Aphrodisiacs: What Are They and How Do They Work

The word aphrodisiacs comes from the name Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Aphrodisiacs are thought to arouse and increase sexual desires in men and women. What are some of the most common aphrodisiacs and what about them leads us to believe that they will increase our sexual desires? Thus far there is not any scientific proof that any of these foods work beyond a placebo type effect. However it is interesting to learn of some of these foods, and their supposed effect.

A few of the believed aphrodisiacs and their effects or the reasons for believing they are aphrodisiacs are listed below.

The most popular believed aphrodisiac is oysters. It is said in Greek mythology that Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love rose from the sea on the back of an oyster and then gave birth to Eros. This is more then likely why the belief that oysters are the paramount aphrodisiac and has stood the test of time. The true case with oysters though is that they have high levels of zinc. Zinc is a main vitamin needed for testosterone levels to be at their peak performance.

If you believe that vitamin B6 can increase male hormone levels then you may want to try avocados. The high levels of vitamin B6 in the avocado can increase the hormone levels in men, therefore the belief is that the sexual desire and performance is increased.

Increase your hormone levels (and imagination) with bananas. With high levels of potassium and vitamin B to increase sex hormone production in our bodies, bananas are very popular for an aphrodisiac. It is widely believed that the similar shape between a banana and a male penis is the main reason for the banana being on the aphrodisiac lists.

If you want a rush similar to the endorphins our bodies produce when we are excited then chocolate is the next best thing. Evidently the stimulant of phenylethylamine gives the same effects as our natural endorphins and can increase the excitement and elation we feel during sex or sex acts.

One of the most popular forms of aphrodisiacs is to combine chocolate, fruits (such as strawberries) and wine. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, are red in color which is associated with love, and the sensualness of feeding your lover will increase desire. Throw wine into the mix which in itself is also a said aphrodisiac because in moderate amounts wine can heighten our senses and relax our inhibitions associated with some sex acts.

Though most of these aphrodisiac foods have the prospect of suggesting sexual desires or the act of sex it is still interesting to read some of the beliefs surrounding some of the most popular aphrodisiacs. We all can create our own aphrodisiacs whether it be by a sexy night with your lover cooking your favorite aphrodisiac foods, by setting the stage for a romantic alone evening or being provocative in the way that you eat food that makes you feel sexy and desirable.

Try some of these foods or combinations of these foods and see what results you get. See if you can discover what foods are your own personal aphrodisiac and have a little fun along the way discovering what your lovers aphrodisiac foods are as well.