Aphrodisiacs are defined as any food, beverage, or drug that increases sexual desire. Needless to say, there’s plenty of room for interpretation (and misinterpretation) as to what aphrodisiacs are. However, aphrodisiacs are generally thought of as potent tonics, libations, or sex-enhancing foods. But how does one measure increased sexual desire, and what does a successful aphrodisiac constitute?
Reality check incoming: most products claiming to be aphrodisiacs are largely based on hyperbole or myth. Nevertheless, a handful of aphrodisiacs may have some sort of science to back their claims––not all aphrodisiacs are snake oil. This article will discuss the claims, benefits, and old wives’ tales about the world’s most renowned sex-boosting aphrodisiacs.
A look at aphrodisiacs throughout history
Aphrodisiacs have been around for millennia. For instance, in the 1st century AD, Martial, an ancient Roman poet, once wrote that if one’s wife is old, and your member is exhausted, eat plenty of onions. On the other hand, a traditional Chinese medicinal text from 2600 BC known as the Huang-Ti Nei-Ching once had a recipe for an aphrodisiac tonic that the emperor consumed before he slept with “1,200 women” and attained “immortality.” Intense.
Other interesting aphrodisiacs in the annals of time include:
- Pliny, the renowned Greek philosopher, once claimed that mandrake root boosted sex drive because of its resemblance to a woman’s genitals.
- In Ancient Egypt, individuals used to smear a concoction containing crocodile heart on the penis.
- Ancient Chinese ate animals’ sexual organs in the belief that it would boost their virility. Animals’ sexual organs are still used in traditional Chinese medicine to this very day.
- Ancient Romans, on the other hand, once drank the semen of young men in the belief that it would give them virility associated with youth.
- Seafood––in particular, oysters––have been used as aphrodisiacs since time immemorial because of their association with Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty.
- Casu marzu, a type of cheese fermented with maggots, is eaten as an aphrodisiac on the Italian island of Sardinia.
- Durian, a fruit native to Southeast Asia, has been consumed as an aphrodisiac up to today.
- African poachers sell ground rhino horns in Africa and China to boost sexual potency, despite a complete and total lack of evidence to support such claims.`
That said, what does science have to say about such outrageous claims? Is there any real benefit to consuming rotting cheese, rhino horns, or mandrake root as far as sexual performance is concerned? Surprisingly, some known aphrodisiacs may have some scientific backing. Here are four examples.
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Oysters: packed with zinc
Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to most peoples’ minds when they think of an aphrodisiac is oysters. Renowned lover Casanova, for instance, was known to consume 50 raw oysters a day to stay on top of his sexual performance and virility––but is there any truth to such big claims? Well, the science may actually support the claims surrounding these tasty little bivalves.
Oysters are loaded with zinc, which is an essential nutrient for sexual development and fertility. Oysters contain D-aspartic acid and N-methyl D-aspartic acid (NMDA), which are amino acids that are linked to increased hormonal levels in research conducted on animals.
Chocolate: is the hype real?
Chocolate has been marketed as an aphrodisiac and mood booster. That’s why chocolate is all over the market when it’s Valentine’s Day. Granted, chocolate––the dark variety––is already known for its cardiovascular health benefits. But the sad truth is that there isn’t much scientific evidence supporting chocolate’s status as a true aphrodisiac.
In a 2006 study conducted on women from Northern Italy, daily chocolate eaters were compared to women who didn’t eat it every day. However, no substantial differences were found between both groups.
Chili peppers: making the bedroom red hot and spicy
Chili peppers are believed to increase libido and virility. And the surprising thing is that claim might hold some water. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes us feel hot, triggers facial redness, increased heart rate, and increased sweating––qualities that we often link to sexual arousal.
In a study conducted on rats, chili peppers and capsaicin were found to induce more frequent ejaculation in the subjects, but with a catch: it was also linked to premature ejaculation in rats. Another study indicated capsaicin’s effect in improving sexual behavior in rats––particularly, capsaicin reduced refractory times in male rats. The refractory period refers to the time immediately after ejaculation and right before the next sexual activity. However, the same study showed that capsaicin-induced faster ejaculation times.
Granted, no studies have determined that chili peppers boost human sexual performance. But the results of studies conducted on rats are definitely encouraging.
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Maca and red ginseng: very promising potential
In spite of the lack of scientific backing behind the claims that aphrodisiacs make, certain herbs and supplements like maca root and red ginseng may in fact boost certain aspects of sexual performance. For instance, maca root may help boost sexual libido in men and women, while red ginseng may potentially benefit individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED).
However, despite their promising potential, the studies conducted on maca and red ginseng were conducted on small sample sizes and the methodologies used weren’t stringent enough to conclusively determine their purported benefits.
The final word on aphrodisiacs: do they work beyond the hype or placebo?
Despite the outrageous claims and the iffy science surrounding aphrodisiacs, the truth is that the placebo effect may actually have them work on some people.
For instance, when we associate certain activities with sex, such as eating oysters or chocolate, the behavior transforms into something more. The link with intimacy, sex, and foreplay can turn any mundane food, drink, or product into your very own aphrodisiac. In the case of eating oysters or chocolate, their taste or smell or any other food or beverage item may become inseparably linked to sex. And your body may very well perceive it to be as such. The final word? Anything can be an aphrodisiac if you want it to be––or if you treat it as such.
