The effect of eating and drinking on your libido
Of all so-called aphrodisiacs, there are only a few products that (scientifically proven) increase your libido. Nevertheless, several attempts have been made over the past decade to measure the sexual effect of food.
Measuring is knowing
Researchers are especially interested in foods whose nutrients may increase fertility and masculinity (testosterone). This can be measured objectively. Oysters, for example, contain a lot of zinc, which is linked to sperm production. Yet other factors also play an important role.
Culture and tradition
Historically, food has been given its sexual connotations by a particular culture or tradition. The Greeks and Romans, for example, regarded honey, pine nuts and saffron as libido boosters. Yet cultural views differ widely. Asians, for example, find the smell of cheese appalling, while people in the West see it as comfort food and an indulgent luxury.
In addition to cultural and traditional aspects, smell plays an important role. The nostalgic feeling triggered by a scent is called the ‘Proustian effect’. A particular smell can remind you of a wonderful moment you shared. The shape of food also plays a role, as with oysters or figs, which closely resemble the female genitalia.
Wine
Would you rather keep things simple and not worry about smell, shape, culture or tradition? Then simply drink wine together. This is aphrodisiac numero uno. Alcohol increases desire, but (unfortunately) performance declines.
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