the aphrodisiac power of

clams

In 2005, a study by a group of Italian and American scientists released the findings that amino acids found in bivalves, (oysters, mussels and scallops included), has the potential to raise sexual hormone levels. (The study was conducted on a Mediterranean species of mussels and demonstrated that these aminos, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, induced sexual hormone production in rats.) No follow-up studies measured the impact on humans, but the news was certainly encouraging to seafood lovers the world over!
 
Even before modern science intervened on the behalf of bivalves, clams were held in high regard as an aphrodisiac some say because their plump flesh is reminiscent in appearance to testicles. Suggestive, yes, but appetizing? Maybe not.