Since ancient times, many foods have been linked to aphrodisiacs. But according to a report on MSNBC's website on February 14, U.S. experts have recently found that the effects of the five most common foods are questionable.
Misconception 1: Spices are invigorating and exciting. Many spices originating from Asia are believed to arouse sexual desire. However, Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Chicago-based Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation pointed out that measurements show that after using spices, there is no significant change in the degree of blood congestion in the penis and vagina.
Misconception 2: Chili peppers work by their shape. Many people in India and South America believe that chili peppers resemble male genitalia and their spicy, stimulating taste is like passionate love. In reality, the substances in chili peppers only have antioxidant, metabolism-boosting, and pain-relieving effects, which are completely unrelated to aphrodisiacs.
Misconception 3: Truffles are the "taste of love." The ancient Greeks and Romans firmly believed that truffles had aphrodisiac properties, and this belief has influenced many modern Europeans. However, according to James Trappe, a renowned American truffle expert, the musky smell in truffles can only make pigs go into heat, and there is no evidence that it is effective on humans.
Misconception 4: Chocolate boosts "sexual" interest. Perhaps due to Valentine's Day, people are accustomed to associating chocolate with love. But in the research of psychologist and sexual health expert Linda De Villers, the main component of chocolate is cocoa, which can act as an antioxidant and lower blood pressure, but it absolutely cannot make someone a sexual powerhouse overnight.
Misconception 5: Oysters are aphrodisiacs. Oysters are an aphrodisiac delicacy revered by Europeans and Americans. Surveys show that 25% of people believe they have aphrodisiac effects. Psychologist and author of "The Art of Fearless Sex," Joy Davidson, believes that the special shape of oysters is often compared to female genitalia, which may stimulate male sexual desire from a psychological perspective. However, from a nutritional standpoint, oysters contain large amounts of minerals and the trace element zinc, which can only help boost the immune system. It is absolutely impossible for them to enhance sexual desire.