By Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MD
Just about every food you can think of has made the aphrodisiac hit list at one time or another—and most of it is bosh. But not quite, says Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of Age-Proof Your Body. Although there's no proof that any food will consistently boost desire, there is definitely something seductive about these five:
1. Bright foods—If someone's diet is a junk-food debacle, their love life may be, too. That's because the quality of sexual experiences fluctuates with overall health, says Somer. But reversing the effects of poor nutrition improves energy, mood, and even conception rates. And since brightly colored fruit and veggies are the most nutrient-packed foods you can eat, consuming the recommended nine-a-day could rev up your sex life.
2. Lite foods—Men with romance on their minds should think low-fat. University of Utah School of Medicine researchers found that testosterone levels plunged 50 percent in men after they drank a rich milk shake containing 57 percent fat calories.
3. Chocolate—This melt-in-your-mouth delectable has been called irresistible, wicked, and divine. No wonder eating it makes us think of other pleasurable indulgences. But there's actually a possible scientific explanation for its effects. "Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine or PEA that stimulates the nervous system, increases blood pressure, and makes your heart beat faster, creating feelings similar to being in love," says Somer.
4. Alcohol—Wine and liquor may rate as love potions because alcohol depresses higher brain centers, suppressing anxiety and inhibitions. But there's a hitch: More than one or two drinks slows arousal and increases clumsiness. Oops. Even Shakespeare wrote about alcohol's double-edged side: "It provides the desire, but it takes away the performance."
5. And, yes, oysters—The belief that oysters boost fertility has some basis in fact: Just one usually supplies the daily requirement for zinc, a trace mineral that's essential for conception. Even a brief shortage of zinc impairs ovulation in women and reduces semen and testosterone in men. However, while getting the recommended 15 milligrams of zinc a day will help sustain normal sexual function, larger doses will not turn a couch potato into Casanova!
Happily, not only is the food of love surprisingly healthy, so is love itself: Long-term loving relationships can make your RealAge as much as 6.5 years younger.
