These 7 foods are considered aphrodisiacs, but do they work?
aphrodisiac foods and drinks
Aphrodisiacs have been around since the dawn of time. If a food has a reputation as a sexuality “enhancer,” people will want to try it.
But do they actually work, or are we just deluding ourselves that those pre-dinner oysters will exert a raw, primal force on us overnight?
Below, three experts offer their take on the effectiveness of some common aphrodisiacs and explain how each food has earned this reputation.
Let’s go in order: what is an aphrodisiac and how does it interact with our body?
Generally, an aphrodisiac – a term derived from Aphrodite , the Greek goddess of love – is defined as a food or other substance that causes sexual arousal or desire.
“Through these foods, nutrients are provided that also improve the health of the sexual organs,” explained Kat Vak Kirk
sexologist and relationship and sex expert for AdamandEve.com “These foods are believed to increase arousal sensations such as body temperature, heart rate and physical energy, amplifying the urge to have sex.”
Of course, there could be a placebo effect at play , for example: you’ve heard that figs act on the sex drive so you feel more inclined to have sex just because your expectations of that fruit are high. Either way, they’re worth a taste, right?
Aphrodisiacs:
Aphrodisiacs have been around since the dawn of time. If a food has a reputation as a sexuality “enhancer,” people will want to try it.
But do they actually work, or are we just deluding ourselves that those pre-dinner oysters will exert a raw, primal force on us overnight?
Below, three experts offer their take on the effectiveness of some common aphrodisiacs and explain how each food has earned this reputation.
Let’s go in order: what is an aphrodisiac and how does it interact with our body?
Generally, an aphrodisiac – a term derived from Aphrodite , the Greek goddess of love – is defined as a food or other substance that causes sexual arousal or desire.
“Through these foods, nutrients are provided that also improve the health of the sexual organs,” explained Kat Vak Kirk
sexologist and relationship and sex expert for AdamandEve.com “These foods are believed to increase arousal sensations such as body temperature, heart rate and physical energy, amplifying the urge to have sex.”
Of course, there could be a placebo effect at play , for example: you’ve heard that figs act on the sex drive so you feel more inclined to have sex just because your expectations of that fruit are high. Either way, they’re worth a taste, right?
Aphrodisiacs:
1. Watermelon
Watermelon already had a reputation as an aphrodisiac long before Beyoncé sang about it in the song “Drunk in Love.”
There’s a reason people believe them, says Diana Hoppe obstetrician, ob-gyn and author of Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What Your Libido Reveals About Your Life.
Watermelon is a rich source of citrulline, a non-essential amino acid
Citrulline relaxes and dilates blood vessels somewhat like Viagra and other drugs designed for erectile dysfunction do
“All that citrulline results in more intense blood flow, relaxation of vessels, and increased sexual arousal,” Hoppe explained.
It looks promising, but does it work? Since citrulline is most concentrated in the watermelon peel, “You would have to eat a lot of peel to see the benefits of this effect,” warns Hoppe.
Anyone fancy some watermelon peel juice? Or even better, pickled watermelon peel ?
2. Chocolate
Chocolate is the classic Valentine’s Day gift for good reason: it’s delicious, mouth-watering, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a person who doesn’t like some variation of it. (We see you, and we want you, pink chocolate )
But is it effective as an aphrodisiac? Unfortunately, current studies suggest that chocolate has no statistically significant effect on libido, explained Steve McGough, professor of clinical sexology at the Institute of Advanced Study in Human Sexuality .
That said, chocolate contains chemicals like phenylethylamine , which can lead to feelings of excitement and overall well-being. Hopefully, you can invest your good mood in some healthy sex with your partner.
3. Oysters
Oysters have an epic history as an aphrodisiac: legend has it that Casanova, the celebrated 18th century seducer, stocked up on raw oysters every morning to maintain his energy. The oyster also bears a certain resemblance to female genitalia and tasting its soft, moist flesh can be a little allusive.
But are oysters really effective as an aphrodisiac? They can be in certain quantities, says Hoppe.
“Oysters contain large amounts of zinc, a mineral that is important for testosterone and sperm production and immune function,” she explained.
They also contain large amounts of the amino acid tyrosine, a nutrient that plays a role in the production of dopamine. Insufficient levels of dopamine are known to negatively affect libido, concludes Hoppe.
“You’d have to eat large amounts of them to get enough dopamine to take effect, but it never hurts to indulge in a couple of oysters as an appetizer, to stoke the flame!”
But how much is “enough”?
“For some people, two oysters are enough to stoke the flame while others may need more,” says Hoppe. “When it comes to aphrodisiacs, food is only one factor in the libido equation, since the body’s individual reaction to food and the atmosphere (a romantic candlelit dinner versus a busy, noisy restaurant) could also contribute “.
4. Asparagus
This vegetable, which vaguely resembles a phallic shape, has the French to thank for its inconvenient reputation. In the 19th century, French newlyweds were served three bowls of asparagus the day before their wedding in the hope that it would heighten their sex drive for the big night (let’s hope their pee didn’t smell like asparagus, because not sexy at all).
But is asparagus really a sexy superfood? Maybe, McGough explains.
Asparagus is a source of sexually stimulating nutrients, including vitamins E, B, and potassium.
“As it’s a great and nutritious food, I’d say it’s worth a try,” she suggests. “I haven’t tested it myself but I like asparagus and now I’m curious.”
Vegetables with similar nutrients can have the same effect as asparagus, but McGough advises not to overdo it.
“Based on my own observation, I’d say that if you’re eating large amounts of a food that makes you feel really good, it’s best not to keep your intake levels that high all the time,” she said. “Unless it’s a nutritional deficiency, certain foods can affect our physiology, one way or another (sometimes with great results), but after some time we may adapt.”
She added, “Better to keep a balance and eat a good variety of healthy foods every day. Save the asparagus, oyster and watermelon binges for a special date.”
5. Chili.
Light up your (sex) life. According to Hoppe, chili peppers contain an oily compound known as capsaicin that stimulates nerve endings on the tongue.
“It creates a tingling sensation and increases the release of epinephrine – also known as adrenaline – and endorphins, natural opiates for the body.”
Does it really work? Yes, it’s very possible that the endorphin surge caused by chili will make you “snap,” Hoppe explained.
Additionally, chili pairs well with another food believed to be an aphrodisiac, the nutritious avocado. Don’t forget to buy chips, salsa and guacamole before sending the next message: “Netflix and couch?”
6. Figs
Figs have long been considered an aphrodisiac, mainly because they are mentioned in the Bible as one of the fruits found in the Garden of Eden. Some even believe that the fig tree was the real forbidden fruit that got Adam and Eve into all that trouble.
Ok, it has a sexy history, but is it really effective? No, according to Van Kirk, but it’s good for your overall health.
“Figs contain a high concentration of antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols that can generate feelings of relaxation and well-being.”
(But avoid reading how figs grow, because it’s not sexy at all).
7. Strawberries
Thanks to the heart shape and red color, it is said that the Romans considered the strawberry as a symbol of Venus, Goddess of love.
Aside from its graceful shape, the strawberry is full of Vitamin C, which helps blood flow to all areas of the body, explains Hoppe.
Is it effective? “Like so many other aphrodisiacs, it contains ingredients that are important for sex hormone production but there’s no way to guarantee an increase in desire,” she said. “However, they are good for health in general.”
Hey, keeping healthy is always sexy.
Read more about What is the difference between Romantic attraction and sexual attraction?
