Natural Aphrodisiacs: Are Libido-Increasing Foods a Myth?

We can't all perform sexually like a hybrid of a bunny rabbit and a porn star. Sometimes we may find ourselves lacking in libido and in dire need of a natural aphrodisiac to bring back our sex life's pulse. So, what can we do when we aren't in the mood to get jiggy with it? We might turn to foods that are reportedly natural aphrodisiacs to increase our libido, but do they really, or are we just buying into a myth?

Many healthy foods are rumored to be natural aphrodisiacs that can help you to achieve an increase in libido.

Asparagus is rumored to boost histamine production, helping both sexes to achieve orgasm. The vegetable is rich in potassium, fiber, thiamin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamins A and C.

The aroma of almonds supposedly arouses passion in women, honestly I associate the small of roasting almonds with Christmas shopping at the mall. The tasty nuts are high in vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.

I don't know many people who haven't heard that oysters put the sex drive in gear. This slimy little supposed aphrodisiac is high in zinc, supposedly raising sperm and testosterone production. They also have Omega-3 fatty acids which are considered to be good for overall well-being and fight depression. Oysters are also a source of dopamine. With all this information, if there are really foods that act as aphrodisiacs and increase libido, my money is on oysters.

Spicy foods that get the heart pumping and make you sweat also find themselves on the list of natural aphrodisiacs. Chili peppers, radishes, anything with a bite, might make you wanna roll in the hay with your current flame.

There are some foods on the list of natural aphrodisiacs, that appear to increase libido simply because of their phallic shape. Carrots and bananas are among the phallic-shaped foods that supposedly increase libido, but there are nutritional reasons that this fruit and vegetable pair may help in the libido department. Carrots are high in fiber, and bananas contain chelating minerals and bromelain enzyme that are said to increase male libido.

There are even smells that are said to increase libido in both men and women. Pumpkin pie and lavander appear to have a positive effect on the libido of both men and women. Apparently the combination smell of Good and Plenties and cucumber is the most powerful aroma aphrodisiac for women. Just goes to show that some aphrodisiacs seem completely illogical.

But, with a lack of substantial scientific proof that all of this talk of foods at natural aphrodisiacs is true, then why do we still believe all the hype?

Many of the foods that are considered to be natural aphrodisiacs have ties back to ancient times. It's like campfire tales that many believe simply because they have validity through endurance. Whether or not these foods actually work to increase libido, the fact that they have managed to remain rumored to do so for such a long amount of time suggests to many that there is some truth to the belief that foods can increase libido.

While there isn't much scientific evidence to support the theory that these foods will help you increase your libido, there also isn't a whole lot of evidence disproving the theory that some foods work as natural aphrodisiacs. Since these foods are all full of nutrients, it can't hurt to eat them, unless of course you are allergic, so there is no harm in buying into the theory.

Spicy foods that are considered to be an aphrodisiac may simply fool your body into believing that you are sexually aroused. You heart starts beating faster and your start to break a sweat, the same reaction that your body has to sexual stimulation.

Whether the belief that there are foods that work as natural aphrodisiacs to increase libido is valid or not, it certainly can't hurt to test the theory out yourself. The health benefits of these foods may be enough, over time, to increase libido, since many times poor physical and mental health are to blame for a lack of libido. Go ahead and give some of these supposed natural aphrodisiacs a try, and if you find a food that does increase your libido, tell us about it.

Sources
http://www.thefoodpaper.com/features/top10romanticfoods.html
http://women.webmd.com/guide/food-spicier-sex-life
http://homecooking.about.com/od/holidayandpartyrecipes/a/aphrodisiacs.htm
http://health.yahoo.com/sexualhealth-overview/in-search-of-the-elusive-aphrodisiac-sex-food-and-myth/harvard--COL021004.html