The Grocery Store Guide to Hotter Sex The Foods to Eat for Better Orgasms and the Ones to Skip

Humans have been hunting for the perfect aphrodisiac since basically the beginning of time. In ancient China, men ate sea slugs creatures that swell when touched, which was supposed to translate to, well, obvious benefits. Medieval Europe went harder: beheaded partridges, hippopotamus snout, and phallic objects dipped in oil, pepper, and nettle seeds (we'll spare you the application method). Even today, people across cultures consume some truly eyebrow-raising foods just for a shot at better sex. It's wild how far we'll go for an orgasm.

This is where things get interesting: a lot of that stuff actually worked at least from a psychological angle. Sex psychologists agree that if you believe a food will boost your libido, your brain can genuinely make it happen. The mind is powerful like that. But why torture yourself with a sea slug when you could eat something that tastes good and actually works?

Nutrition and sex are deeply connected. When you feed your body the right nutrients—vitamins, minerals, and compounds that boost blood flow and support hormone production—your sex life responds. We're talking about foods containing ingredients proven to enhance pleasure, send blood to the right places, and keep those libido-boosting hormones stable.

That said, if your sex drive has taken a nosedive, that's worth a conversation with your doctor. A low libido is your body's way of saying something needs attention. These foods are great additions to your diet, but they're not a substitute for professional advice if something's actually off.

The bottom line? A balanced diet is foundational. So is exercise, stress management, and actually talking to your partner. But why not make your plate work double duty? Here are 10 foods that deserve a spot in your rotation—plus 4 you might want to reconsider.

1. Raw Honey

Honey is basically nature's multivitamin, and it's packed with something called boron—a mineral that actually strengthens your bones, improves muscle coordination, and (here's the sexy part) naturally boosts testosterone production. Yes, everybody produces testosterone, regardless of gender, and yes, it directly impacts how much you want sex.

The next time you're reaching for a sweetener, grab the raw or manuka variety and feel good about it.

Pro Tip: Drizzle it into your morning yogurt, coffee, or tea—or go full seduction mode and pair it with fresh strawberries for breakfast in bed.

2. Berries

You already know berries are basically skin food, but here's what else they're doing: strawberries and raspberries contain zinc, which regulates testosterone levels. Blueberries? They're loaded with flavonoids that improve blood flow to all the right places. There's actually research showing that people who ate blueberry-rich diets saw increased blood flow to the genitalia within three weeks. More blood flow equals more sensation, which equals more fun.

Pro Tip: Toss them into smoothies, pair with yogurt, or snack on a handful before date night. They're doing the work either way.

3. Figs

Figs have a seriously seductive reputation, and there's a reason. They're considered fertility enhancers that boost pheromone production—those invisible scent signals that make you irresistible. Eat one before getting intimate and let the magic happen.

Pro Tip: Fresh figs are seasonal, but dried ones work year-round. Keep them on hand for a sweet pre-sex snack (yes, that's a thing now).

4. Saffron

This golden spice isn't just for fancy rice dishes. The chemicals in saffron have been shown to improve erectile dysfunction in men and increase lubrication for women. A study found that women who took 30 mg of saffron daily for four weeks reported reduced sex-related pain, increased desire, and better lubrication compared to those on a placebo.

Pro Tip: Add saffron to salad dressings, grain bowls, marinades, or roasted veggies. A little goes a long way, and your cooking will suddenly taste way more sophisticated (and sensual).

5. Watermelon

Watermelon is summer's greatest gift and it's doing way more than just hydrating you. The amino acid citrulline in watermelon helps blood vessels relax and improves blood flow. Yeah, that watermelon is 92% water, but the other 8% is packed with nutrients that seriously support sexual health.

Pro Tip: It's not just for poolside snacking. Blend it into smoothies, add it to salads, or keep chilled chunks on hand for a refreshing pre-date-night snack. Watermelon sugar, anyone?

6. Fenugreek

This ancient spice from India and Northern Africa has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years partly because it works. Fenugreek contains compounds similar to estrogen and testosterone, which is why research shows it improves sexual desire in both men and women. It's also a solid source of zinc, which keeps your sexual organs happy.

Pro Tip: Use it in curries, lentil dishes, or roasted veggies. It has a subtle maple-like flavor that's more approachable than you'd expect which means you can do sweet things in bed sans the diabetes warnings.

