Forget carbohydrates, protein and dairy: on Valentine’s Day, there’s only one food ‘group’ that gets all the attention – aphrodisiacs.

A group of foods and herbs believed to increase libido and sexual behaviour or enhance sex in some way, foods under the aphrodisiac umbrella include strawberries, oysters, pistachios and dark chocolate. But these aren’t foods that have much in common nutritionally, which raises the question: do aphrodisiacs exist or do we just like the idea of them?

We put that question and more to Kyle Crowley, a nutrition expert at Protein Works. Here’s what he had to say about the science behind these foods.

Aphrodisiac is a label applied to foods, drinks and herbs that are said to increase sexual desire, performance or libido. They aren’t universal – each aphrodisiac will have a different effect depending on the nutrients they contain and the impact those nutrients have on the body.  

While certain foods do have aphrodisiac effects, you shouldn’t expect too much from a handful of strawberries or a bar of dark chocolate, Crowley says.

“There has been extensive research into the topic of aphrodisiacs but results vary as to whether they are as effective as we think,” he explains. “It is believed that many of these aphrodisiac foods and drinks also have a placebo effect. This means the increased libido or sexual desire is due to how you’re feeling in the moment and not because of something you ate or drank.” 

Crowley adds that some of the benefits associated with aphrodisiacs may also be related to the mood boost we get from consuming good food. “Even if you eat foods that aren’t aphrodisiacs, your tastebuds will still be satisfied and, in turn, your mood will be boosted.”

This might be why eating good food – either at a restaurant or cooked at home – is such a popular date idea: enjoying a tasty meal with someone we love can make us feel great. 

Not all of the effects associated with aphrodisiacs are psychological – some have a physical effect on the body, too. Here’s how they work.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most famous aphrodisiacs, and for good reason. Not only do they taste good but they could also have a small libido-enhancing effect.

“Strawberries contain a good amount of zinc, which plays a role in overall reproductive health for both men and women,” Crowley says. In particular, zinc has been shown to have a positive effect on sex drive because it helps to regulate testosterone – a hormone associated with libido – levels and stops them from dipping too low. This is the case for both men and women.

Some claim that strawberries can improve sexual performance because of their antioxidant content, but Crowley isn’t so sure.

“There is little evidence to prove that eating strawberries can improve sexual performance,” he says. “Although the antioxidants contribute to overall health, the link between antioxidants in strawberries and improved blood flow specifically to sexual organs for arousal is unclear.”

2. Oysters

Oysters are also rich in zinc; in fact, they’re the most zinc-rich food out there. In this way, they have a similar effect to strawberries: by helping to keep your testosterone levels in a healthy range, they may give your sex drive a boost.

But again, Crowley suggests taking this relationship with a pinch of salt. “Though oysters are a great source of nutrients including zinc, omega-3 and vitamin D, there isn’t enough research to prove they help increase libido,” he says.

Instead, it’s more likely that zinc-rich foods could help to stop the lowered sex drive associated with testosterone deficiency. Again, more research is needed here.

The dopamine-supporting effects of zinc could also play a role, Crowley adds: “Dopamine is said to increase sexual arousal in both men and women.”

3. Red wine

Red wine is one of those rare ‘treat’ foods that have been shown to have health benefits. For example, the polyphenols – a form of antioxidants – in red wine may have heart-protective benefits, and red wine has also been shown to boost gut microbiome diversity when consumed healthily.

A handful of studies have also linked red wine consumption to increased sexual health. “Though little research has been done on this topic, one study found that regular moderate intake of red wine is associated with higher sexual desire, lubrication and overall sexual function in women,” Crowley explains.  

Images: Getty