The idea that certain foods can act as aphrodisiacs has been around since the dawn of the human race, but how much truth is there in the theory that food can boost your sex life?

Food and Sex

The idea is that food can act to increase sexual arousal and may even work to improve sexual performance. Different societies consider different foods to be aphrodisiac. For instance, chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac in Western society, but, as it has become less of a luxury and more of an everyday food, it's association with sexual arousal has waned – a case of too much of a good thing perhaps?

Foods that resemble sexual organs are often associated with sexual arousal. Ginseng (known as “man's root”), oysters and even rhinoceros horn come into this category. Also eating the sex organs of animals such as rabbits and goats are thought to improve sexual performance.
Foods from the sea such as scallops and oysters are often thought to have aphrodisiac properties – after all Aphrodite herself came from the sea!

One of the reasons that certain foods may have been associated with improved sexual performance is that thousands of years ago, when the associations between foods and sex first evolved, it is possible that these foods provided essential vitamins and minerals that were lacking from the everyday diet. Nowadays, with the abundance of meat, fish and dairy products, it is hard to imagine a time when zinc and calcium deficiency was common, but it's likely that few people in ancient society would have had regular access to a variety of foods.

Proving the link between sex and nutrition

Proving a link between food and sex is difficult because sexual arousal is more than physical – the most potent sexual organ is the brain after all. Once the people involved know that the purpose of the study is to measure the aphrodisiac effect of a food, even the suggestion that a food may be an aphrodisiac may trigger a response.

Another problem with proving a link is that some foods may not have a direct effect on sexual performance but may change a person's mood. Alcohol, for example is a depressant, meaning it may make the person feel more relaxed, reducing anxieties about sexual performance. One thing is for sure however, too much alcohol may make a person feel sexier, but it will inhibit sexual performance.

Using food to improve your sex life

So, is there a place for food in your sex life? Well, actually there is! There may be little evidence that rhinoceros horn will enhance your sexual performance, but there's plenty evidence that eating well and staying fit and healthy will give you the energy and drive to enjoy sex.

Make sure that you get plenty of the energy foods such as bread, potatoes, pasta rice and cereal, especially the wholegrain and whole-wheat varieties, as these contain the energy processing B group vitamins. B group vitamins are also involved in the production of sex hormones, so don't skimp on the energy foods!

Enjoy lean red meat and fish on a regular basis to make sure that your body has all the zinc that it needs.
Worrying about food intake can often have a negative effect on your sex life. If you change your focus to calorie counting and excessive exercise, you may find that you don't have the energy for sex. Enjoying your food, having a healthy attitude to exercise and what you eat will help you to feel more relaxed about your sexual performance.

Your brain plays a big part in your sexual response, so use it! Enjoying food with your partner can be a great aphrodisiac – a romantic meal for two can be just the thing to get you in the mood - just don't eat too much and don't overdo the fatty foods or you may find that all you want to do is go to sleep!

We eat food for emotional as well as physical reasons. Sex is a bit like food, it's both a physical and emotional act, so it makes sense that eating well and enjoying food will help to keep your sex life healthy.

Need help?

While a healthy food intake and a healthy attitude to nutrition can enhance your sex life, it cannot solve specific sexual problems. If you have a particular worry or concern, see your doctor for advice and help.