We all know food is the key to a man’s heart, but what about their dick? Humanity has been fixated on libido-boosting foods for eons, from desserts that get you in the mood to fruits that can supposedly help you perform better.
Let’s make one thing clear: the science (or lack thereof) to support aphrodisiacs can be vague at best. While many foods do carry certain properties that can have a positive impact on your sex life in one way or another, there’s no fruit or magic recipe to treat your premature ejaculation— that’s why we invented Prolong, after all.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t put a little more thought into selecting the ingredients for Saturday night’s dinner date. It might even encourage you to get in the mood— hey, it’s the intention that counts!
Apples
Apples have long been associated with sinful temptation— remember that snake in the Garden of Eden? Like many fruits and vegetables, the polyphenols found in apple skin assist in blood flow. A study of 731 Italian women also found that they reported better sexual satisfaction after introducing an apple a day to their diet, so make sure you share this one with your partner!
Oysters
The humble oyster’s sexy reputation has been around for hundreds of years. These oceanic delicacies contain D-Aspartic acid, an amino acid that, when given to rats on its own, has been shown to increase sex hormone in lab rats. Oysters also contain zinc, which assists serotonin production and sperm development.
Pistachios
A small, three week study of 17 men suggests that daily pistachio consumption may increase blood flow to the penis, leading to firmer and longer-lasting erections. Since the focus group was so small and didn’t use a placebo, it’s impossible to tell if the benefits were caused by the pistachios themselves or purely psychological. But hey, why not pair them with an apple and test out the potential blood flow benefits for yourself?
Chocolate
The chemicals tryptophan and phenylethylamine help to produce other chemicals that are released when we fall in love or become sexually aroused. They’re also both present in cacao, so it’s no wonder chocolate has a reputation for being an arousing food. Not that anyone needs an excuse to eat more chocolate!
Watermelon
While not a traditionally sexy fruit, this summer favourite contains L-citrulline. This amino acid assists in blood flow and is a precursor to the the sexy neurotransmitter nitric oxide. Unfortunately, the majority of this key active ingredient is contained in the least tasty part: the rind.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s aphrodisiac claims come from its ability to turn the heat up in the moment— literally. As a warming spice, it’s supposed to fire up your libido and also enable blood flow. The science on this one is shaky, but if you do try it, make sure to go easy. Otherwise you may risk reliving the Cinnamon Challenge trend of 2010.
Ginkgo biloba
This herbal extract is a popular treatment for a variety of conditions, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine. So how does it fare as an aphrodisiac? While one study showed very promising potential when it came to increasing libido and orgasm rates, these results could not be successfully recreated in a further study.
Ginkgo biloba may or may not have the potential to increase arousal, but what these studies do suggest is that the power of suggestion alone can be incredibly effective. If snacking on chocolate or slurping oysters before sex helps you to get in the right mindset for a great night of lovemaking, then go for it!
But if you’d rather invest in something that’s been clinically shown to treat premature ejaculation in multiple independent studies, you should definitely check out Prolong. Prolong Climax Control Training Program was found to improve all aspects of sexual satisfaction. From initiating sex, to frequency, enjoyment of intercourse and even communication between the couple— no cooking required.