flushed skin and swollen lips, make peppers a go-to across cultures and history for looking like you're having sex. Which can be the first step to actually making the sex. You have to look the part, right?
Peppermint
2. Peppermint
It ain't just good for gum. Women are especially receptive to the cooling effect of peppermint. And, of course soaping up can be a very sensual act on its own, so throw some minty soap into the mix next time you and your lady get clean together. The truth is, the stimulation from peppermint soap and lotions can be so intense that it's too much for some people, just like those off-putting Trojan Mint Tingle condoms. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. You should always try.
Chocolate
1. Chocolate
The quintessential aphrodisiac, and for good reason. It's full of phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your body releases during sex; it also sparks dopamine production. Just like sex, chocolate can be very addicting, causes immense pleasure, and tastes good anywhere, on anything. More or less. Dark chocolate has more of the good stuff, so if you're looking for a new color to paint your mate, the darker the better.