do certain foods actually affect people’s arousal levels? and if so, how do they work? do they actually work the same way that certain kinds of media portray, or is it less dramatic than that?
In: Chemistry
I have worked in many restaurants that try to sell you something romantic for special occasions. Anniversaries, Valentine’s Day. Etc. Oysters, champagne and Rich chocolate desserts. I don’t understand the science behind aphrodisiacs but if you share a nice meal with someone you care about, what food would change how you feel about them?
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yes
different foods, herbs, plants (and pharmeceuticals) affect arousal levels
they all have different chemical constituents that can influence arousal to different degrees, and in different ways, and affecting individuals chemistry differently
many act on the vascular system in some way, promoting blood flow, but the mechanism of actions can be very different. Some might be acting more on certain neurotransmitters and etc.
curious about a particular plant or food and this topic, google is your friend.
just try to find peer reviewed scientific articles and avoid information coming from anyone trying to sell you a product.
I found that Ginsing irritated my urinary tract, which – because it is so very close to everything else down there – felt similar to arousal. But then, so does an incipient UTI. Which unfortunately makes me suspicious if I feel a little squirrelly. :/
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In addition to what others have said about nutrients etc, reading historical sources can be confusing because anything related to sex tended to be branded as “aphrodisiac”. In particular, substances believed to or actually capable of working as contraceptives or abortifacients. Which is why you might see some vile stuff referred to as “you won’t believe what those silly ancient people found arousing”- yeah, no, they didn’t find some stinky toxic shit arousing but figured it might get rid of the pregnancy which resulted from acting on arousal.
Things that smell like food can do it.
“Men’s arousal can be influenced by a variety of odours. For example; pumpkin pie, liquorice, doughnuts, and lavender can increase penile blood flow consequently causing arousal.”
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_odour_and_sexual_attraction#:~:text=Men’s%20arousal%20can%20be%20influenced,blood%20flow%20consequently%20causing%20arousal.
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