If you're planning a romantic evening with your guy and you're wondering what you should serve, perhaps you should consider including a few passion-boosting ingredients on the menu. Not a fan of shellfish? Oysters aren't the only food reputed for their aphrodisiac qualities.
You don't need to go halfway around the world or break the law-for instance, by experimenting with ingesting tiger bones-to find the best aphrodisiacs to give your sex life a jolt. You can get a cart-full of carnality right at your local supermarket. Chances are some of the items you have in your home right now have been thought of as aphrodisiacs at some point in history.
The idea that certain foods and herbs have the ability to ignite or enhance sexual arousal has appeared in just about every culture. It's also an idea with a long history. Aphrodisiacs show up in the writings of ancient peoples from
In modern times, we may dismiss aphrodisiacs as superstition or snake oil, but the connection between sex and certain foods persists. There may even be some science to aphrodisiacs after all. These days, Western medicine is discovering the validity of many ancient health theories.
This relatively recent focus on alternative and holistic medicine has allowed some alleged aphrodisiacs to be studied under the microscope of modern science, sometimes with surprising results.
While some of the traditional aphrodisiacs actually do contain vitamins, minerals, or naturally-occurring chemicals that can benefit the reproductive system, there's still little proof that they can create sexual desire in any given situation. Still, it's exciting to know that some everyday foods can indeed have at least some effect on your sexual functioning.
Researching aphrodisiacs can be a fun and informative diversion that just may end up helping your love life after all.
At first glance, the dishes that have been considered aphrodisiacs may seem to have been chosen based on their shape and texture. Foods like oysters and asparagus were thought to resemble and therefore symbolize the female and male genitalia, respectively.
Bananas fall into this category because of their phallic shape, and there are some studies that suggest bananas really can get a man's motor running thanks to an enzyme called bromelain. The jury's still out on whether bananas really work, but at around 49 cents a pound, it sure can't hurt to give them a try.
Now we'll go from the "why not?" cheap thrill to some aphrodisiacs you'll want to use only on your hottest seduction target. They may cost a bit more, but there's research to support their effectiveness.
Caviar, while a bank-breaker and an acquired taste, does contain high amounts of zinc which stimulates the production of testosterone. Although it's usually thought of as a male hormone, testosterone exists in females as well and contributes to the sexual functioning of both sexes.
Fine dark chocolate is pretty much the best-known aphrodisiac worldwide. It contains a naturally occurring stimulant as well as properties that produce feelings of satisfaction.
And don't forget the champagne! Like other alcoholic beverages, champagne relaxes you and lowers inhibitions. It's said that champagne affects women more strongly than it does men, creating a pleasant feeling of warmth and a sexy high. Don't overdo it though. While alcohol in moderation can help ease you into an evening of love, drunkenness is a mood killer that can interfere with sexual performance and pleasure.
If nothing else, the knowledge that you spent the time and money to arrange a meal of these delectable treats might be enough to turn your lover on.
Most spices that gained fame as love potions are those with strong flavor. Ancient cultures made a correlation between the warm sensations and flushed faces caused by a spicy dish and the similar experiences of sexual excitement. Spices said to have aphrodisiac qualities include:
- Horseradish
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Thyme
- Oregano
While it's unclear whether the small amount of spice used in one meal can produce any real aphrodisiac effect, many spices do contain beneficial natural components and using them regularly as part of a nutritious diet can improve your overall health, including your sex life.
There are plenty of aromatherapy theories regarding sexual desire as well. The scents of vanilla, orange, cinnamon, and chocolate are high on the list of olfactory aphrodisiacs. Many commercial perfumes and colognes feature these scents. Musk, a strongly scented animal oil, is also a traditional aphrodisiac put to use in bottled perfumes.
Many of our most desire-producing scents are those that have their basis in childhood or in our early romantic experiences. A woman can be affected by a whiff of her first love's cologne decades after the relationship ends.
Of course, the strongest aphrodisiac scent is one we can't even consciously detect. Pheromones are chemicals produced by the human body that play a role in attraction and mate selection. We smell, or rather sense, these chemicals with a special part of our olfactory system. This is why the natural body scent of someone we love can be so intoxicating.
One place that all aphrodisiacs can work is in the mind of the user. It's the old placebo effect, best summed up as "if you believe it will work-it will." There's nothing wrong with taking advantage of this great truth, particularly when it comes to aphrodisiacs. The most sensitive sex organ is the mind. If oysters, chocolate, or a spicy curry is served on a night of anticipated romance, it can very well help a couple to associate those flavors with arousal.
In a similar way, things like power, success, and self-confidence can be amazing aphrodisiacs that work from within. Getting a promotion, a lovely compliment, or other well-deserved accolades can make you feel like a sex goddess. No love potion required.