Throughout history, many love foods have been linked to sexual desire, and many have been claimed to increase sexual desire and / or pleasure. However, modern Western medical science does not support this view and there is little scientific evidence that any specific food increases sexual desire or performance.

However, science recognizes that many different foods have physiological effects, raising body temperature, stimulating increased energy levels, stimulating hormone production, changing neurotransmitter levels, and reducing inhibitions. These types of observed effects, together with a placebo effect, the belief in its efficacy, probably explain the reputation that some foods have earned for being aphrodisiacs.

Some foods that are said to have aphrodisiac properties are:

Dark chocolate– Chocolate is a complex food, but it is now known that, among other ingredients, it contains phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are chemicals that naturally elevate mood in the human brain. Eating dark chocolate, rich in these substances, causes a mild euphoria, a slight increase in blood pressure and a general feeling of well-being, such as that associated with love. Dark chocolate also contains flavanol antioxidants that are beneficial for health.

Chocolate’s reputation as an aphrodisiac originated in South America more than a thousand years ago, where it was prized by the Mayan and Aztec cultures. When chocolate was discovered by the Spanish conquerors, so was its reputation, which endures.

oysters– Oysters have long had a reputation for being aphrodisiacs, but with little scientific basis. However, they are a very healthy and balanced food like eggs. They contain proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, a variety of vitamins (A, B1, B2, C and D), in addition to a large number of minerals (calcium, iodine, iron, potassium, copper, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and sulfur ). They also contain, like other seafood, amounts of omega-3 fatty acids for health.

Some of the aphrodisiac properties of oysters have been attributed, at least in part, to their zinc content, as zinc is important for raising testosterone levels, but such an effect is highly unlikely to be immediate. Recent evidence suggests that oysters contain varying amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the “arousal” center in the brain, and this may have something to do with it.

Vegetarian food– There are many other natural substances, mostly plant-based, that have supposed aphrodisiac properties, but there is no specific evidence that any of them can independently cause erotic arousal. The list includes substances as diverse as: avocados, asparagus, arugula, bananas, puffer fish, caviar, celery, chilli, figs, gingko, ginseng, kava, lobster, passion fruit, pomegranate, saffron, sea cucumber, truffle, vanilla and wasabi .

As far as we know, the concepts of love and romance are peculiar to us humans and not shared by the animal kingdom in general. This is probably due to our great cerebral cortex and, therefore, to our great capacity for imagination and sensitivity. Our feelings of love and romance reside in the brain, manufactured by ourselves, but capable of being affected by tastes and smells. In this way it is possible that certain foods can contribute to a romantic feeling if the environment is conducive. Exotic foods, a candlelit table, and low music can bring one out of the mundane into the realm of romance.