Top 10 Aphrodisiacs You May Find In Your Kitchen

Looking for a way to put yourself and your significant other in the mood? Look no further—aphrodisiac foods you may not know about may just be hidden somewhere in your kitchen. Brought to you by Learn2Serve.

1. Basil

Via bbc.co.uk

This Italian herb is one of my favorite flavoring ingredients on almost anything. I love it on my spaghetti; I love it on my pizza; I love it on my sandwich; I love it on my roast chicken; I even love it in my water! (I think you get my point.) Anyway, apparently, basil's aroma has some kind of aphrodisiac effect and stimulates the senses. (Good thing I stock up on basil.)

2. Chili peppers

Via foxnews.com

Chili peppers are a main component of either Indian or Mexican food, which are both known to be aphrodisiacs. But there's more to the hype surrounding this spice: science. According to Dr. Meryl S. Rosofsky in her interview with the New York Times, chili peppers stimulate the brain's endorphin productions which makes you feel good and perky, increase your heart rate, and make you sweat—all symptoms of arousals.

3. Garlic

Via dishbydish.net

Garlic has allicin, which increases blood flow to all parts of the body, and probably to your nether regions. (Hope you weren't scandalized, but yes, it's true.) Garlic is also good for the heart.

4. Avocado

Via optimumperformancestudio.com

Avocado is known to be an aphrodisiac dating as far back as the flourishing of the Aztec civilization. Vitamin E, is critical in keeping the romance alive for couples as it regulates "youthful vigor and energy level," according to University of Illinois food and nutrition professor Barbara Klein in an interview with Reader's Digest.

5. Bananas

Via aliljoy.com

No, it's not because of its phallic shape (boy, you have a dirty mind!). Bananas contain bromelain, a type of enzyme that stimulates testosterone production. Bananas are also rich in B vitamins and potassium which boosts one's energy levels.

6. Honey

Via biohoneyquality.wordpress.com

Honey contains boron, a type of mineral that regulates the body's estrogen or testosterone levels. It is also the component of honey that is responsible for giving you more energy.

7. Watermelons

Via bonnieplants.com

Watermelons are said to be a powerful aphrodisiac, with effects akin to that of the Viagra, according to a research from the Texas A & M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. The research revealed that the fruit's flesh and rind contain citrulline, a type of amino acid that is converted to another amino acid, arginine, which enhances blood circulation and strengthens the heart and immune systems. Researchers also said that it treats erectile dysfunction, watermelon also relaxes and dilates blood vessels.

8. Pine Nuts

Via wootabix.wordpress.com

Zinc, one of the main components of nuts, is known to stimulate one's sex drive. According to USDA surveys, the daily intake of zinc among males and females of all ages is way below the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Make sure you're drinking 8mg (females) to 11mg (males) of zinc daily to make sure you have energy to last you throughout the day, and for you know what.

9. Olive oil

Via blog.fairwaymarket.com

Olive oil has been hailed by the Greeks as a type of prehistoric Viagra and has been used for centuries for its medicinal purposes. Its high monounsaturated and polyunsurated fat content makes it good for the bedroom though—as it increases blood flow, it's heart healthy and stimulates hormone production.

10. Pumpkin seeds

Via thehealthymaven.com

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium (156 mg in an ounce), which increases testosterone levels and make sure that it effectively enters the blood stream.