Aphrodisiac Foods: Do They Work?

Some people swear by aphrodisiac foods, while others are skeptical. What are aphrodisiac foods expected to do for our bodies and our minds? Generally it is accepted that aphrodisiac foods are supposed to increase our libido or sexual desire and make us more interested in sexual activity. The skeptics question whether certain types of food could increase our sexual feelings. Looked at objectively, it is clear that all foods have some effect on us, even if it is as simple as a like or dislike of the taste of a certain food. Research has shown that some foods give us energy, whereas others make us feel tired and drained. Certain foods help prevent disease and others aggravate illness. Properties of different foods act as tranquillizers and others stimulate mental activity. Is it so unbelievable that food could enhance sexual desire? Testosterone, the Sex Hormone Although testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone, womenís bodies also produce this hormone. As testosterone levels rise in both men and women, the body and mind become flirtatious and provocative (even if it is on an unconscious level), the person sends out relaxed signals of sexual availability and sexual arousal occurs. On the other hand, when testosterone levels drop due to aging, menopause or medication, sexual interest wanes. The amount of testosterone in the body also tends to decline once a couple has been in a relationship for longer than eighteen months, a fact that is often not understood and can be a cause of great anxiety. It can also happen that one member of the couple has a lower degree of testosterone than the other, which may also give rise to concern. Foods that Increase Testosterone Levels Aphrodisiac foods tend to work in two different ways. Some of these foods increase testosterone through gland stimulation. Elements in the food have an effect on all the bodyís glands, including the sexual glands, so we can just enjoy the pleasant side effect. Other aphrodisiac foods are purely sympathetic sexual enhancers. The brain can be targeted through visual, olfactory and auditory signals, and of course through the taste buds. The oyster is a classic example of an aphrodisiac food that is a visual stimulator. Containing no chemical properties that increase libido, it is thought that the shape of the oysters or the way they are eaten is the trigger that releases additional testosterone in the body. Foods that contain zinc can be considered aphrodisiac and also mood stabilizers. Pine nuts are one of these foods, being rich in zinc and other nutrients. In unprocessed foods, zinc can elevate mood, particularly in cases of mild depression which is weather related. Libido is lowered when a person is feeling depressed, so zinc can not only make you feel better and thus more interested in sexual activity, but zinc also stimulates the production of testosterone. It is possible to overdose on zinc tablets, so consumption must be carefully monitored. According to the Vegetarian Society, the aphrodisiac effect of asparagus can last up to 72 hours. This is a food that has a two-fold effect on the libido: it has a visual appeal as well as a chemical action in the body. The phallic appearance of asparagus is said to encourage sexual interest. In addition, asparagus contains antioxidants that help to put the glands in the brain, including the sexual ones, into a state of fitness; this, of course, means higher levels of testosterone in the body. Almonds, after diamonds, could be considered a girlís best friend. Considered an aphrodisiac food, it seems that almonds affect only women. It has not been established whether almonds provide a visual trigger or if they have an effect on gland stimulation, but they do increase sexual interest in women. As almonds are also a mood elevator it is possible that this is also a factor in the process. Originally the banana was classed as a symbolic aphrodisiac because of the similarity between the banana flower and a womanís genitalia. Research has revealed, however, that the banana is packed with potassium and Vitamin B. Potassium is a mineral that stimulates the releasing of hormones in the body, while Vitamin B increases energy, sexual interest and is a mood enhancer. All these factors help to make the sexual experience more pleasing, in addition to the banana being a tasty snack. As long as both partners consume garlic with their meal, it can be considered an aphrodisiac food. The aroma of garlic can be off-putting, but apparently if shared can lead to a positive increase in joint sexual desire. Because you have also eaten garlic the aroma emanating from your partner does not offend your senses. The other reason that garlic can be considered an aphrodisiac is because it boosts mental energy and creates a sense of well being, all conducive to an increase in sexual feelings. An additional beneficial spin-off from garlic is the fact that this power packed little bulb helps combat many illnesses, from the common cold to heart disease. The Influence of Aphrodite The word aphrodisiac comes from the name Aphrodite, the goddess of love of ancient Greek mythology. Because some aphrodisiac foods were mentioned in the mythical stories there are some people who believe that the effect of such foods is just that ñ a myth. There has been limited scientific research into the effect on our sexual desires that some of the so-called aphrodisiac foods have. Nevertheless, the effects of aphrodisiac foods have been seen in generation after generation, and do not seem to be limited by any geographical boundaries or cultural divisions. Aphrodisiac food is certainly a universal phenomenon. The real test should come from personal experience rather than what science says. If you and your partner find that certain foods enhance your sexual desire then go for it. Does it really matter what other people think or what research has been done into the foods; if you find that a food works for you, then eat and enjoy!