Does oyster increase libido and improve sex drive? Many people believe that oyster is an aphrodisiac. For centuries, many cultures have said that eating raw molluscs – oysters in particular – would stimulate the libido. But some people explain it as just an experience of shucking a raw oyster is erotic – imagine it as female sex organ! That is why in some cultures, people make fun of oyster eaters.
Until recently there has really been no scientific studies support this. Scientists found that oyster is excellent sources of several minerals, including iron, zinc and selenium, which are often low in the modern diet. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin B12.
Some scientists said that oysters are high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone production. Oyster has the refueling powers due to its high zinc content. Zinc is found in sperm and men lose between one and three milligrams per ejaculation. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone known to increase libido.
There is a report that a team of American and Italian researchers analyzed bivalve molluscs – a group of shellfish that includes oysters – and found they were rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Dr Fisher and his team found two unusual amino acids – D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in oyster. They injected the amino acids into rats triggered a chain reaction of hormones that ended with the production of testosterone in males and progesterone in females.
Dr Fisher said: “Increased levels of those hormones in the blood means that you are more active sexually”. “Yes, I do think these molluscs are aphrodisiacs. If the male is having difficulties, they have to eat a lot of mussels or oysters.” He also suggest that the oysters have to be eaten raw to be most effective, because cooking reduces the quantity of D-Asp and NMDA molecules.
Oyster has been used as an astringent in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nocturnal emission and premature ejaculation for thousands of years. Oyster has effects to treat the imbalance of yang and yin – yang (fire) hyperactivity and yin (fluid) deficiency. It cools down the internal fire (yang), tonifies kidney yin (increase fluids). In traditional Chinese medicine texts, there is no word mentioning that oyster tonifies kidney yany (increase sex fire). In traditional Chinese medicine, oyster has cooling, calming and astringent properties, which mean that oyster decreases sex fire and cools down the overheated organs.
Decreasing sex fire, or increasing sex drive – Which one is close to the truth? While we respect modern studies conducted in recent years, we should also respect the long time medical experience and records gained by our ancestors in thousands of years. We need more studies on this.
Anyway, oyster is a food, you can try it. Eat oysters without adding any hot spices and see what happens – increase or decrease sex desire – test it by yourself. My personal experience is that eating oyster instantly cools down the body and decreases sex fire. Maybe it is beneficial to sex drive in long term due to its cooling and astringent properties – increase sperm production and prevent semen loss from nocturnal emission.
For more information about natural remedies and alternative cures for sex drive, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/sex-drive/
