Oysters have a storied reputation as one of the most famous natural aphrodisiacs. Their sensual appearance and texture, along with their high zinc content, are often cited as reasons for their libido-boosting power. But is there any truth to the lore? Just how long does it actually take for oysters to kick in and affect sex drive?
The science behind oysters as an aphrodisiac is still unclear. However, examining their key nutrients and the research done so far can provide some insights into their potential effects on sexual arousal and how long it may take to notice them.
A Brief History of Oysters as an Aphrodisiac
The concept of oysters as an aphrodisiac dates back to ancient Roman times. The notoriously promiscuous Casanova was also said to fuel his bedroom escapades by eating dozens of oysters for breakfast daily.
So the link between oysters and sex drive has persisted for centuries. But it wasn’t until modern scientific research that scientists could start to look into what might have caused it.
Key Nutrients in Oysters That May Affect Libido
Oysters are packed with vitamins and minerals that play important roles in sexual health and function for both men and women. The key nutrients of interest are:
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Zinc – Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food source Zinc is critical for testosterone production and reproductive health in men Low levels are linked to reduced libido.
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Niacin – This B vitamin helps promote blood flow and dilation of blood vessels, which aids sexual arousal.
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Omega-3s: They improve blood flow and other heart health benefits that may make sexual performance better.
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Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels so that more blood can flow through them. Amino acids are the building blocks of nitric oxide.
So in theory, the zinc and other nutrients in oysters could provide benefits like increased testosterone, improved blood flow, and overall healthier sexual function. However, direct links to enhanced libido haven’t been definitively proven yet.
Do Oysters Have an Immediate Aphrodisiac Effect?
While oysters provide nutrients important for sexual health over time, there is little evidence that they have an instant arousing effect within hours or minutes of eating them.
Any libido-enhancing benefits are likely dependent on consistently including oysters as part of a healthy, balanced diet, rather than expecting them to act as a quick fix before sex.
If oysters do actually heighten arousal, their impact likely builds gradually. The collective effects of the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids on hormone levels, blood flow, and energy over days or weeks may increase sex drive. But no studies confirm an immediate impact within a short window of consuming them.
Can Oysters Enhance Mood and Perceived Libido?
Though not technically pharmacological aphrodisiacs, oysters may still set the mood for romance and arousal through sensory effects.
Their reputation as a libido enhancer, phallic shape, luxurious taste, and added element of slurping them raw can contribute to a perception of feeling more amorous. This may get people more in the mindset for intimacy.
Additionally, the mere act of sharing oysters with a partner can be seen as romantic and get both people feeling more relaxed, playful, and in sync.
So while not necessarily fast-acting or direct libido boosters, oysters can potentially help provide some mood enhancement conducive to arousal.
How Many Oysters Are Needed to Boost Libido?
There’s no magic number of oysters guaranteed to get you in the mood. However, to obtain a meaningful dose of their key nutrients, experts generally recommend:
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Zinc – Men should aim for 11mg of zinc per day, the recommended daily intake. Women need 8mg daily. 6 medium oysters provide this amount for men and 8 provide it for women.
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Niacin – Aim for around 20-30mg. 9 medium oysters deliver 21mg.
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Omega-3s – Eat at least 250mg per day. 9 oysters provide 1000mg.
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Amino acids – No set recommended dosage but more oysters means more available amino acid building blocks.
Ideally, eat at least 6-9 medium oysters 2-3 times per week to consistently get therapeutic nutrient levels. Be sure to include other zinc-rich foods like meat, nuts, and legumes as well.
Other Potential Factors in Oysters’ Aphrodisiac Effects
Beyond specific nutrients, some other aspects of oysters may contribute to their romantic associations:
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Rarity – Harder to obtain than other seafood, which can increase perceived value and enjoyment.
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Food presentation – Serving them chilled on a bed of ice with lemon and tabasco sauce provides sensory appeal.
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Chest-shaped shells – Primitive symbolism linking their shape to femininity or fertility.
