From Chocolate to Oysters: Which Aphrodisiacs Work and Which Don’t

What kind of food was not called an aphrodisiac! But what about the evidence? Here’s what the scientists say.

It has long been considered an aphrodisiac – the term “honeymoon” is even said to have originated because newlyweds used to drink fermented honey every day after the wedding and before the first new moon. Alas and ah, there are no studies that would confirm that honey increases sexual activity. The only exception is “crazy honey” from Nepal, which has a hallucinogenic effect. On its occasion, the scientists are united: this “delicacy” is certainly not an aphrodisiac, but it can kill the one who eats it.

Oysters contain zinc and a number of amino acids that are thought to influence the production of hormones and neurotransmitters that increase sexual desire. However, there is not a single randomized controlled trial to show that oysters are truly an aphrodisiac, so it is safe to store them.

Eating chocolate affects the level of serotonin in the brain. However, as scientists have discovered, this product does not affect sexual function in any way, so keep eating chocolate just for fun.

This plant has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. A small study found that men and women who had sexual problems associated with antidepressant use felt better after taking ginkgo. Biloba is considered a vasodilator, which means it increases blood flow to body tissues. For now, however, scientists say they need more data to declare ginkgo an aphrodisiac.

You are probably already wondering if there is at least one active natural aphrodisiac on our list? The answer is yes – check out ginseng: Seven double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have proven it improves erectile function. Another scientific study involving women showed that ginseng increases sexual arousal in the post-menopausal period. So at the moment this plant is the only real aphrodisiac whose power has been proven – take note!

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