This “magnificent seven” of aphrodisiac foods will help a man to relax and enjoy a romantic date the perfect way. Because men are very strange creatures: even they are 100% strong and healthy, they can’t stop worrying about their performance.

“A number of rare or newly experienced foods have been claimed to be aphrodisiacs. At one time this quality was even ascribed to the tomato. Reflect on that when you are next preparing the family salad.” – Jane Grigson

By the way, alcohol is not one of these aphrodisiac foods – it increases the desire but decreases the performance.

The Magnificent Seven of aphrodisiac foods

# 1. Oysters

Oysters have been considered the most notable aphrodisiac for ages, but only recently it was found that they are rich in nutrients that significantly improve romantic life:

• Zinc: Oysters are our best-known food source of zinc, a mineral that is critical for the production of testosterone. 100g of oysters contains 17mg of it, or 111% Daily Value (DV). Their impressive zinc content is the reason for oysters’ reputation as a natural Viagra.
• Vitamin B12 – 260% DV (!)
• Cholesterol – 71 mg – 23% DV
• Amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones: A team of American and Italian researchers analyzed bivalves and found they were rich in amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones.

The richest amount of zinc influences our level of dopamine. Dopamine is a “happy hormone”that brings about a feeling of happiness.

# 2. Eggs

Yes, the most commonly eaten chicken eggs that could be bought for $2 per dozen in any grocery store are, in fact, are one of the best aphrodisiac foods ever. You wouldn’t be surprised if you look at their content:

• Vitamin B12: Eggs are one of the best sources of vitamin B12 – 100 grams contain 50% DV
• Cholesterol: The guidelines for daily cholesterol intake are set for 300mg. One egg contains about 160mg of cholesterol.
• Zinc – 1 mg/100g (11% DV)
• Choline: Eggs are one of the best sources of choline – 294 mg/100g (60% DV)
• Amino acids: One large whole egg has about 13 grams of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, including tryptophan, and non-essential arginine.

Besides, eggs supply several vitamins and minerals as significant amounts of the Daily Value (DV), including vitamin A (19% DV), riboflavin (42% DV), pantothenic acid (28% DV), phosphorus (25% DV), vitamin D (15% DV), and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

# 3.Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are the safest and most effective choice in men’s health care. It usually enhances many life functions besides the specific condition for which it is being taken. Pumpkin seeds are the magnificent aphrodisiac food that has 4 essential for romantic life nutrients:

• Zinc: A serving of 100g of pumpkin seeds provides 80% of the Daily Value for zinc, making pumpkin seeds one of the best sources of zinc.
• Arginine: Pumpkin seeds are not only rich in arginine but also have the best arginine to lysine ratio.
• Tryptophan: Pumpkin seeds are the best source of tryptophan ever – 576mg of tryptophan per 100g (206% DV), or 161mg of tryptophan per ounce (28g) (58% DV).
• Magnesium: A 100-gramm serving of pumpkin seeds provides 155% of magnesium daily value! One-quarter cup of them contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a healthy daily serving is approximately 2 tablespoons of raw pumpkin seeds. If you eat too many of them, don’t go far from the washroom; it’s the only side effect of this “medication.”

# 4. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is an excellent source of many romance-friendly nutrients:

• Magnesium – 228 mg/100g (70% DV)
• Zinc – 31 mg/100g (35% DV)
• Caffeine – 80 mg/100g
• Cholesterol – 3 mg/100g
• Vitamin B12 – 3% DV

Chocolate has also been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. From its taste to its aroma, chocolate is sensual and sexual, that’s why on Valentine’s Day chocolate reigns supreme.

# 5. Sun-dried tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are the best source of lycopene. Sun drying increases the concentration of bioavailable lycopene: they contain up to 4 times more of it compared to raw tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes and serving in oil-rich dishes greatly increases absorption of lycopene from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. Due to the fact that lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid, experts advise to eat tomatoes with healthy fats to increase the absorption rate of lycopene by as much as five to seven times.

According to Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, eating tomatoes in any form more than two times a week can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 21-43%. “We don’t really understand it entirely yet, but lycopene may have specific properties that protect the cell in a way other antioxidants may not.”

# 6. Watermelon

A newly found natural aphrodisiac, watermelon works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood circulation in the genitals. Two biochemicals in the watermelon are responsible for its aphrodisiac properties:

• Amino acid citrulline: It is produced from arginine with release of nitric oxide. The highest concentration of citrulline is found in in watermelon rind. Twenty-four men with mild erectile dysfunction took either citrulline or a placebo for one month. When they took citrulline, 50% of the men experienced an improvement in erection hardness compared with only 8.3% when they took placebo.
• Carotenoid lycopene: A 100-gram serving of watermelon contains 4532mcg of lycopene.

Watermelon’s diuretic properties can also help keep the urinary tract in healthy working order. Lycopene is an antioxidant that could possibly fight prostate cancer.

Incredibly nutritious, sweet and juicy, watermelon is not only a delicious treat that can quench your thirst during the summer heat, but the most pleasant edible aphrodisiac.

# 7. Pistachios

Pistachios may help with erectile dysfunction because they are rich in the men’s health beneficial nutrients:

• Arginine – 217 mg/100g (and have high arginine to lysine ratios)
• Vitamin B6 – 1700 mg/100g (131% DV). Vitamin B6 helps to regulate testosterone levels, improve erectile dysfunction, and enhance libido (by decreasing the production of prolactin – a hormone that naturally reduces sex drive).
• Magnesium – 121 mg/100g (34% DV)
• Zinc – 2 mg/100g (23% DV)

Good nerve function, healthy hormone levels and an unobstructed blood flow to the pelvic area are essential to a male romantic performance. To keep these systems in working order, make sure you have a diet rich in these magnificent seven aphrodisiac foods.

Many foods can prevent or even cure romantic dysfunction, just like some popular stimulating pills, but without harmful side-effects. Don’t believe it? It won’t hurt to try.