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Sensation of eating them – Slurping raw oysters from shells may feel naughty or primal.
While not nutritional per se, these factors create an experience that shapes oysters’ aphrodisiac mystique. They complement the possible biological effects.
Putting It All Together: How Long for Oysters to Work?
Legend has it that oysters can put you in the mood within mere minutes of shucking them. But the reality is that there’s limited hard evidence showing oysters have any immediate, short-term impact on arousal.
Any aphrodisiac effects likely stem from the collective benefits of nutrients like zinc, niacin, and amino acids accrued over days and weeks of including plump, fresh oysters as part of a balanced diet.
Furthermore, sensory and psychological components may also play a role in enhancing the overall experience.
While more research is still needed, the available data suggests that freshly shucked oysters are unlikely to instantly increase lust and libido within hours of eating them. Their benefits manifest more gradually over time or via setting the stage for romance.
So don’t have unrealistic expectations for oysters to rapidly ignite fiery passion. Instead, savor their elegant flavors and textures, and let their romantic mystique and nutritional goodness slowly kindle your flame.
Oysters sparks curiosity. No matter how you feel about them, there’s a good chance they compel you to ask a question or two.
I don’t know about you guys, but I Google a lot of weird stuff. Sometimes, a simple answer comes up immediately. Other times, not so much. I thought it might be helpful to give you some clear (but not perfect) answers to all of your most-asked oyster questions. So when the next time someone asks about oysters, you can drop some impressive knowledge on them.
Oh, and don’t forget the basics. That’s what my Oyster 101 is here for!
Note: Some of these may be too “TMI” for people who don’t eat oysters very often, so please read with care. Ignorance can be bliss!.
GREG’S FULL TAKE ON THE MATTER
Smell: I would say to stay away from anything that smells a little off from your natural sense of what smells good. There are oysters that are inherently a little “funky,” and are prized as such. But light a match and throw away anything that strongly smells like rotten eggs, gasoline, or fish tank gravel. Ideally, throw it away outside. Some oysters smell good when they have a “low tide” or metallic smell, but those are hard to find, and if you’re looking for them, you probably aren’t a beginner shucker.
Look: A good oyster looks plump, juicy, and has a glistening sheen to it. It simply looks fresh. When you open an oyster, it often looks like Jackson Pollock’s splatter paintings because they are so dry. If they still smell okay, they aren’t necessarily bad, they just aren’t good. Best use them for fried or BBQed oysters, or simply discard.
Taste: Several oysters I’ve shucked have passed the previous two tests, but then just taste like they’re spoiled. It will look great, smell fine, but upon consumption, taste terrible. And there is a discernible difference between a strongly flavored oyster and a bad one. Copper, musky, and even low tide flavors don’t mean it’s bad. A very noticeable lack of salinity and a sulfuric-gaseous pop once bitten and you’ll immediately know it’s bad. These rogue goblin oysters are the bane of many shuckers around the world.
Lastly, shell inspection: This should come first, but not without understanding smell and look. It’s best to stay away from any bivalve if its shell is cracked, has holes, or is open and won’t close when touched. Mussels and scallops are an exception to this rule. An open bill that will not close to the touch usually indicates the oyster is dead. All oysters should be alive right before consumption, and eating a dead one can be dangerous (see #4). Even if it smells and looks fine, but was open, I’d say best to avoid. I’ve certainly gambled on some open bivalves before and been okay, but it’s best to play it safe. But hey, it’s your stomach and your dice to roll.
Oyster Life Cycle
FAQ
How do you feel after eating oysters?
What is the rule for eating raw oysters?
How many raw oysters can you eat in one sitting?
Are oysters alive right before you eat them?
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 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 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.
How long does it take to harvest oysters?
After several months, your oysters will be ready for harvest. This can be done by either manually removing them from their cages or using mechanical equipment such as a dredge. Once harvested, you’ll need to clean and sort your oysters before selling them to restaurants or seafood markets. Q: How long does it take to grow oysters?