Perhaps you think of oysters as a delicious once-in-a-while treat… Or maybe you think ‘gross mucusy textured seafood’. For some, however, the first thing that springs to mind is a sexy delicacy that’ll boost their sex game.
This is because oysters are one of many foods that are widely considered an ‘aphrodisiac’, a type of food thought to improve sexual function.
Throughout the ages, a huge range of foods have been considered aphrodisiacs, and still to this day, certain food types are considered beneficial to your sex life. But the big question is: do they actually work?
What Does Science Say?
Scientists tend to be in disagreement about the question of whether aphrodisiacs actually work — some studies show huge potential, others so mixed results.
Clinical sexologist and couples therapist, Ness Cooper explains why some aphrodisiacs’ seem to work (and even, why we might just think they work). “There can be psychological effects, where [some aphrodisiacs] increase feel good hormones and hormones related to erotic responses and sex such as testosterone, estrogen, dopamine and oxytocin.” This can help you get in the mood a little easier.
For some foods, it’s more of a placebo effect. “When something is positioned as pleasure enhancing or sex enhancing, our brains believe it,” Cooper says. “It makes us push towards more pleasurable sexual experiences or notice pleasure easier.”
While some foods may simply just look a bit phallic (yes, we’re thinking about eggplants). In these cases, “our brains may be triggered into noticing erotic looking things, leading us to become more aroused and help active desire,” Cooper suggests.
Which Aphrodisiacs Actually Work?
So, which ones should we focus on before a night of passion?
Chocolate is probably the most common aphrodisiac, Cooper says. “Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which helps improve circulation and increase genital arousal,” she explains. However, for it to be effective, it has to be a chocolate with a high cocoa content. So a thin layer of milk chocolate coated strawberries may not work as well as the movies suggest.
Pomegranate may be effective in boosting sexual desire too, as it contains amino acids such as l-citrulline, Cooper says. “These help with nitric oxide production, which plays an important role in erections both penile and clitoral.”
Of course, we’ve already noted oysters, often depicted as the dish for romance. “These help increase zinc,” Cooper says — and research notes that this mineral can support testosterone production (which is important in men and women to get us in the mood). However, while we know the importance of zinc, Cooper points out that the effects of this one may rely on regular consumption of zinc-rich foods.
You may also find a sexual boost from maca root, technically a vegetable, which can be found in supplement form or as gummies. This can affect your energy production as well as boosting estrogen and testosterone levels, Cooper says. In a rat-based study, the supplement was found to ‘significantly improve’ the sexual performance in male rats (although more research needs to be done to confirm the effects in humans).
Further studies have also found that red wine could work as an aphrodisiac. The research found a moderate intake improved sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function in women.
How Can I Increase Desire Outside of Aphrodisiacs?
Still not convinced about aphrodisiacs but want to improve your sex life with a partner? Cooper suggests thinking about your rituals of connection with your partner.
She explains: “When you’re able to form connections with your partner in other ways, which aren’t just sex, this can help increase the chance of sex as well as lead to more pleasurable experiences overall.”
