Popular foods work as aphrodisiacs

Chocolate, ginseng and nutmeg may taste different, but these foods have one thing in common — they are aphrodisiacs.

Scientific evidence shows that certain food products have sexually enhancing properties, according to a May 2011 study in the journal Food Research International.

The study found nutmeg stimulates the nervous system, which increases sexual behavior, and ginseng has the potential to treat both physical and mental barriers to sexual performance.

The results state chocolate contains a chemical that increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Vanessa Richard, Student Health Center dietician, said the other chemical in chocolate activates receptors in the body and increases sensitivity.

Nutmeg and chocolate are also high in antioxidants, which remove potentially damaging agents and have healthful properties, Richard said.

"Antioxidants can help slow the aging process, reduce inflammation and prevent diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer," Richard said in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille. "An antioxidant in dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart disease."

Child care development freshman Cornelia Boyd said she heard kiwis have aphrodisiac qualities.

"My mom wouldn't let us eat kiwis because they make you horny," Boyd said.

But sociology and English sophomore Molly Adams said she doesn't think aphrodisiac foods are effective.

"It's more of the mood than the food," Adams said.

Associate sociology professor Troy Blanchard said the effects of aphrodisiac foods are amplified by the media and advertisements, especially during holidays such as Christmas and Valentine's Day.

"There is a biological component and a social component," Blanchard said. "Maybe we've reached a point where it's hard to disentangle the two."

Amy Joffrion, secondary English senior, said she would eat aphrodisiac food to test the effects.

"I don't feel like I need it," Joffrion said. "But if it's going to enhance it, why not?"

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Contact Claire Caillier at ccaillier@lsureveille.com