| The effectiveness of aphrodisiacs has sparked a | | | | they are also a delicacy, and are eaten raw, |
| lot of debates in the past few decades. Research | | | | flavored with lime juice and salt. |
| regarding its benefits are ongoing even though no | | | | Oysters are probably the most famous of the |
| scientist has come out and made a claim for any | | | | many different aphrodisiacs. The multi million dollar |
| one of them. There are some scientists who | | | | oyster industry often promote its product as the |
| believe that so called aphrodisiacs act as mere | | | | vital ingredient of any romantic, candle lit dinner |
| placebos. The problem is that sexual arousal is a | | | | for two. However, there are no conclusive |
| very complex subject and the conditions that | | | | research to support that it works. |
| bring it about are difficult to isolate. | | | | There is also a wide spread belief that women |
| The name aphrodisiac originated from the Greek | | | | have a weakness for chocolate. People believe |
| goddess Aphrodite. Throughout recorded history, | | | | that there is a chemical in chocolate that causes |
| a belief in their various forms has been present. | | | | sexual arousal and increase in sex drive. The |
| For instance, the Chinese treat them very | | | | problem is that you would need to eat a great |
| seriously indeed. The genitalia of male animals are | | | | deal of it for it to kick in. At least, it isn't doing |
| thought to promote masculine virility in Chinese | | | | any harm because chocolate isn't an endangered |
| culture. Unfortunately, this leads to the buying of | | | | species. |
| genitalia from seals and tigers which endangers | | | | The arguments regarding this subject will surely |
| their survival. | | | | continue for many more years to come. The |
| The belief in aphrodisiacs has also made victims of | | | | brain is a very susceptible organ that responds to |
| other animals. The rhinoceros is hunted for their | | | | many different stimuli. A response may be |
| horn, which is ground into a powder. | | | | triggered by the mere suggestion or reputation of |
| Unfortunately, the desire for this animal's horn is | | | | something being an aphrodisiac. The truth may fall |
| contributing to the endangered status of the | | | | somewhere in the middle of the skeptics and the |
| species. Turtle eggs are also sought after and so | | | | true believers. The culture of aphrodisiacs is surely |
| they are often poached and dissected for their | | | | here to stay whatever its scientific value. |
| eggs. Apart from being considered as aphrodisiacs, | | | | |