If you and your partner are looking to spice up your love life, you may be wondering if there’s anything to the claims about certain foods being aphrodisiacs. Can eating chocolate or oysters really increase your libido? Keep reading to find out what the science has to say about these purported aphrodisiacs. You might be surprised by what does and doesn’t work!
First and foremost: What exactly is an aphrodisiac, and how do they affect our bodies?
An aphrodisiac is typically defined as a meal or other item that induces arousal or sexual desire, a term originating from Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love.
There are nutrients in these foods that boost the health of the genital organs as well. The foods are thought to stimulate arousal sensations such as body temperature, heart rate, or physical energy, making you want to have sex.
Watermelon
According to her, watermelon is high in the non-essential amino acid citrulline. Citrulline relaxes and dilates blood vessels in the same way that Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications do.
Citrulline increases blood flow, blood vessel relaxation, and sexual desire. It certainly sounds good, but
How effective is it? Because citrulline is most prevalent in watermelon skin, you’d have to eat a lot of watermelon rind to see a payoff.
Oysters
Oysters have a long history as an aphrodisiac: legend has it that Casanova, the famous 18th-century lover, fuelled up on raw oysters every morning to stay energized. The oyster also resembles female genitalia, and slurping its soft, moist flesh can be a little provocative.
Is it true that oysters work as aphrodisiacs? They can exist in limited amounts. Oysters are abundant in zinc, a mineral that is essential for testosterone production, sperm creation, and immunological function. They also have a high concentration of the amino acid tyrosine, which aids in the creation of dopamine. Low dopamine levels are known to have a negative impact on desire.
To obtain enough dopamine to have any effect, you’d have to eat a lot of oysters, but having them as an appetizer never hurts. But how many is enough? When it comes to aphrodisiacs, the food is only one component of the equation to libido, as the body’s reaction to the food and the surroundings (a romantic candlelight meal versus crazy busy loud restaurants) could also contribute.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers add a kick to your intimate pleasure. According to Hoppe, chili peppers contain capsaicin, a colorless, odorless oil-like substance that stimulates nerve endings on the tongue.
It causes a tingling feeling and boosts the production of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and endorphins, which are the body’s natural opiates,” she explained.
Is it truly efficient? Yes, the endorphin rush from the chili is sure to get you going, according to Hoppe.
Furthermore, chili goes well with another meal thought to be an aphrodisiac, the nutrient-rich avocado. Don’t forget to stock up on chips, salsa, and guacamole before texting “Netflix and chill?”
Strawberry
The strawberry is supposed to have been a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love, because of its heart shape and red hue.
Aside from its adorable shape, the fruit is high in Vitamin C, which helps maintain blood flow to all parts of the body.
Is it efficient? “It has elements vital to sex hormone synthesis, as do many of these aphrodisiacs, but there’s no way to ensure it would stimulate desire,” she said. “However, they’re helpful for your general health!” Staying healthy is always appealing.
Caviar
Caviar It doesn’t get much more decadent than caviar, an expensive delicacy thought to have numerous health advantages that will improve your well-being and libido.
The pearl-shaped fish eggs are high in zinc and protein, providing you and your companion with an energy boost. Caviar contains the amino acid L-arginine, which improves blood flow and is known to boost desire.
Vanilla
The Totonacs of Mexico’s east coast were the first to grow this heady spice. When Spanish conquistadors brought the spice to Europe, its smell spread over the continent, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Vanilla can now be found in everything from fragrances and personal products to desserts and drinks. Vanilla’s sensual benefits have been proven to be especially strong in men, and its warm perfume not only lowers stress levels to put you in a romantic mood, but it also induces bliss.
If you want to make date night extra special for you and your partner, why not try cooking some of these Aphrodisiac foods?
They’re sure to spice up the evening, and it’ll be a fun activity to do together. Plus, what’s more, romantic than sharing a home-cooked meal? So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds (and your partner) will thank you. And if you know someone else who might enjoy this article, be sure to share it with them!