According to the Food and Drug Administration, aphrodisiacs are based in “folklore, not fact.” Still, people continue to believe in the love-inducing effects of certain foods, herbs and extracts. There are several common aphrodisiacs that may or may not have actual effects on your love life:
- asparagus - the vitamin E in this vegetable is said to stimulate sex hormones.
- chili peppers - some researchers say that eating hot peppers makes us release endorphins, which might lead to “other things.”
- chocolate - this favorite for Valentine’s Day contains phenylethylamine, one of the chemicals your body produces naturally when you’re in love (see The Chemistry of Love).
- oysters - oysters contain high levels of zinc, which reportedly increased the production of testosterone. Testosterone increases libido for both sexes.