On Balut, Oysters, and other aphrodisiacs to spice up your night

In the ongoing quest of humanity to be the best in everything, particularly in the realms of love and sex, many people swear by one form of aphrodisiac or another. In “Medical Mythology: Aphrodite (Venus),” the Mayo Clinic explains that many foods have been traditionally associated with ramping up sexual desire, the most popular of which are fish, vegetables, and spices. However, they explain that none of these possess any substance that could “have a direct physiological effect on the genitourinary system”, i.e. the human’s reproductive organ system.

Nutritionist-dietitian Fia Batua explains that despite there being no scientifically-proven food that stimulate sexual organs directly, most of the food that are considered aphrodisiacs mimic the feeling.

“They set someone’s mood, which then stimulates the mind and body. This is translated as a heated, passionate feeling that can be likened to how you feel when you eat spicy food,” she explains.

The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Brent Bauer concurs, writing that there is “little evidence to support the effectiveness of most substances thought of as natural aphrodisiacs,” adding that the claims for spicy foods, chocolate, or other substances increasing libido has been proven by research to be ineffective in producing a sexual response.

Batua, who herself is a culinary medical nutritionist, advises people with heart problems or high blood pressure to be wary of the aphrodisiacs that they try. Bauer also recommend consulting a doctor who is aware of your medical conditions and can help identify ways to enhance your sexual health.

All that being said, there is really no harm in trying! So check out this list of foods that are traditionally known as aphrodisiacs. Let us know if they work for you!

Oysters

Starting with the probably most popular aphrodisiac, Batua explains that eating oysters does help increase blood flow. Oysters are rich in zinc that help raise testosterone levels in men, as well as contain varying levels of dopamine – the main organic chemical of pleasure.

Aloysa Hourigan, a senior nutritionist with Nutrition Australia, says that aside from the composition of food, its taste, shape, and the way it is consumed can have a big influence on the individual, adding that that sometimes all it takes is to serve food in a conducive environment to get the blood flowing. In that sense, oysters, when served in the right context, can be a very powerful aphrodisiac.

Balut

It may not be the most visually appealing aphrodisiac in this list, but Balut’s calcium and protein content certainly makes some people feel more energetic.

A more earnest examination of this Filipino aphrodisiac’s “functional nutrients” was even started last year by the Department of Science and Technology. This traditional Filipino “pampalakas ng tuhod” (knee strengthener) is peddled around most streets for very cheap, so there is really no reason to not try it if you need that extra drive.

Alcohol

Batua explains that the moderate consumption of alcohol may improve one’s mood, and may put them in the right gear for intimacy. Just the right amount can make any person feel more relaxed, and help shed some inhibitions.

Many Filipinos know that the best conversations are usually over alcohol, and getting to a know a person through good conversations could lead to other things!

Coffee

Maybe some after-dinner coffee, or a coffee-based dessert, can be that pick-me-up that you need. Batua explains that caffeine, from coffee or unsweetened tea, can boost energy levels, making you prepared for everything that comes next.

Mayo Clinic neurologist Paola Sandroni, MD, says that the caffeine, which just generally stimulates the central nervous system, can be misconstrued as having a direct effect on your sexual drive.

Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate, preferably 70% at minimum, is a great aphrodisiac, as Batua explains that it contains cacao which helps relax the muscles and ease one’s mind. It contains phenylethylamine, a mood booster, which can make a person feel good instantly.

Spicy Food

Spicy foods stimulate endorphins, triggering positive feelings in the body, increasing the heart rate, and making you sweat like crazy.

Amy Reiley, author of “Fork Me, Spoon Me,” a cookbook on aphrodisiacs, says that chilis are a good way of wooing lovers with a preference for spicy food.

“They’re a great food of seduction because they will make our tongue tingle, and, if you eat enough of them, they’ll release endorphins,” explains Reiley.

“Chili peppers also can cause your cheeks to blush, your lips to plump up and may increase the level of heat at the table, quite literally spicing up your date.”