Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Culture

Aphrodisiacs – Are they for realz?

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Ottawa chapter.

We’ve all heard about aphrodisiacs and how they stimulate sexual desire and make you more likely to jump between the sheets with your loved one. What are the most affective ones? How do they work? Find out here!

1) Oysters
Key element: Zinc

We all know that oysters are an aphrodisiac. Aphrodite, the Goddess of love herself, made them a part of her diet. Although they are known to contain high levels of zinc which increases testosterone production, along with amino acids and serotonin to increase our pleasure responses, there is no hard science that points to correlation between sexual responsivity and satisfaction.

2) Bananas
Key element: Potassium

They were first on my list for cramp reduction during periods but I didn’t know they were also a great aphrodisiac. Potassium is very important for muscle strength. So when you orgasm, the shudders and contractions will be super intense.

3) Chili Peppers
Key element: Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a chemical that stimulates the release of endorphins, which then in term increases heart rate, making you sweat and stimulate nerve endings that make you feel more turned on.

                                                              

4) Chocolate
Key elements: Phenyl-ehtylamine and Tryptophan

Chocolate has been always the feel-good food for a reason. Phenyl-ethylamine is a chemical that makes you feel good and excited and is released in the brain when people fall in love. It also has good antioxidants and tryptophan to build up our serotonin levels.

5) Avocadoes
Key element: Vitamin E
According to the University of Illinois, the vitamin E in avocadoes allows you to maintain energy level and vigour. This is because vitamin E helps your body create hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, which circle around the blood stream and stimulate sexual responses like clitoral swelling and vaginal lubrication.                                                             

6) Pomegranates
Key element: Polyphenolic Antioxidants

The red color of pomegranate is not its only link to love. Pomegranate is known to heighten mood and testosterone levels and lower cortisol levels. This results in providing you with an increased sexual desire.

Did you find this article cool? Comment below or on our Twitter page to let us know!

 

Sources
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9