We’ve all heard of the famous aphrodisiacs – from oysters to chocolate-covered strawberries, libido-enhancing foods are often on the table in many scenes of seduction.
But can they really get you in the mood or are we all falling prey to old school myths?
The shucking truth
It’s easy to conjure up erotic associations when looking at an oyster.
The idea of the humble oyster’s eroticism is littered throughout history and popular culture.
Even famous historical lothario Casanova claimed that the shellfish was his secret to his seductive ways. Although there are no studies that directly correlate oysters with sexual appetite, oysters have more zinc than any other food per serving.
Research has shown that zinc helps to raise testosterone levels in men and may help with erectile dysfunction. Other foods that have high levels of zinc are red meat, pine nuts and fortified breakfast cereals, although those don’t sound as sexy.
Oysters have been labelled as an aphrodisiac for years.
(Image: Getty Images)An apple a day
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is no joke. In an Australian study of more than 100,000 men aged 45 years or older, 61 per cent of men reported some level of ED.
Twenty per cent of these men were healthy with no risk factors leading to ED.
While ED can have many physical, mental and emotional causes, there are foods that can help put some pep in your step, if you catch our drift.
Along with tackling the underlying cause, another thing said to aid your sex life is to eat more fruit! One study has linked a higher fruit intake to a 14 per cent reduction in the risk of ED.
This is believed to be a result of the high quantity of the naturally occurring plant compound, flavonoids, which have many health benefits.
Examples of flavonoid-rich fruits include berries, citrus and apples, but even a cup of tea will help keep your flavonoids up, too!
One study has linked a higher fruit intake to a 14 per cent reduction in the risk of erectile dysfunction.
(Image: Getty Images)Get spicy
For centuries, spices have been used to light the inner sexual flame.
This is due to their warming and stimulating effects. We associate warmth with intimacy, making us feel a bit more inclined to get down and dirty.
The most widely used spices are cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, saffron and vanilla. But these days, we’re more likely to associate these spices with the pantry.
Who would’ve thought your next apple pie could be such a perfect precursor to foreplay?
For centuries, spices have been used to light the inner sexual flame.
(Image: Getty Images)Bedroom treats
It may not be an aphrodisiac but keeping things fresh in the bedroom is a sure-fire way to keep your libido going strong!
One way to spice things up is by bringing food into the bedroom.
Whipped cream and honey create some sticky fun or, if that’s a bit too messy for you, flavoured lubricants could be a good idea. You can find a great range online from Lovehoney, with flavour combos available like salted caramel and cherry, or gin and tonic.
WATCH: Around the house sex positions attempted by real people. Post continues after video…
But can food REALLY get you in the mood?
We heard from sexpert Sammi Cole from Lovehoney.
“If you’re looking to spice up your sex life or boost your libido, any foods that are good for your heart and blood flow such as avocados, strawberries and watermelons, are a good place to start. What a great reason to load up on that smashed avo toast!
While oysters and chocolate are commonly thought of as aphrodisiacs, some scientific studies have found that they don’t really have that much impact on libido. It’s simple, really: switching to a healthier diet with more fruits, vegies and nuts will give your libido the booster shot it needs.”
So to get the best out of your libido, ditch the expensive seafood and start eating your fruits and vegies!
Any foods that are good for your heart and blood flow such as avocados, strawberries and watermelons are great for boosting your libido.
(Image: Getty Images)Did you know?
Food isn’t just for getting you in the mood. For some lucky women, food can actually trigger an orgasm. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health, orgasms can be triggered by some unusual snacks.
One person in the study said that they can’t help climaxing when they eat a “perfectly ripe cherry tomato” while another participant claims the texture of tinned tuna in their mouth really does it for them. Different strokes for different folks.
Stay away from microwave popcorn and too much alcohol if you’re keen to get frisky.
(Image: Getty Images)Foods that RUIN your sex drive
While there are foods that can help you to feel frisky, there are also foods that could make intimacy much harder.
Popcorn
A home-cooked meal and a movie snuggled up on the couch can be a sensual date idea, but put away the microwave popcorn. A chemical found in the bag’s lining called perfluorooctanoic acid can reduce your sex drive and, long-term, can even cause prostate problems in men. Switch to the stove top for a tastier and healthier snack.
Alcohol
A glass of wine or a cheeky Long Island iced tea might give you the courage to make a move on a cutie at the club, but don’t overdo it or you won’t be able to live up to expectations in the bedroom. Alcohol increases the chance of erection issues and decreases your ability to feel sexual stimulation. If you drink heavily often, it may reduce your testosterone levels and lower your libido.
Salty foods
Chips, processed meats, canned soup and frozen meals can all be contributing to a reluctance to get down and dirty. The sodium content in these foods can cause high blood pressure, and as a result, it can reduce blood flow throughout your body, including your pelvic area. Men who have high blood pressure struggle to keep it up in the bedroom.
