Do aphrodisiacs work

asks Johnjo:

A. There's no evidence that they do work, but that doesn't mean to say they don't. The reputation of, for example, oysters and champagne, is a powerful aphrodisiac in itself. Add a�lovely location, low lighting, mellow music...

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Q. Yes, yes, but can any of them improve your, ahem, performance
A. There are two things which will ensure your sexual vitality. They are:

• Being stress-free. If you are worried about something, or under a lot of pressure at work, you're not going to feel like someone's dream lover. One study showed that men who were given a promotion or pay rise at work increased their sexual frequency; the opposite happened to those who were demoted or whose pay was decreased.
• Eating well. It's important to have the right nutrients to make sure everything's functioning at its best. That means lots of nutrient-rich foods, such as fish, lean meat, fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils. It also means very little in the way of nutrient-robbing junk food, alcohol or cigarettes.

Q. Should I be eating any foods in particular
A. Apart from the list of aphrodisiac foods below, foods which are high in vitamin E, zinc, vitamin C and niacin may help. They include almonds, wheatgerm, unrefined oils, crab, beef, tinned sardines, cheese, green vegetables, citrus fruit, oily fish, wholemeal bread.

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Q. What about supplements, such as ginseng root
A. There's no research that shows that ginseng root is an aphrodisiac. Some experts believe that its main benefit is as a general stimulant. (NB It should be taken with care - and not by those who have high blood pressure.)

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Aphrodisiac foods:
The following have a reputation as aphrodisiacs - they certainly won't do you any harm...

• Asparagus - it was traditionally served to bridegrooms
• Bananas
• Caviar - high in zinc
• Celery and celeriac
• Champagne - while it may not increase desire, it'll certainly reduce inhibitions!
• Chocolate - contains mood-enhancing chemicals (Aztec kings thought it made them virile)
• Fennel - used by many ancient races as an aphrodisiac
• Oysters - very high in zinc, they are considered the ultimate erotic food
• Seaweeds - high in minerals.
  

Anti-aphrodisiacs

Things which may have a negative affect on your performance...

• Alcohol, nicotine, coffee and sugar
• Drugs, such as cannabis, tranquillisers, beta-blockers, and birth control pills or hormones
• Milk products, such as cheeses and ice cream, may sap�your sexual energy.

Do you think aphrodisiacs work Post your opinion here

By Sheena Miller