7. Red Wine

Finally, an excuse to pour that glass. Here's the plot twist: it's not the alcohol that's doing the heavy lifting. Red wine contains quercetin, a compound that can increase sexual desire and lubrication. A study found that one to two glasses daily worked wonders, but more than that? Diminishing returns. And no, your favorite margarita doesn't get the same benefits. Stick to red wine if you're trying to improve your sex life. Ditch the rest if you want to make it last.

Pro Tip: Make it a ritual. One glass with dinner, nothing more. You're looking for the subtle benefits, not a hangover.

8. Garlic

Sure, garlic breath isn't sexy, but the food itself? Surprisingly so. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that naturally lowers cortisol, that stress hormone that tanks testosterone production. Lower cortisol means more stable testosterone, which means better sex drive. As long as your stomach can handle it, eat garlic generously.

Pro Tip: Cook with it regularly, and keep some mints nearby. Your libido will thank you, and so will your breath.

9. Eggs

Eggs are protein powerhouses, which means they give you the stamina to go the distance. They're also loaded with L-arginine, an amino acid that's been shown to help with erectile dysfunction. Plus, they're low-cal and versatile enough to eat any time of day.

Pro Tip: Have them for breakfast, lunch, or even a pre-date snack. Bonus points if you make them as a brunch treat for your partner, it's thoughtful and practical.

10. Avocados

Avocado toast is already a vibe, but here's why it should also be a pre-sex vibe: avocados are packed with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that widens blood vessels and increases blood flow everywhere including to the genitals. More blood flow means heightened sensitivity and stronger sensations.

Pro Tip: Spread on toast, toss into salads, or make guacamole. There's no wrong way to eat this one, so pick your favorite method and enjoy.

Spoiler Alert: Not All Foods Support Your Sex Life.

In fact, some actively work against it. The foods you eat can either help your body function optimally or sabotage your sexual health and the damage is often more dramatic than the benefits.

The Libido Killers: Oysters

We know, we know. Oysters have a legendary reputation as an aphrodisiac, and they're indeed packed with zinc, which is essential for hormone production and sensitivity. But here's the catch: oysters and other shellfish absorb toxins and parasites from the ocean, and those negatives can outweigh the zinc benefits. Skip the oysters and opt for spinach instead it's a cleaner source of zinc that won't potentially disrupt your mood (plus, it's much cheaper).

The Libido Killers: Processed Baked Goods

Sugary pastries might taste amazing, but they're basically libido kryptonite. Those saturated trans fats clog your system, preventing your cells from absorbing glucose properly, which raises blood sugar and tanks your sex drive. They also clog blood vessels, reducing oxygen to your sexual organs and weakening your immune response. Basically, your body's too busy dealing with the sugar crash to deal with pleasure.

The move: Swap for whole grains, fresh fruit, or literally anything without an ingredient list that looks like chemistry for some high octane sexual chemistry.

The Libido Killers: Ice Cream

Ice cream is the dream until it's not. The lactic acid in dairy and certain compounds in cream can actually suppress libido. Calcium is great for sexual health and cell sensitivity, but you don't need ice cream to get it. Opt for calcium-rich alternatives like soy milk, leafy greens, sprouted beans, broccoli, or cabbage instead.

The Libido Killers: Cheese

Here's the hard truth for cheese lovers: that saturated fat content can lead to atherosclerosis, which literally reduces blood flow to your sexual organs and causes dysfunction. Additionally, cheese may interfere with sperm health if you're thinking about conception. If you're trying to optimize your sex life, we’d recommend you move your cheese (out of your refrigerator).

The Real Talk

Look, these 10 foods aren't a magic potion. Sexual health is complicated—it involves your physical health, your mental state, your relationship dynamics, and so much more. No food, no matter how fancy, can replace actual medical advice if something's genuinely wrong.

But here's what's true: what you eat matters. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your regular diet supports better blood flow, hormone balance, and overall vitality. Combined with exercise, stress management, open communication with your partner, and real medical care when you need it, these foods can absolutely enhance your sex life.

So eat the berries. Pour the red wine. Make love and make dinner not necessarily in that order. Your body (and your partner) will thank you.