Throughout history, humans have searched for elements that increase or improve libido, with aphrodisiac foods being one of the most popular and widespread options. They are named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, who was depicted emerging from a clam shell. Consequently, shellfish and oysters are nowadays considered to be aphrodisiacs ⁽¹⁾.

Menopause is often surrounded by changes that can affect sexual desire, so here are some recommendations that could help in this process.

What are aphrodisiac foods?

Traditional medicine has used foods and herbs to increase sexual desire ^(2). This relationship makes sense; eating is a need, and satisfying it causes delight, like sexual pleasure and arousal ⁽³⁾.

Thus, aphrodisiac foods comprise any ingredient or substance that increases sexual desire, arousal, performance, or pleasure ⁽²⁾. In general, they can be considered to stimulate the so-called senses of love (sight, smell, taste, and touch) ⁽³⁾.

During menopause, these ingredients can be especially useful, as it is well known that at this stage alterations in sensitivity, lubrication, and even libido can occur, which can make it difficult to achieve female orgasm. All this occurs secondary to the decrease in sex hormones. So, the stimulation of food or just adding it to your diet for this purpose could improve your sexual experience. ^(3,4).

Most common aphrodisiac foods

Over time, all existing foods have been tested to find aphrodisiac characteristics in them. Nowadays they have been tested by experts in the field, who ratify or reject these properties. Here, we present to you both groups ⁽³⁾.

Foods that have been shown to be effective in research

The following aphrodisiac foods have shown the best results. However, they cannot be claimed to be sexual desire stimulants (1,2):  

• Ginseng: commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sexual dysfunction, particularly in men with symptoms of andropause. In menopausal women, its use has been shown to improve sexual experience. 
• Saffron: is a reddish-orange spice; it is considered to enhance sexual desire. 
• Maca or Peruvian ginseng: is a root vegetable. It is attributed with fertility benefits and increased libido. 
• Apples are thought to improve vaginal lubrication among women who eat them. They are also believed to promote arousal and sensitivity by increasing blood flow to the genitals. 
• Garlic: contains a substance called allicin. It improves blood flow and circulation in the genitals. 
• Pomegranates: have long been considered a symbol of love in Mediterranean cultures and are a good source of antioxidants, which may improve blood flow. 

Foods popularly believed to have aphrodisiac qualities

These have no scientific backing. However, they are used as aphrodisiac foods because of the properties attributed to them by those who have used them ^(1,2):

• Chocolate: not surprisingly, as it is a sensual food that increases serotonin levels. This hormone is related to pleasure and well-being.
• Oysters: it is believed that the suggestive way in which they are eaten triggers creativity.
• Red wine and alcohol: having a couple of glasses of red wine or alcohol may help you relax. However, you should be very careful. High doses can lead to a loss of interest and concentration.
• Chillies: these increase temperature and blood flow; enhancing sensitivity and potential arousal.

Include aphrodisiac foods in your meals!

It is well known that a balanced diet can help improve menopausal symptoms. On the other hand, there are many benefits of sex, so there is no reason not to complement one need with another ⁽²⁾.

If you are experiencing a decreased sex drive at this stage, include libido-boosting foods in your diet to improve your sexual health. This can be as easy as ⁽²⁾:

• Make a habit of drinking ginseng tea with cinnamon.
• Snack on an apple.
• Make strawberries with dark chocolate for a romantic date.
• Have a glass of wine to relax in bed.
• Add a little spice, season your food with maca or saffron for flavour.

Remember that every effort counts. You can get better results if you incorporate aphrodisiac foods into your diet. You can also play erotic games that stimulate the woman's G-spot to achieve female orgasm. Who says you can't even achieve female ejaculation? The important thing is that you enjoy your intimacy in menopause, without taboos or fears; in fact, even with greater freedom than before

Bibliographical references

1. Norton S. Aphrodisiacs: 10 best foods to get you in the mood from oysters to asparagus. The Independent [Internet]. 2020 Dec 17 [cited 2023 Apr 21]; Available from: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/aphrodisiac-foods-b1775762.html 
2. De Soto L. Tasty Aphrodisiac Food and Drink Ideas [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 21]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/tasty-aphrodisiac-foods-and-drinks-ideas-7254350 
3. Cleveland Clinic. Do Aphrodisiacs Really Work? [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic; 2022 [cited 2023 Apr 21]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-aphrodisiacs/ 
4. Christian E. 7 ways to improve your sex life during and after menopause - Rest Less [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 23]. Available from: https://restless.co.uk/health/healthy-body/7-ways-to-improve-your-sex-life-during-and-after-menopause/