The Science of Aphrodisiacs?

“The Joy of Sex,” the iconic 1970s book that became the bedroom (and elsewhere) bible for a generation, has been re-released in an updated version. (AFP/Getty Images)

They’ve been touted to increase sex drive, boost arousal and put men and women in the “mood” for hundreds of years. But the skeptical consider aphrodisiacs – foods, drinks, and now cleverly marketed extracts and supplements – to be more mental than physical. A brief look at some of the more notorious of these purported libido enhancers reveals both flimsy claims and some sound science:

1. WATERMELON

A study suggesting that watermelon may have Viagra-like effects on the body made headlines in July. But the findings don’t exactly mean that eating watermelon can boost libido or treat erectile dysfunction. Watermelon, scientists found, contains large amounts of the plant nutrient citrulline, which is known to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. The chemical can relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, in much the way Viagra’s active ingredient does. But, the researchers say, it isn’t as organ-specific as Viagra. Plus, most of the chemical is in the fruit’s inedible rind, anyway.

2. OYSTERS

Since ancient times, people have considered these mollusks to be an especially potent aphrodisiac. But this reputation may have arisen simply because an oyster’s shape resembles the female genitalia. There’s no scientific evidence that the slippery mollusks boost libido or sexual performance. However, oysters have a high zinc content, which is essential to the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone.

3. HOT PEPPERS

A group of alleged aphrodisiacs – cayenne and other chile peppers – is sometimes sold in the form of an extract, but its effect on the body may be more discomfort-inducing than arousing. The fiery fruits contain varying levels of a chemical irritant called capsaicin, which, when ingested, causes an increase in heart rate and breathing, sweating and blood flow – similar to the body’s response to sexual arousal.

4. CHOCOLATE

Perhaps the most famous – and most studied – of the alleged aphrodisiacs is chocolate. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who habitually ate chocolate on a daily basis reported higher sexual function scores than those who did not. Researchers believe this finding is a misleading artifact of chocolate eaters’ tendency to be younger – and have naturally higher libidos – than people who avoid the treat. Interestingly, there was no difference between the groups in sexual arousal or satisfaction. Still, it’s plausible that chocolate contains a little love mojo: The neurotransmitters serotonin and anandamide both contribute to feelings of happiness and euphoria during sex. And both are found in chocolate.

Courtesy of AMNY

5. Lingerie

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Wear Lingerie Like A Pro!

We all know how important sexy lingerie is, have you ever been on a date, getting ready to invite them in (or get invited in) and realize you are wearing granny panties, or a shaper?! As Bridget Jones says, you need the shapers to get in the door, but the sexy lingerie once inside! So what’s a girl to do when lingerie can be every woman’s friend or her worst nightmare. Ideally what’s underneath will make you feel beautiful, sexy, and be invisible under you clothing. Here are some great tips for making the most out of what’s underneath.

Update your bras every year, as they can become misshapen, and we have a tendency to change sizes in less than a year.

Make sure you size is correct, get re-fitted every year.

Make sure the band of your bra stays in the middle of your back, if it is riding up you need a new size, and it will make you droop.

When looking for strapless bras look for these things:

- Buy 1 cup size bigger, and 1 band size smaller. This will give you a better fit and more support

- Look for a wide band which will also be more supportive

- Go for support and shape over frills and decorations. It may look pretty, but it isn’t guaranteed to last through the night (and that’s important)!

Don’t throw a molded cup bra in the dryer. It will misshape it.

Hand washing bras are best, as they will last longer. If you must wash it, be sure to get an intimates bag for your washer to protect the hooks and the shape of the bra.

When looking for a lace bra, look for a cross seam to keep the cup intact

If you are a larger cup size, look for nylon/lycra blends rather than cotton/lycra blends. They will last longer and retain their shape.

If you have one breast that is larger than the other (1 in 4 women do) be sure to fit the larger breast.

When looking for panties, make sure they are comfortable, not too tight around the waist or thighs. Also be sure to try them on with dress pants to make sure you don’t have any visible panty lines.

Whatever you are buying, be sure that it’s something you are comfortable in and that it makes you feel beautiful and sexy!

What are your favorite lingerie tips?