Aphrodisiacs: Which foods really work?

From a scientific view, the alleged results some experience are likely to be due to a placebo effect – i.e the belief by the user that they will be effective causes an effect. So far, science has not substantiated claims that aphrodisiac foods increase sexual desire.
 
However, some aphrodisiac foods do contain compounds that may boost sex drive. Here we look at some common aphrodisiacs and their benefits...

 

Oysters are probably most commonly recognised aphrodisiac food. Oysters are high in zinc which is essential for the production of testosterone. Low levels of testosterone decrease libido in both men and woman, so boosting zinc levels in those with low levels could increase sex drive.

Additionally, a study in 2005 found molluscs (oysters are a type of mollusc) contain two amino acids, D-aspartic acid and NMDA, which have been linked to the release of testosterone and oestrogen. However the researches stated that they didn’t find any correlation with this and the libido. So seems that oysters effects are likely to be a placebo effect, but if they get you in the mood, it doesn’t matter how they work! As a bonus, oysters are very nutritious, being low in fat, high protein and a good source of Vitamin B12 and Zinc.

 

The burning sensation from chilli pepper comes from the chemical capsaicin. This chemical also simulates nerve endings, raises our pulse and even makes some people sweat. Some researchers believe that eating spicy foods also triggers the release of endorphins, the so called “feel good hormones”.

No doubt a release of endorphins could be advantageous in getting one “in the mood” so to speak! Another property of chilli peppers which could be conducive to improving libido is they increase blood flow. So get spicy to get in the mood!

 

Some say that chocolate is better than sex. It is not surprising then that it is thought by some that chocolate induces the same biological reactions as love. 

 

Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine which has been linked to mood, attention and physical energy. However, the quantities in chocolate are small and unlikely to make a difference to mood. The feel good effects of chocolate are most likely linked to its mouth feel and flavour – courtesy of its high fat and sugar content.

OK, so Ginkgo is a herb not a food but it has had some attention for helping sexual function. It is thought that Ginkgo may stimulate the release of nitric oxide which causes widening blood vessels of the genitals and erectile tissue.

 

Please note Ginkgo shouldn't be taken by those on blood-thinning drugs or by people with heart disease.

 

Whether the effects of aphrodisiacs are imagined or real, if you find they work for you that’s got to be a good thing, especially with the nutritionally beneficial such as oysters. Dig in!