I tested every aphrodisiacs from oysters to goji berries and maca powder – and this is how they boosted my sex sessions
IT’S Valentine’s Day next week but many of us are too tired from our busy lives to perform on the big night.
So it’s no wonder some people try aphrodisiacs to get in the mood. But which ones really work?
From goji berries to maca powder, Sun Sexpert Georgette Culley tries some and rates them out of five.
OYSTERS: 1/5
IT’S hard to see what’s sexy about the slimy little sea creatures but they’re probably the most famous aphrodisiac.
The shellfish is packed with zinc which is thought to boost libido. I doused mine in lemon and tabasco to hide the fishy taste but it didn’t do much for me. But my partner, who had three, ended up getting frisky. After the tabasco, my mouth was the only thing feeling hot.
CHOCOLATE: 2/5
NOT only does it taste great, it contains two vital chemicals – tryptophan and phenylethylamine – which release happy hormones, putting you in the mood.
The former is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical important in sexual arousal.
The latter is a natural stimulant like an amphetamine, and is released in the brain when people fall in love.
After gorging on almost a whole box of chocs I was definitely feeling loved up but also a tad unwell. In the end I fancied cuddles and a bubble bath rather than any hanky-panky.
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HORNY GOAT WEED: 4/5
THIS appropriately named supplement originates from Asia and contains chemicals that apparently help increase blood flow and improve sexual function. It is said to work for both men and women. So was it the G.O.A.T. in aphrodisiacs?
It needs about a fortnight to a month to kick in but I did experience a slight lift in my sexual appetite but it may have been the placebo effect. Either way, I’m not complaining.
GOJI BERRIES: 4/5
THIS “superfood” is supposed to supercharge your sex life. The little red berries are said to boost testosterone production in both men and women – making us feel super-sexy. I really disliked the taste, though. It is a strange flavour that was quite bitter and they are hard to chew quickly and swallow.
But all was not lost. After scoffing half a small bag, I did feel more relaxed and excitable than before. And after a long night of passion, I caught my boyfriend sneaking them into my morning smoothie.
MACA POWDER: 2/5
THIS plant, from high in the Andes mountains, is said to be a natural aphrodisiac which can help with fertility and give you bigger boobs. What’s not to love?
But there is a trade-off – it tastes like out-of-date Ovaltine so I had to add lots of sugar to try to make it bearable.
After a few cups, my senses did feel heightened, making every touch from my partner more pleasurable. But I couldn’t shake the bitter aftertaste and felt sick so any action was called off quickly.
FRESH FIGS: 4/5
DRIED or fresh, the fruit is considered seductive because it resembles the female sexual organs which, according to scientists, turns us on. I tried a fresh one – it was tender and quite syrupy. It wasn’t unpleasant but I didn’t love it.
I slurped down half a dozen as they did become quite moreish. I definitely ended up feeling a bit fruity afterwards as I found my boyfriend irresistible in his Marks & Sparks pyjamas and it wasn’t long before we were getting figgy with it.
ALMOND NUTS: 3/5
FOODS rich in vitamin E supposedly encourage the production of sex hormones, which boost sexual desire. Almonds have been linked to fertility since ancient times.
After I’d been snacking on them all day, I definitely felt my mood lift and my lustful feelings increase.
But whether this was down to the humble nut or my on-the-go toddler finally settling down to sleep early and giving me some decent adult time, I’m not sure.
That said, I’m certainly nut complaining.
RED WINE: 2/5
A MODERATE amount of red wine is said to improve sexual desire and function in women.
Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant which is found in the skin of red grapes, increases blood flow to your nether regions and so ups your chances of orgasm.
But don’t overdo it as too much booze will numb you down below, affecting your ability to “get there”.
After two (generous) glasses over dinner with my partner, I become flirty and dirty. But I can’t resist another glass and end up desperate to hit the bed room . . . for a kip.
STRAWBERRIE: 4/5
FEEDING straw- berries to your lover is a real turn-on, but they’re also packed with vitamin C which helps produce sex and fertility hormones such as androgen, estrogen and progesterone, which are important for arousal.
To up the ante, my partner blindfolded me in bed and fed me strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce.
The sensory deprivation made every touch and kiss heightened and the whole experience was very sensual and romantic. Just don’t use your best sheets . . .