I was pleased to see Dr. Diana Hoppe’s chapter on “Fueling Desire” in her book "Health Sex Drive, Health You" began with a section labeled “Aphrodisiacs – Fact or Fiction”, but then I was disappointed at the little time she spent exploring the topic. Though I love the idea that eating can inspire arousal, I question implications that food alone might be responsible, as opposed to the whole experience. Hoppe explains that “legitimate” aphrodisiacs “put you in the mood” because they interact with hormonal balance. However, it’s only when these hormones cause the release of certain neurotransmitters that sexual arousal occurs. Basically, if you believe something will boost your sex drive, your brain can respond to this belief, releasing neurotransmitters that generate feelings arousal and pleasure. Or, the placebo effect.
So, if certain foods help your brain moderate and facilitate your libido, you’ve found your own aphrodisiac! Enjoy! But don’t be frustrated if food alone isn’t the answer – the key to your turn-on (or its suppression) might lie deeper. Foods simply labeled as aphrodisiacs are not going to “cure” your sex drive if you are inhibited by some of the lifestyle inclinations that Hoppe believes lower libido (low self-esteem, stress, poor communication, etc.)
Instead of jumping to a simple solution, begin by checking in with yourself – are you on good terms with your body? What makes you feel physically good? Are you communicating with your partner, listening and expressing yourself honestly? Can you put your to-do list on pause, or are there things you must get done before you can enjoy yourself? Once a positive mind/body connection is secured, then you can look to the fridge for fun.
Though she skims some of the background details about the power of food, Hoppe provides a detailed list of several edible aphrodisiacs and provides reasons why they could boost libido. She focuses on fruits and vegetables (asparagus, carrots, mangoes, peaches, strawberries), explaining how they provide vitamins and minerals that help build sex hormones. She includes other foods too: chocolate (releases phenylethylamine) and chiles (releases epinephrine) - both of which can boost energy levels and provide a sense of well-being (check out the book for a full list of foods).
Ultimately, this section on aphrodisiacs suggests that a diet providing you with the nutrients needed for a holistically healthy life also contributes to a healthy sex drive. When you consume foods that make you feel good about your body and self, it’s easier to feel good about sex too! Furthermore, Hoppe points out that on top of this, sharing wholesome foods with your partner (perhaps in a sensual way) can help improve communication too! Again – boosting your sex drive is one part science and nine parts attitude! So eat some sexy, nutritional produce, but more importantly - feel good about doing it! And keep us updated!