Everyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about food. My passion for food is also driven by the comfort it gives me whichever mood I am in, whether I be happy, sad, angry, upset or stressed. The moment that I smell my food coming everything that is on my mind just feels so far away. It is like an escape from reality for that brief moment of time. Which brings me to Aphrodisiac Foods, whilst all foods calms the soul and tames the heart, there are other foods that do a little more for you in the Romance department.
It is said that Giacomo Girolamo Casanova, the notorious 18th-century lover, ate 50 oysters each morning for breakfast to increase his sexual stamina. Earlier, herbalist Nicholas Culpepper wrote that asparagus “stirs up lust in man and woman.” And back before we even had a word for aphrodisiac, the Aztecs named avocados ahuacuatl, or “testicle tree.” The belief in foods as sexual stimulants is not a modern myth.
It’s not entirely based upon science either, though. Though some foods possess chemical properties that could increase testosterone or estrogen levels, thereby increasing sex drive, others are considered sexy purely because of their appearance. The Food and Drug Administration maintains that aphrodisiacs are myths with no basis in science.
Still, some people swear by them. So here are some foods to get you in the mood. Enjoy!
– Polo
Chocolate — Chocolate was a valuable commodity back in the day, and as such, it often found its way into fertility rituals. Aztec emperor Montezuma was rumored to have consumed large amounts of cocoa beans to ready himself for romantic conquests. Chocolate works like no other food to stimulate human sexuality. It’s delicious, melts on the tongue and has an erotic quality even when not thinking of sex. According to Amy Reiley in her book, “Romancing the Stove: The Unabridged Guide to Aphrodisiac Foods,” chocolate helps thin the blood, improve circulation to sensitive parts and strengthen the heart enabling aiding endurance.
Strawberries –Try them dipped in chocolate for the ultimate aphrodisiac experience. There’s really nothing that compares with grasping the little green leaves on top of a juicy strawberry dipped in luscious dark chocolate, and placing it between your lover’s parted lips.
Espresso — With its pleasingly bitter tang and exotic scent, expresso helps to pump the blood. In her aphrodisiac cookbook, “The New InterCourses,” Martha Hopkins recommends espresso for its ability to extend sexual performance and maintain the libido, increasing pleasure even for just a few delicious extra seconds.
Oysters — Oysters have a long reputation for being a leading aphrodisiac. They’re high in protein, low in fat and feel luscious in the mouth. And of even greater importance, they’re high in the mineral zinc, says Reiley, an critical nutrient in the production of testosterone. In March 2005, American and Italian scientists announced that there is some truth to the idea that bivalves can get folks all hot and bothered. In the study, the scientists took raw oysters and used a process called high-performance liquid chromatography to pinpoint specific amino acids present in the oysters. They discovered D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), which they injected into rats. These amino acids worked with other chemicals in the rats’ bodies to produce testosterone in male rats and progesterone in females, which increases libido. The conclusion: “Yes, I do think these molluscs are aphrodisiacs,” said the head of the research team, Dr. George Fisher, a professor of chemistry at Barry University. “If the male is having difficulties, they have to eat a lot of mussels or oysters.” And if that doesn’t work, there’s always the slurping and sucking and vague resemblance of oysters to female anatomy.
Asparagus — If it looks like something you’re familiar with, it should. The asparagus resembles part of the male body and according to the “Doctrine of Signatures”, penned in the 16th century, that which resembles one thing may improve that which it looks like. So, according to the theory, if it resembles a sexual organ, it is meant by nature to aid your sexuality. Even though the Doctrine was merely a theory, it’s now known that asparagus is rich in calcium, vitamin E, phosphorus and potassium, offering extra energy to improve sexual endurance and stimulate sex hormones.
Rosemary — This delicious herb associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, also boosts blood supply and helps increase sensitivity of the skin. Include it in your cooking and sprinkle a few drops of essential oil in the bath.
Basil — Basil was used long ago by women as a scent of seduction to drive their men wild with desire. It’s a strong aphrodisiac and is infused into some perfumes. Use it in a salad, a pesto or just leave some of the fresh leaves around to entice your man.
Pomegranate — Pomegranate symbolized the love goddess Aphrodite in ancient Greece, notes Reiley. Modern researchers are conducting studies into the affects of pomegranate juice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Truffles — Truffles are a great aphrodisiac for the woman in your life. They’re rich in amino acids and their scent is similar to that of a male pheromone, or sex hormone.
Grapes — Grapes areassociated with Bacchus, the Roman god of ecstasy, and are a close contender with chocolate for being the top aphrodisiac. What could be more romantic than being fed peeled grapes, one by one by your lover, and waiting for that juicy, sweet explosion of flavor in your mouth?
