London - Can oysters put you in the mood for sex?
A centuries old way of boosting your libido is to eat certain foods to put you in the mood. Many ancient civilisations attributed aphrodisiac properties to specific foods which have developed a mythical status, even though they vary from culture to culture.
The ancient Chinese believed warm snake’s blood gave men prolonged sexual stamina: The more venomous the snake, the better.
The Aztecs were more practical and believed that avocado was endowed with magical powers of arousal, and the Romans thought garlic could pep up their virility and fertility.
But how true is any of this? Scientific studies have shown that foods associated with sexual enjoyment have merely a placebo effect. The US Food and Drug Administration went as far as declaring that aphrodisiac foods had no effect on sex drive.
Sex takes place in the mind and in your imagination, so certain foods can affect sex lives differently from person to person.
Some foods contain substances which can affect the body physiologically by lowering inhibitions, increasing blood flow to the genitalia, and some can cause the release of mood boosting hormones which may lead us to believe that they can enhance sexual desire and enjoyment.
Many foods, with their suggestive aromas, visual appearances or the sensual or luxurious surroundings in which we eat them can prove to be highly seductive.
Visual foods
Foods with sexy or phallic shapes create visual stimulation. Oysters, fresh figs, carrots and even avocados are said to look like genitalia, and anything which is visually erotic may trigger your brain to think sensual thoughts.
Phallic-shaped foods being eaten by a woman may arouse some men, but it all depends on how you eat it.
Aromatic foods
There is a whole host of foods that can turn us on just by smelling their aroma.
Parsley, cooked chestnuts, truffles, and nuts have smells similar to the musky scent of males. While champagne, camembert, olives, and fresh figs give off fragrances which are stimulating to both sexes.
The most erotic organ is the brain and if you think something will turn you on, it probably will. So let your imagination run wild with ideas and start stocking up your fridge and cupboards now.
The Independent