A long contended issue is the effectiveness of aphrodisiacs. The Merriam-Webster definition of aphrodisiacs is “something such as food, drink, or drug that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire”. Throughout history, different cultures and countries have presented their own versions of aphrodisiacs. Some countries have had herbal versions, or ingredients that pertain to medicine, which produce varying results. Natural substances such as yohimbine and the mandrake plant, in European and African countries, and rhinoceros horn in China, have historically been used as aphrodisiacs.
The most recognised aphrodisiacs in our world today supposedly work in a variety of different ways, ranging from the aesthetic element of the aphrodisiac, to the psychological effect that some foods have on people. Although these cannot be tested in the most scientific way, they can still be subject to observational studies to produce some kind of correlation between aphrodisiacs and sexual desire. Another option would be to test changes in testosterone in both men and women, although results may not be completely conclusive. Some classic examples include: chilli, avacado, strawberries and chocolate. All these foods have a scientific explanation as to how they can potentially increase sexual drive, mostly due to the chemicals it can help stimualte or vitamins and minerals that can potentially simulate feelings of arousal.
Although there haven’t been universally recognised studies testing these substances and their effectiveness in stimulation, our modern world has seen a surge in new foods that some claim to be aphrodisiacs, as well as herbal options. In theory, it would be relatively easier to test and investigate, but because sexual desire is such an subjective variable, it is almost impossible to test.
However, one relatively reliable test is the symptom of impotency, which occurs in males about 10-52% of men, and 25-63% in women. Because a clear sign of arousal in men is penile erection, it can be tested as there is a biological, and therefore, scientific explanation behind it. The mechanisms behind the potential effectiveness of aphrodisiacs can be measured in different ways, all of which contribute to the arousal of men. These changes can be observed, and therefore we can finally have an idea whether the tested aphrodisiacs work. Arousal creates a chain reaction in the body where proteins will either activate or inhibit the flow of elements such as calcium in the body can be used to measure arousal, and therefore can create potential correlations between aphrodisiacs and arousal.
All this will not create conclusive and decisive evidence in the field of study, however we can use science to provide some insight into whether eating certain foods can improve our ability in the bedroom.
I really enjoyed your links that you had on your blog so I could get some context with what you were discussing. I feel like this idea of food giving someone a sexual arousal is very interesting and I am surprised there are no studies about them that confirms aphrodisiacs are a real thing. I would propose a study that would have two groups of participants, one group eating non aphrodisiac foods and the other group eating them. This hypothetical study would hopefully answer the question is this is a real thing or not.