Aphrodisiacs

What is an aphrodisiac?

An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, drug, scent, or device that, promoters claim, can arouse or increase sexual desire, or libido.

Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. Because Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, many types of seafood have reputations as aphrodisiacs.

Do aphrodisiacs really work?

Scientific tests have proven that some aromas can cause a greater effect on the body than the actual ingestion of foods.

Common foods used as an aphrodisiac:

Alcohol: lowers inhibitions and increases confidence; however, over-indulgence has a sedative effect not conducive to a romantic tryst.

Banana: its creamy, lush texture, some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance.

Caviar: is high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.

Champagne: viewed as the "drink of love," moderate quantities lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body.

Chilies, curries, and spicy foods have been viewed as aphrodisiacs because their physiological effects--a raised heart rate and sometimes sweating--are similar to the physical reactions experienced during sex.

Chocolate: contains both a sedative which relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. Chocolate was banned from some monasteries centuries ago.

Ginseng: increases desire for physical contact.

Perfumes: made of natural foodstuffs such as almond, vanilla, and other herbs and spices act as a pheromone to communicate emotions by smell.

Oyster meat: oyster meat is historically known as an aphrodisiac, flavanoids in oyster meat have been shown to stimulate the reproductive system. Some oysters repeatedly change their sex from male to female and back. Oysters are supposed to let one experience the the masculine and feminine sides of love.

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