Aphrodisiacs, Do You Believe In Them?!

"You Are What You Eat" is a well known phrase; you love what you eat, but does the food you eat make you "love" better? Aphrodisiacs are told to increase sexual interest and make the body be willing to engage in sexual activity. While there is no research study that has been able to clearly prove the effects of foods claimed to be aphrodisiacs, the effect of the same has been used over centuries to improve sexual performance.Certainly there is no research that has shown how aphrodisiacs work, but there is many sayings and myths about different groups of foods and herbs that are known for their libido boosting effects. But how do they work?

Aphrodisiacs by Definition

By definition, aphrodisiacs are elements that evoke or stimulate sexual desire. While looking for aphrodisiacs, you need to make sure to read the label and are not mislead by products that claim to increase sexual desire while in fact they do improve ability and sexual performance. Sexual desire is not the same as sexual ability. While one can have sexual ability, e.g. getting and maintaining erections, he might not have enough sexual desire to be interested in having sex. Others who might have the desire might not be able to achieve or maintain an erection(erectile dysfunction).Aphrodisiacs are believed to work by altering brain signals and thus hormonal levels- importantly the levels of testosterone which is the main sexual hormone in both, men and women. Also, some work by altering the physiological functioning of certain body parts- e.g. increased blood flow in the sexual organs. In fact, researchers have found some foods, herbs and other supplements that stimulate production of hormones or other chemicals that affect our libidos.

What Is the Truth About Aphrodisiacs and Do They Really Work?

While some believe that aphrodisiacs work in our heads as placebos, others believe in their absolute power of increasing our sexual desire. Fact is that a healthy living, including many of the foods and herbs claimed to aphrodisiacs, do support a healthy body and mind, which in reverse do improve sexual desire and libido.Read our next blog post about "Aphrodisiac Foods and What They Claim to Do" for more information.