Aphrodisiac - Types, Effects, and foods that boost your sexual desire

Aphrodisiac – Do you know that some foods can give a boost to our sex life? Some materials, known as aphrodisiacs, are said to give rise to heightened drive & arousal in both human beings & animals. These organic medications function in two ways to elicit desire: by impacting the brain or specifically attacking certain areas of the body. Such solutions are always in great demand among people who want to spice up their love life.

What is Aphrodisiac?

The term “aphrodisiac” originates from the Greek goddess of love called Aphrodite. According to some definitions, aphrodisiacs increase sexual delight & performance. Food, plant, or medicine can be termed as aphrodisiac. Plants, animals, and minerals are the primary sources of the aphrodisiacs.

The exact meaning or definition of aphrodisiac, according to Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is, “Any product that claims to stimulate or increase sexual desire, or improves sexual performance is aphrodisiac drug”. [1]

In general, it is quite well understood that they do increase libido, sexual activity, sexual attraction, and sexual orgasm. The idea that certain foods and other chemical compounds enhance sexual desire has been around for thousands of years, and it certainly is a robust belief in much of the world’s cultures. Yet often there has been little or no scientific research to underpin claims that suggest particular foods or chemicals do indeed have important effects on our sexual desires or behavior. [1]

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Types of Aphrodisiac

We can easily classify it into two types, namely, natural (Foods, Herbs) and scientific (pharmaceuticals). Studies have classified it into 03 different categories based on their sexual side effects. The categories are: [3]

Foods that boost potency, including the strength of erections
Foods that promote sexual pleasure
Foods that Increase Sexual Desire

It’s also classified as per their work. For example:

Spicy foods, such as hot chili peppers, are occasionally used as aphrodisiacs to produce feelings of desire as they raise body temperature. [4]
Foods that stimulate the senses, such as sight, smell, & taste, are commonly said to have aphrodisiac characteristics. Such chemicals are supposed to increase sexual arousal by stimulating the senses.
Certain vegetables and fruits are thought to be stimulating because they resemble sexual organs.

It can also be classified as per the ingredient that used in it. Some common examples of are: [2]

Foods: Chocolate & oysters to stimulate sexual desire.
Drugs: Prescribed drugs, such as Viagra (approved by FDA), that improve sexual performance.
Aromatherapy: Odors like jasmine, lavender, & sandalwood.
Herbs & Plants: Maca root, Yohimbine & Ginseng.

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Do Aphrodisiacs Work?

Animal studies yielded positive results. However, little human studies have been done on it. Even in successful studies on humans, evidence is too limited to conclude. [2] A study indicates that ingesting specific foods like apples & pistachios can facilitate a healthy sexual life. [5] Only a few studies provide evidence that herbs like maca & ginseng appear to be safe. [6]

The FDA has approved very few medicines for enhancing sexual desire, such as Sildenafil (Viagra). However, many medicines marketed for sexual well-being have not been approved by the FDA, which includes unidentified chemicals or high quantities of chemicals that may be hazardous to health.[7] Scientific research shows that it does not work, but if it does work then how?

How to do Aphrodisiacs Work?

It increase sexual potency as well as your sex desire & enjoyment during sex. This is performed in a variety of ways:[3]

It can increase the blood flow toward the genital area of the body.
It can lubricate and sensitize the genital region.
It enhances the libido by upgrading sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

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Health Risks and Side Effects of Using Aphrodisiacs

Many aphrodisiacs used for the arousal of sexual feelings have been associated with a multiplicity of severe health risks. Some of the serious health risks involved with the use of it include

Dependence & addiction can develop when people think they need it to have sexual experiences, which leads to psychological dependence.
It might interact with other drugs, harming one’s health. To minimize risks, it is recommended to visit a doctor (sexologist, gynecologist, etc) before using it if you also take any other prescriptions.
Aphrodisiacs, particularly those including herbs or pharmaceuticals, may cause nausea, dizziness, & digestive problems.
Sex-enhancing drugs can also cause prolonged erections in men.

A note from kamarth

It is a chemical that provokes sexual performance, sexual desire, and sexual pleasure. Centuries have gathered in using it across other cultures. If you are taking medications regularly for any reason, consult with a doctor before taking any aphrodisiac. He/she will help you, it is safe to use or not. We advised you not to take it in case of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance anxiety, the better option is to consult with doctors or sexual health experts.[3]

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Some Additional Doubts

Question: What is the greatest aphrodisiac?
Answer: All these are not the number one or the greatest, but the most potent as well as the strongest food have to be their Ginkgo Biloba & wild oats or in very rare instances chocolate.

Question: What does female aphrodisiac mean?
Answer: It is any food, drug or substance that enhances sexual desire, libido, sexual attraction, or improves performance in a sexual act.

Question: Is aphrodisiac a drug?
Answer: According to FDA (Food and Drug Administration), “Any product that bears labeling claims that it will arouse or increase sexual desire, or that it will improve sexual performance.” [1]

Question: Is it safe to take aphrodisiac?
Answer: It might be safe in less quantity, but can cause dizziness, and fatigue in case of heavy doses.

Question: Are aphrodisiacs legal?
Answer: According to FDA (Food and Drug Administration), “Any OTC drug product that is labeled, represented, or prompted for use as it is regarded as a new drug within the meaning of section 201(p) of Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, (the act), for which an approved new drug application under section 505 of the act and part 314 of this chapter is required for marketing. In the absence of an approved new drug application, such product is also misbranded under section 502 of act.” [1]

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Aphrodisiac – Types, Effects, and foods that boost your sexual desire

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