MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT APHRODISIAC FOODS

They have been talked about since time immemorial, but at the same time all the supposed qualities attributed to them are denied. They are both desired and at the same time scorned. They are said to exist and denied. They are the "aphrodisiac" foods.
First of all, it has to be said that, if such characteristics were ever attributed to any edible thing, it is surely because they excite people with their nutrients, which have a vasodilatory function or are involved in a hormonal process that helps to generate sexual appetite.

THE BIG QUESTION: DO THEY EXIST?

It is necessary to clarify something: what most influences these aphrodisiac foods to have this effect on our body is the situation in which they are consumed. The psychological component is always fundamental.
The main one is that when a person senses a desirable object, their nervous system sends neuroelectrical impulses to the pelvic area. This causes vasodilation and the tissues of the penis or clitoris receive more haemoglobin, oxygen and nutrients. Neurotransmitters are then released that give pleasurable sensations. But let's list some of them erotic quality is based on empirical evidence.

What are they?

- Black beer can be a good aphrodisiac, and even provide stronger and longer erections. The darker the beer, the higher the percentage of iron, which helps to create haemoglobin, which distributes oxygen throughout the body. This improves circulation and makes a stronger erection possible.
- Chocolate: It has always been honoured as one of the aphrodisiac foods. Cocoa beans contain phenylalanine and theobromine. These elements promote the secretion of serotonin, the famous "happiness hormone", which causes pleasurable sensations. This is why chocolate is considered a powerful aphrodisiac capable of influencing pulmonary respiration and blood circulation, increasing sexual desire.
- Red wine: We know that alcohol is one of the greatest disinhibitors. And red wine in particular has antioxidants and a vasodilator effect. This increases blood flow to the genitals, which is a great help in maintaining satisfactory sexual relations.
- Oysters: They are high in zinc and protein, which improve female lubrication and male sperm. They increase energy and enhance sexual performance.
- Cinnamon: It has the ability to stimulate blood flow in the abdominal area, improving the response of the male and female genitals. This leads to greater arousal and prolongs erections.

When aphrodisiac foods work

In all cases, they are aphrodisiac foods because they are rich in micronutrients and play an important role in the production of hormones, including sex hormones. Generally, they provide energy and allow a greater absorption of serotonin. They do not work miracles, but they help to have a more active and pleasurable sex life. If there are circulation problems, they can help in a similar way to Viagra, relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the genitals.
Amino acids, such as L-Arginine, is present in foods such as pumpkin, beef, nuts, and is converted to nitric oxide in the body, increasing blood flow. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or avocado, have the same effect.
Similar is Quercetin, found in apples, grapes, garlic and dark chocolate; it has anti-inflammatory properties that optimise blood flow. But only people with weak circulation would see improvements in their sexual function by eating foods containing such amino acids.

Conclusion: Are erotic ingestions possible?

As we have seen, there are foods that can justifiably claim aphrodisiac properties, due to their natural chemical composition. In such cases, legend and scientifically verifiable reality coincide at one point.
The search for this erotic "holy grail" has in the past even justified killings that put species in danger: this was the case of the now highly protected African white rhinoceros, because centuries ago its horn, ground up, was supposed to be so powerful that it could achieve erections that were previously impossible. This almost wiped all these majestic animals off the face of the earth.
But the truth is that if we are convinced that a particular intake will have properties that improve our sexual performance, then it will.
Nan WiseThe University of New Jersey psychotherapist and sex therapist, says, "Desire is physical, psychosocial and rational, and involves many variables. If you believe that a food increases desire, the psychology of the placebo effect will affect our perception of whether or not that food can turn us on. Humans can be very easily suggestible, and the brain is wired to generate an intense memory when we have sexual success. Depending on the situation, the environment in which a person had sex could become a trigger for desire to have sex in the future.