Are Oysters Really An Aphrodisiac?

Valentine's Day is just a few days away! In honor of one of the most romantic holidays of the year, Tucker's Shuckers Oysters & Tap brings you the legend of how oysters became known as an aphrodisiac. No food has developed more of a reputation for romance than oysters. While there may be some truth to this myth, it's not entirely based on science. Some people still swear by them though, which is why, as your Lake of the Ozarks oyster bar, we wanted to share with you some research. Now you can determine for yourself whether or not eating an excess amount of oysters is worth your time!

The Legend

The Romans documented oysters as an aphrodisiac food in the second century A.D. Their status as a sexual stimulant originated when Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love (where the name aphrodisiac comes from) gave birth to Eros on an oyster shell. The oyster's reputation for enhancing sexual prowess continued during the reign of the Roman Empire through the 17th-century Netherlands where they were regarded as the epitome of an aphrodisiac. The 18th-century Venetian, Giacomo Casanova reportedly ate 50 oysters each morning for breakfast to increase his sexual stamina.

The Raw Truth

Oysters are extremely high in zinc, which is important in raising testosterone levels in men. However, it is unlikely that any testosterone-raising effect would be immediate. Oysters also contain varying levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the "arousal" centre in the brain and this action could feasibly occur right away. So there is a potential, at least for men, that oysters may help sexual arousal. Perhaps when eaten in the quantities claimed by Casanova, there would be a noticeable effect.

Aphrodisiac Foods

There are actually a number of factors that might contribute to a food's aphrodisiac potential. It's not just about the composition of the food, but also the taste, shape and smell, as well as the way it is consumed. If you find the slippery texture of oysters sensual, they might just turn the switch for you. There's a mixture between the physical characteristics of the food and the actual chemical composition. The environment in which you eat the food, for example in soft, low light, can also have an effect. However, it might be mostly psychological. If you tell someone something is an aphrodisiac, a lot of times they'll get aroused just thinking about it.

Ever since Casanova shared the secrets of seductive prowess more than 200 years ago, people have piled their plates with oysters in hopes to imitate the legend. Whether you believe the aphrodisiac myth or not, Oysters have many other benefits including boosted immunity from the zinc, increased energy from the B vitamins and a stronger integumentary system from the protein to name a few. Be sure to check out the newest restaurant on the Bagnell Dam Strip, Tucker's Shuckers Oysters & Tap, this Spring!

Tuckers Shuckers Oysters & Tap: The BEST Oysters at the Lake of the Ozarks! 

Tuckers Shuckers Oysters & Tap

1339 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Phone: 573-365-9769

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