Everyone has their own version of a ritual before it becomes their time to shine, however, are you maximizing your full potential before sex? 

Aphrodisiacs are things that stimulate sexual desire or arouse excitement within the body. Different kinds of foods or drinks can jump-start this libido, and really spice things up in the bedroom. Aka it's time to listen up and try eating these before sex.

Nuts

nut, almond, sweet, coffee
Kirby Barth

Nuts contain large amounts of zinc, which is one of the key factors to a healthy libido. According to SELF, nuts also contain omega-3, which can cause a sexual response due to an increase in dopamine production.

Strawberries 

strawberry, berry
Kate Donald

This one should be obvious. Strawberries have been used in a seductive manner for years now, bonus if they are covered in chocolate. The stunning red color, mixed with the sweet flavor of the berry, how could they not be absolutely tantalizing? Plus, back in the ancient Roman days, strawberries were known as a symbol of Venus.

Coffee

coffee, espresso
Hailey Ennis

Most of us drink coffee in the morning to help put a little extra pep in our step. So, why not give it a shot before sex? Coffee helps to wake you up, get the blood flowing and increases stamina; all pretty useful, if not essential. 

Avocados

avocado, guacamole, vegetable
Katie Luchette

I guess there was a good reason for the avocado craze. According to PBS, "the Aztecs explained that [the avocado's] name, ahucatl (meaning testicle), came not only from their physical appearance, but also from their ability to incite sexual passion." The avocado helped many boost their immune system and their libido. 

Seafood

goody, meat, shrimp, wasabi, tuna, rice, sashimi, fish, seafood, salmon, sushi
Jocelyn Hsu

Seafood, oysters more specifically, is a great choice, again, because of our good friend, zinc. In addition to the zinc, hand feeding oysters or sushi could be all you need to spice it up in the bedroom. 

Beets

sweet, radish, pasture, beet root, vegetable, beet
Kate Zizmor

Maybe Dwight Schrute had it right all along. Beets contain tryptophan and betaine, which contribute to positive feelings. They also contain boron, which is a substance that helps to increase sex hormones in the body. 

Dark chocolate

chocolate, pistachio, candy, sweet
Amanda Shulman

Chocolate has always been a fan favorite for the indication of sex. However, science has delved into the wonders behind what makes chocolate so powerful. Two essential parts were found phenethylamine and tryptophan. Apparently, these two components help us to fall in love and create serotonin in our brain. 

Pomegranates 

pasture, vegetable, cranberry, berry, pomegranate
Parisa Soraya

In 2011, it was discovered that by drinking pomegranate juice it lowered cortisol levels, thus increasing testosterone in men and women. Additionally, according to PBS, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love planted the first pomegranate tree, and due to "their many seeds, pomegranates are often associated with fertility and abundance." 

Next time the mood strikes, impress your partner by stepping up your game and trying something new. What have you got to lose?