Oysters and dark chocolate are two foods that have long been promoted as natural aphrodisiacs that can increase sex desire. Do they work? Can adding some spice to the kitchen help you do the same in the bedroom?
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Yes and no. Research shows that although the potency of aphrodisiacs is mostly in our imaginations, the placebo effect can nevertheless have a big effect. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, explains what aphrodisiacs are, whether they work and which to try.
Ah, turkey. The centerpiece of Thanksgiving feasts, a staple of deli sandwiches, and a bird shrouded in myths about its effects on our libido. But does turkey really make you horny?
Well, the answer, like most things in life, is nuanced. It’s not a simple yes or no. It depends on how much turkey you’re eating, how it’s prepared, and what other factors are at play in your overall health and well-being.
Let’s dive into the juicy details and debunk some myths along the way.
The Good News: Turkey Can Boost Your Sex Drive
Yes, you read that right! Turkey can actually be a good thing for your libido. Here’s why:
- Zinc Power: Turkey is a rich source of zinc, a mineral that plays a crucial role in sexual health. Zinc is essential for testosterone production in men and overall sexual function in both men and women. It also helps regulate blood flow, which is vital for achieving and maintaining an erection.
- B-Vitamin Bonanza: Turkey is packed with B vitamins, including B3, B6, and B12. These vitamins are essential for regulating hormones like estrogen, testosterone, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which play a role in sexual desire and arousal.
- Norepinephrine Surge: Turkey can boost your norepinephrine production, a hormone that increases adrenaline levels. Adrenaline is your body’s natural “get-up-and-go” hormone, and it can help improve your energy levels, focus, and alertness – all crucial for a satisfying sexual experience.
- Serotonin Support: While turkey isn’t the highest source of tryptophan, it does contain some of this amino acid. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. And let’s be honest, feeling good and relaxed is a great foundation for a pleasurable sexual encounter.
The Not-So-Good News: Overdoing It Can Backfire
While turkey can be a libido-boosting ally overindulging can have the opposite effect. Here’s why:
- Tryptophan Trap: Yes, the same tryptophan that can support serotonin production can also work against you if you consume too much. Excessive tryptophan can lead to drowsiness and fatigue, making you less likely to be in the mood for intimacy.
- Saturated Fat Factor: Turkey, especially dark meat and skin, can be high in saturated fat. While some fat is essential for hormone production, too much can clog your arteries and hinder blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
- Protein Overload: A large serving of turkey can be high in protein, which can be difficult to digest and leave you feeling sluggish and bloated – not exactly the ideal state for a romantic evening.
So, How Much Turkey is Too Much?
The key is moderation. A moderate serving of turkey around 3-4 ounces can provide the libido-boosting benefits without the negative side effects. Pair it with healthy sides like vegetables and whole grains, and you’ve got yourself a balanced and satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling like a stuffed turkey yourself.
Additional Tips for a Turkey-Powered Libido
- Cooking Matters: Choose lean cuts of turkey and remove the skin to reduce the fat content. Cooking methods like grilling, baking, or roasting are healthier options than frying.
- Spice it Up: Add some spices to your turkey dish. Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are known aphrodisiacs that can further enhance your experience.
- Mind Your Portions: Be mindful of your portion size and avoid overeating. Remember, it’s all about balance.
- Pair with Pleasure: Enjoy your turkey with your partner and focus on creating a sensual and intimate atmosphere.
Beyond Turkey: Other Aphrodisiac Foods
There are other foods that can increase libido besides turkey, even though it can be a useful tool in your arsenal. Here are some other options to explore:
- Oysters: Rich in zinc and dopamine, oysters are a classic aphrodisiac.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which can improve blood flow and boost mood.
- Figs: Figs are high in magnesium, which can help relax muscles and improve blood flow.
- Avocado: This creamy fruit is rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, both of which are essential for hormone production.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost energy levels and improve mood.
The Bottom Line: Turkey and Your Sex Drive
Turkey can be a friend or foe to your libido, depending on how you approach it. Enjoy it in moderation, focus on healthy preparation methods, and pair it with other libido-boosting foods and activities for a truly satisfying experience. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset are the ultimate aphrodisiacs. So, go forth, enjoy your turkey, and have fun exploring your sexuality!
What is an aphrodisiac?
Zumpano says, “Historically, foods thought to affect your sex drive—known as aphrodisiacs—have been divided into three categories. ” Foods that increase:
Around the world, a great many foods are thought to fall into the aphrodisiac category — and there are almost as many reasons why. Some foods have nutrients, vitamins and minerals thought to have a direct impact on your sex drive, while others simply have attributes associated with increased arousal:
- Suggestively shaped: It’s thought that foods like oysters, asparagus, and root vegetables that resemble genitalia have aphrodisiac qualities just by inciting fantasies of sex.
- Reproductive foods include caviar, quail eggs, and meats from reproductive organs like bull testicles, which are said to boost libido.
- Hot and spicy foods: The theory behind this is that hot foods can also make you feel uncomfortable and hot, such as curry, jalapeños, and chili peppers.
Common natural aphrodisiacs (or not)
Zumpano states that “some foods are considered aphrodisiacs because they have been clinically shown to impact erectile dysfunction, whereas other foods in the category aren’t linked to any established advantages.” ” .
She walks you through the reality of whether these foods can rev you up.
Zumpano states that “no research has demonstrated that capsaicin, the ingredient that gives peppers their heat, can also increase your libido to a high level.” ” ”.
Cacao has long been thought to increase sexual desire, which may explain why it’s such a popular Valentine’s Day gift. It includes a compound called phenylethylamine, a mild stimulant that can positively impact your mood. But research shows that women who eat chocolate may actually be less interested in sex than women who don’t.
This delicate and soft fruit was used as an aphrodisiac and was thought to be a fertility symbol in ancient Greece due to its many seeds. But there’s no research showing that it can increase libido.
Despite the fact that the Greek physician Hippocrates is credited with prescribing honey to patients who required a little help arousing, there is currently no scientific evidence linking honey to any health benefits.
Do you think of chocolate-covered strawberries when you hear the term “aphrodisiac”? These little red fruits have come to symbolize foods that are thought to be alluring. “But they don’t have any special sexual powers,” Zumpano says.
Popular in Peru, this South American root vegetable is thought to boost libido. A few studies show that it may indeed boost erectile function and sexual desire, but there’s not yet enough research to be sure.
Due to the belief that oysters mimic the female anatomy, they have been used as an aphrodisiac since the Roman Empire. Unfortunately for Casanova, there isn’t any scientific proof that they genuinely affect sex drive.
One study showed that men with erectile dysfunction who ate 100 grams of pistachios for three weeks saw an increase in their overall erectile function. “This may be because pistachios contain arginine; though, to help relax blood vessels,” Zumpano says.
This sweet, earthy spice has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction in people with depression treated with fluoxetine. In one study, saffron was shown to help with erectile dysfunction and lead to more satisfying sex; another study found that saffron may improve arousal, lubrication and pain in women. There are no studies, though, showing saffron’s benefits in people without depression.
Summer’s favorite fruit is rich in citrulline, an amino acid known to relax and dilate your blood vessels in much the same way as erectile dysfunction drugs do.
That said, you couldn’t possibly consume enough watermelon to make it worthwhile. According to Zumpano, “the rind is the part most packed with citrulline—and the least likely to be consumed. ” .