Chocolate, oysters, and chilies are well-known foods rumored to help get you in the mood. But watermelons, celery, pomegranate, and rocket may also experience an increased demand coming up to Valentine’s Day, with rumors of their aphrodisiac powers.
Watermelon’s apparent aphrodisiac powers are less well-known but are rumored to be because the fruit contains the amino-acid, citrulline. Citrulline can help relax the blood vessels, having a similar effect to Viagra.
However, the aphrodisiac effects of these foods were all about perception. There is no food that has actually been proven to have an actual aphrodisiac effect. Even if you ate the entire watermelon, it still might not be a high enough amount of citrulline to have an aphrodisiac effect.
In 100g of watermelon, there are just 115 milligrams of citrulline. Things like chili can feel like an aphrodisiac by causing similar physiological effects. It can cause your heart rate to lift and your temperature to rise. As can other more romantic things.
The power of aphrodisiac foods may not be as strong as the power of suggestion. It’s a perceived effect rather than an actual effect. The power of suggestion can be quite strong. And just thinking something might have an aphrodisiac effect can cause it to happen.