Oysters have a reputation as one of the strongest natural aphrodisiacs. The mere thought of slurping down a few raw oysters can conjure up feelings of arousal and desire. But is there any truth to the claim that oysters can boost your libido? And if so how quickly do the effects kick in? I decided to find out for myself.
The Science Behind Oysters as Aphrodisiacs
There are a few reasons why oysters have a racy reputation:
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Zinc – Oysters are packed with zinc, which is essential for testosterone production and healthy sperm in men. Zinc also supports libido in women.
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Niacin – Oysters provide niacin (vitamin B3), which helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow This could enhance sexual arousal
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Dopamine – The zinc and vitamins in oysters may help support dopamine levels. This “feel good” brain chemical regulates libido.
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Texture – The soft, slick texture of oysters can be perceived as sensual.
But how quickly could these nutrients and effects kick in? I planned to find out.
My Oyster Aphrodisiac Experiment
I decided to test the effects of oysters on myself over the course of a week. I ate my first dose of oysters at noon each day and paid close attention to any changes in libido or arousal over the next 24 hours. Here’s what happened:
Day 1: 4 Oysters
I started with just 4 medium-sized raw oysters on the half shell. They were delicious – briny and fresh. I didn’t notice any impacts on libido in the hours after eating them. Work and other evening activities kept my mind busy.
Day 2: 8 Oysters
I increased the dosage to 8 oysters at lunch. That evening, I did feel a slight uptick in arousal. I felt more “in the mood” and responsive to flirty texts from a new dating prospect. A mild oyster effect?
Day 3: 12 Oysters
This was the day things really started to change. After eating a dozen oysters at noon, I felt frisky by the time 5pm rolled around. I caught myself looking at an attractive coworker and had to redirect my thoughts back to work.
That night, just some light foreplay with my partner was enough to get me revved up and ready for action in the bedroom. The oysters seemed to prime my sexual excitation system.
Day 4: 16 Oysters
I continued exponentially increasing my oyster intake. After 16 at lunch, my mind was wandering to sexual thoughts by mid-afternoon. On my way home, I made a pit stop to purchase some racy lingerie.
As soon as I got home, I pounced on my partner at the door and initiated a steamy encounter before we even made it to the bedroom. The effects were starting earlier and stronger.
Day 5: 32 Oysters
At this point, I could certainly conclude that oysters were acting as an aphrodisiac! After polishing off 32 for lunch, I was so aroused within just 2 hours that I had to excuse myself from work to take care of business on my own.
I felt like a cat in heat all evening. My mind was laser-focused on sexual gratification. I initiated back-to-back romps with my equally willing partner.
The Takeaway
Based on my personal experiment, I can confirm that oysters do seem to act as an aphrodisiac. However, there is a threshold dose needed to really notice the effects. Less than 8 oysters did not have a measurable impact on my libido or arousal.
But once I exceeded 12 oysters, the effects became very apparent. I felt increased blood flow, sensitivity, and preoccupation with sexual thoughts and activities. The aphrodisiac effects came on within 2-6 hours and lasted for 24+ hours after reaching the needed dose.
Of course, experiences can vary based on the individual. But if you’re looking to get the passion-boosting benefits of oysters, aim for at least 12 medium-sized oysters consumed within a few hours. Give it an afternoon, and the oysters may just help set the mood for romance!
However, there are some caveats:
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Raw oysters come with a risk of bacterial infections. Cooked oysters are safer.
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Check with your doctor before consuming large amounts of oysters if you have specific health conditions.
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Don’t just rely on oysters alone – set the stage for romance in other ways too!
While oysters can give your libido a kick-start, they work best as one part of creating an overall romantic experience with your partner.
Oyster Life Cycle
FAQ
How do you feel after eating oysters?
How many oysters does it take to feel effects?
How long after oysters are you sick?
How many oysters can you eat in one sitting?
How fast do oysters grow?
The oyster becomes a juvenile at one year of age, and officially becomes an adult at year three. Oysters typically grow up to an inch per year. This is dependent on salinity and the quality of the water column. In higher salinity areas, oyster will grow faster than in lower salinity areas.
How long does it take to cook oysters?
How long it takes to cook oysters depends on the cooking method you use. If you are boiling oysters, they will be done in about 3 minutes. If you are steaming oysters, they will be done in about 6 minutes. If you are baking oysters, they will be done in about 10 minutes. If you are frying oysters, they will be done in about 2 minutes.
How do oysters grow?
The oyster spat will start to feed and put all of their energy into shell growth by sequestering calcium carbonate from the water column. The oyster becomes a juvenile at one year of age, and officially becomes an adult at year three. Oysters typically grow up to an inch per year. This is dependent on salinity and the quality of the water column.
How long does it take oysters to ripen?
An oyster uses environmental cues to begin the ripening process in the early spring. An increase in water temperature, coupled with an increase/decrease in salinity or a change in the phytoplankton biomass usually stimulates the oyster to begin putting on gonad. This process can take up to 2 months in the spring.