We know that mussels were among the seafoods consumed in ancient Greece. It was a time and place in which it was believed that all seafoods were the emblems of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. And, as such, the ancient Greeks believed mussels’ benefits to include potent aphrodisiac powers.
Are mussels an aphrodisiac?
We know that the ancient Greeks weren’t the only people to celebrate aphrodisiac mussels. A tradition of eating mussels as a prelude to making love continued through many cultures.
So the answer to the question “are mussels aphrodisiac?” is yes, if folklore is your guide. But modern science has found some even better ways to prove a natural link between mussels and sex, including nutrients in mussels that might give your sex life a boost.
RELATED: Aphrodite, a Memoir of the Senses
A scientific study naming mussels an aphrodisiac food
In 2005 a group of Italian and American researchers presented their findings to the American Chemical Society that a Mediterranean variety of mussels contained amino acids linked with boosting sexual hormone production. And it turns out that these amino acids, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, are found in all bivalves.
Start enjoying the benefits of mussels right away! Order smoked mussels online.
More aphrodisiac seafood
This means whatever potential effect mussels have on libido, the same goes for scallops, oysters and clams. (Clams offer some other key nutrients to support men’s sexual health. Check out why we named them to the 10 Best Foods for Men.)
Unfortunately, there have never been any follow-up studies on to what extent D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid raise sexual hormone levels in humans or how many mussels you would need to eat to give your sex life the desired boost.
RELATED: Scallops Benefits and Aphrodisiac Use
Mussels benefits for fertility
In 2012, some of the researchers making the initial discovery that bivalves contain amino acids linked with sexual hormone production did eventually conduct a follow-up study on D-aspartic acid. But this research was focused specifically on the potential to improve sperm quality.
The results showed the potential for mussels to improve sperm quality and perhaps aid couples trying to conceive.
Mussels testosterone
Additional studies have examined D-aspartic acid’s potential to increase testosterone. But the work is still inconclusive, according to this 2015 paper.
RELATED: 5 Foods to Eat for Fertility
Additional mussels benefits for sexual health and overall health
But we don’t need to wait for lab studies to show us how the health benefits of mussels can make a positive impact on sexual health.
For starters, mussels provide lean protein, essential for the kind of sustained energy you need to run a marathon…or enjoy a long night of passionate sex.
Mussels nutritional information
Mussels not only offer about 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, according to the USDA FoodData Central, but these gifts of the sea are also rich in nutrition to support sexual function including vitamins C and B6.
These mollusks are also an excellent source of iron, at about 30% of the daily value per serving. And they are considered a source of magnesium, selenium and zinc, all of which are nutrients considered essential to sexual health.
RELATED: Nutrition for Sexual Health
Mussels recipes and serving suggestions
Since our site is all about the pleasures of aphrodisiac foods, I would be leaving important details about mussels out if I failed to give you advice on how to enjoy these nutritious shellfish.
Mussels may seem intimidating to prepare but don’t be fooled. Steaming mussels is one of the most low-key cooking techniques you can possibly master. And once you learn how to steam mussels, they may become your go-to date night dish. (You can also bake or grill mussels but steaming helps them release their juices and creates a simple but elegant, self-saucing dish.)
TO TRY: Sizzling Mussels in Exotic Broth
As you can tell if you’ve ever looked through our index of seafood recipes, mussels are our favorite shellfish to cook. The only real trick to making mussels is learning how to clean them. Epicurious has a good guide to cleaning and debearding mussels.
They are incredibly easy to prep and steam. And with every bite, you’ll enjoy this aphrodisiac seafood and its potential sexual benefits.
More of our favorite recipes include:
Spanish Mussels in Sailor’s Sauce
Cockles, Mussels & Clams with Green Cabbage in Coconut Curry
Classic Mussels in White Wine Tarragon Broth
Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods
This article was written in 2010 and most recently updated in 2021.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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