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

Does this need any explanation?

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Q&A Have you ever said to yourself I wish I was prettier?

Looking through pictures of people on myspace etc. makes me think how much beauty is over rated
and how much girls can compare themselves to the “perfect” when really we all should be happy with ourselves,
but beauty is always going to be the biggest competition through out the whole world! What is your view?

- Charlotte, NY

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Charlotte -

I believe that we are all our biggest critic. While constantly wishing we looked like (fill in the blank) or were more – slimmer, bigger, shorter, taller, blonder, darker, etc. – can we harmful or self-degrading I think that at times it can be a good thing.

For example, by thinking “I wish I were slimmer, or more fit” instead of “I wish I were skinny” could be a way to encourage me to practice healthier eating habits and exercise more (which of course is a good thing) I am not beating myself over the head, but I can use it as gentle encouragement.

This is however a fine line, if my “I wish I were slimmer” gets to the point of an eating disorder or I become and exercise-aholic then I know that I’ve gone beyond the “safety” line and it is no longer a “gentle encouragement” but I am verbally abusing myself.

I think part of growing up, and getting used to your body is also learning to love you body – and everything about yourself. While we could all self-encourage ourselves to be better people, we must love ourselves where we are at as well.

As a good friend of mine always says, “If you don’t love yourself, who else will?”

What are your views?