This long-standing myth may owe its origin to the legend that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, had emerged from the ocean on an oyster shell. This fact alone was enough for some people! Then in the 18th century, the Italian raconteur Casanova, who is most famous for his many romantic and sexual affairs, claimed to eat "fifty oysters a day" to maintain his amorous abilities. Many have tried to follow his example!

Scientific evidence is lacking, however. It is true that oysters contain a lot of zinc, which is necessary for reproductive function. But a lot of other foods contain good amounts of zinc as well--beans, beef, and yogurt for example. You don't see romantic hopefuls scarfing bean burritos before a date!