Oysters for Lovers: Do Oysters Increase Your Libido?

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day looms near. As you’re planning your romantic valentine’s feast you may be considering adding oysters to help increase the mood. Rumors say that oysters, like chocolate, are a superfood that can increase libido. But, is there any truth to this rumor? We did the research and uncovered some interesting results that help shed some light on the nature of the oyster when it comes to fallin’ in love.

How do oysters impact libido?

 Medical studies show that oysters' high quantities of zinc may influence libido. In fact, they contain a higher amount of zinc per serving than any other food. Just 3 ounces of raw oysters can contain 33mg or more than 300% of the recommended daily value of zinc.

What this means is that eating oysters give you a leg up when it comes to sexual performance. Zinc is a crucial ingredient for male sexual function and fertility. This is due to the fact that it raises testosterone according to a 2009 study on rats. While there is a lack of human research, it does seem that the incredibly high levels of zinc in oysters can have an effect.

Zinc is also a necessary chemical for maintaining dopamine. Research suggests that increased dopamine levels also increase sexual arousal. Along with other neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, dopamine may play a key role in promoting female sexual function by regulating pathways that receive sexual cues.

Romance is in the ocean

Lastly, oysters are an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that Omega-3s boost blood flow, which improves overall sexual function in rats, as well as heart health, reducing inflammation and more. So will oysters have an impact on libido? It has long been assumed, however, further research is needed.

 Oysters have long been viewed romantically in culture. When paired with the right wine or cocktail, they can do even more to make love blossom. Some of this is due in part to the social eating aspect of oysters. Loved ones should share them, and they taste best when enjoyed together.

Overall, while there haven’t been numerous studies specific to the effects of oysters on sexuality in humans, based on their nutritional value, it does seem that oysters contain chemicals that can go a long way to helping improve sexual function.