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