Aphrodisiacs have been around for thousands of years, but are still heralded as proponents of sexual desire in today’s culture. The concept is surrounded by conflicting opinion, but do they actually turn you on or not?
The word “aphrodisiac” probably conjures up images of oysters, chocolate and wine, but substances like cocaine and deadly herbs of historic lore fall into the category too. With such a long and varied list of aphrodisiacs, each has its own qualities that cause desire, sustain arousal or heighten enjoyment.
“Aphrodisiacs have been reported to include a wide range of substances from oysters to eggs, certain vegetables and even animal parts,” said Georgia State psychology professor Dr. John Peterson. “The most popular substances that have been thought by people to increase their sexual desire include Spanish fly (cantharides), yohimbine, marijuana, ginseng, cocaine, amyl nitrate and even alcohol.”
On Cosmopolitan’s website, a list of common food aphrodisiacs highlights each one individually and explains its significance. According to the list, avocados and asparagus have vitamin E, which causes the release of hormones. One can scroll through the list to find bananas and other super foods that have some nutritional quality to justify their “aphrodisiac” label.
Science tells us differently.
According to a 2001 study about aphrodisiacs published in Clinical Autonomic Research, “Some remedies have a historical and mythological interest but no scientific basis.”
Georgia State psychology professor Dr. Sherry Broadwell agrees. “There is no compelling data to suggest that aphrodisiacs intensify sexual arousal.” Broadwell explained that cocaine, are considered an aphrodisiac because it heightens sexual arousal.
“I believe that any food can be used as an aphrodisiac,” said Harvey Harrison, a senior at Georgia State. Harrison said fruits can be used in a “sexual setting” to create the mood.
Perhaps the foods themselves do not turn us on from the inside, but work externally, visually. If certain foods are believed to be sexy, a couple might emphasize that on their own through body language, speech and all the interactions that lead into a sexual encounter.
“There are no proven aphrodisiacs according to most human sexuality textbooks but the belief in them may produce an effect,” Peterson said.
It is the belief that something sexy will occur that causes action. Folklore, myth and science aside, it is down to you to propel your own sexual destiny. Food is merely the assistance.
