Do Aphrodisiacs Increase Your Sex Drive?

February 3, 2009 at 12:56 PM by Cafe Kim - Comments (5)

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Does cheese get you in the mood?

Anticipation of Valentine's Day has me pondering all things love and lust. And I've gotta be honest: For me, food really isn't an aphrodisiac. Even the age-old sexual stimulant—oysters—have no effect on me. I mean, who's thinking about good luvin' when there's good food to be had?

I'm guessing most people would disagree with me. That's why I've compiled a list of magical foods that (supposedly) will turn you on. But do they really work?

Since the beginning of time, cultures have touted certain foods as being able to increase sex drive and improve performance. But scientists doubt that foods have such properties.

If you can believe it, the Food and Drug Administration has actually weighed in on the debate. It maintains that there is no scientific proof that aphrodisiacs have sexual effects. Fear not, Casanovas. All is not lost: The catch here is that the mind is an aphrodisiac—meaning that if you think a certain food has an effect on your sexual appetite, then it probably will.

The following foods are "purportedly" aphrodisiacs you can use when cooking your special someone a romantic dinner for two:

Brie cheese: Makes women secrete a scent that powerfully triggers sexual attraction in men and women.

Oysters, pecans: Increases testosterone and promotes vaginal lubrication.

Fish: Boosts sexual function.

Doughnuts: Increase blood flow down below.

Ginseng Tea: Increases sex drive.

Chocolate: Promotes relaxation so you can get in the mood.

Other aphrodisiacs include figs, licorice, salami, scallops, almonds, and asparagus.

Foods to stay away from include: Grilled meats, too much booze (a glass of wine is OK), dill, lentils, lettuce, watercress, and water lilly—so don't go eating any water lilly on Valentine's Day!

Which foods make you want to get it on?

FILED UNDER: food, products, suggestions, traditions, trends, valentine's day