Aphrodisiac Foods

An aphrodisiac is a substance believed to increase sexual desire, often by stimulating our brains and our senses, in either a psychological or physiological way. The word aphrodisiac comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The interest in aphrodisiac foods began when Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to Eros. It may be as simple as smelling decadent chocolate, tasting a sweet, fuzzy peach, or seeing the phallic nature of a banana that stimulates us.

Medical science claims that, in order to be considered an aphrodisiac, a substance has to stimulate sexual desire as its main function and has not substantiated claims that particular foods increase sexual desire or performance, it is still believed that foods packed full of nutrients will at least help you stay healthy. To further this point, some foods have properties essential not only for good physical health but stimulate parts of our bodies in ways that serve as aphrodisiacs. Whether it is the way they smell, feel, taste, look, or the way they make us feel, if they make us feel good and are good for us, then why not! Some of these good for you foods and the good for you components they include are…

• Almonds -act as a pheromone to communicate emotions by smell

• Aniseed -sucking on the seeds is said to increase your desire

• Arugula -Rich in vitamins A and C and many minerals that are essential for putting the body in its sexual prime

• Asafeditda -herb used as a sexual stimulant

• Artichoke -Believed to warm the genitals

• Asparagus -phallic shape

• Avocado -vitamin B6 contained in the avocado is said to increase male hormone production. Also contains potassium which aids in regulating the female thyroid gland. The texture is very sensuous and the shape resembles male testicles

• Banana -phallus shape and creamy, lush texture. Enzyme bromelain thought to enhance male performance

• Basil -thought to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility as well as produce a general sense of well-being

• Broccoli Rabe -thought to increase virility

• Carrot -a male stimulant high in vitamins and beta-carotene as well as phallus shaped

• Caviar -high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality

• Celery -known to contain androsterone, a male hormone that is able to stimulate the sexual arousal of females

• Chilis -Contains capsaicin, a chemical that stimulates our nerve endings and raises our pulse, and is also responsible for the “heat” in chili peppers. Chilis are also thought to release endorphins, which give our bodies a natural high

• Chocolate -contains more antioxidants than red wine and contains chemicals that stimulate the brain such as theobromine to lower inhibitions and increase activity and the desire for physical contact

• Coriander (Cilantro seed) -known as an appetite stimulant

• Fennel -a source of natural plant estrogens used as a libido enhancement

• Figs -an open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and considered very erotic

• Garlic -the heat of garlic is thought to create sexual desire

• Ginger -stimulates the circulatory system and gets the blood flowing

• Gingko Nut -improves blood circulation to extremities of the body, helping to improve libido

• Herbs and Spices ( Basil, cardamom, clove, garlic, ginger, ginseng, pepper, asafetida and saw palmetto) - act as pheromones to communicate emotions by smell

• Honey -thought to sweeten life

• Licorice -very sweet and said to enhance love and lust for women

• Mustard -believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire

• Nutmeg -light sprinkling can spice things up but too much can cause hallucination

• Oats -encourage the release of testosterone in males to help libido

• Oysters -high in protein, very nutritious, and resembe female genitalia

• Pine Nuts -high in Zinc, essential for male potency

• Pineapple -high in vitamin C and thought to decrease impotence

• Pomegranate -a symbol of fertility packed full of vitamins such as C and B5 as well as potassium and antioxidants

• Radish -considered a divine aphrodisiac by Egyptian pharaohs, most likely because its spicy taste stimulated the palate

• Raspberries/Strawberries -Described in erotic literature as fruit nipples and are perfect for hand-feeding your lover. Both are high in vitamin C and are a sweet, healthy treat

• Truffles -considered to arouse the palate and the body due to the rarity and musky aroma , stimulating and sensitizing the skin to touch

• Vanilla -act as a pheromone to communicate emotions by the scent and flavor which is believed to increase lust

• Wine -A glass or two can enhance romance by relaxing and stimulating our senses. A moderate amount of wine has been said to arouse but much more than that will have the reverse affect