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Top 10 Aphrodisiacs
Food That Puts Us in the Mood
By Sylvie Greil
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 What
do Cleopatra and Casanova have in common? They both
indulged in aphrodisiacs. Raw oysters sucked right out of their shells. Buttery
foie gras melting on the tongue. Salty caviar pearls
bursting between your teeth. Whether these sexy treats have the
magical, mood-enhancing properties ascribed to them
or not, it is certain that certain foods boost the
immune system and are chock-full of nutrients and
vitamins such as B and E that enhance our physical
well-being and good looks. After all, isn't attractiveness
generally associated with the vibrant skin and fit
look that comes from eating a healthy diet? Find
out what foods rev your lover's engine!
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ASPARAGUS
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Our love affair with this member of the Lily family dates back hundreds of years. Asparagus "stirs up lust in man and
woman," wrote English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th
century. In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were
served three courses of the sexy spears at their prenuptial
dinner. Apparently for a good reason: asparagus is a great
source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C,
and thiamin and folic acid. The latter is said to boost
histamine production necessary for the ability to reach
orgasm in both sexes.
ALMONDS
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Almonds
were regarded as fertility symbols throughout antiquity.
The aroma
of almond
supposedly arouses passion in females—or so thought the poets and scribes. Alexandre Dumas dined
on almond soup every night before meeting his mistress,
and Samson wooed Delilah with these tasty nuts. Almonds provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and even fiber too improve your general well-being.
AVOCADO
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Avocados are voluptuous and feminine shape, but they have also
been associated with male sexuality. The Aztecs called the
avocado tree "Ahuacuatl," or "testicle tree."
The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree
resembled the male's testicles. The Spanish, in fact, found
avocados so obscenely sexy, that Catholic priests forbade
them to their parishioners. The creamy fruit is especially
good for pregnant women due to its high content of folic
acid, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium. They are also
said to boost immune function.
BANANAS
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This
shapely and nutritious fruit is a complete meal, loaded
with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It also contains
chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme, said to enhance
the male libido—maybe that’s why Central Americans
drink the sap of the red banana as an aphrodisiac, while
Hindus regard it as a symbol of fertility. A banana left
on a doorstep indicates that a marriage is about to take
place. Bananas
made an early appearance in the Garden of Eden; according
to Islamic myth, Adam and Eve covered themselves not with
fig but banana leaves.
BASIL
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This
fragrant member of the mint family has an alluring aroma;
so alluring, in fact, it can cure headaches. Hint, hint.
All kinds of headaches! No wonder the Greeks regarded it as their royal herb. Its
botanical name is derived from the Greek "to be fragrant."
Basil
has a warming effect on the body and promotes circulation.
In some parts of Italy, basil is a love-token.
CHOCOLATE
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Why
does eating chocolate
make us so happy? It's a chemical thing. The "food
of the gods" contains theobromine, a stimulating
alkaloid similar to caffeine. Chocolate also helps
the brain produce feel-good serotonin. Be sure to
indulge in the dark variety—it contains incredible
amounts of antioxidants, whereas milk chocolate is
just that: milk and sugar with trace amounts of cocoa.
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EGGS
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The egg is one of the most ancient fertility
symbols. Eggs are high in B6 and B5, which help you balance
hormone levels and fight stress. Raw chicken eggs eaten
before sex are considered to enhance one’s libido.
But we’re talking eggs of all sorts, fish or fowl.
Think of the way caviar gently bursts in your mouth or the
delicacy of little darling quail eggs.
FIGS
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Said
to be Cleopatra's favorite food, the sweet, purple fruits
are sexy in both appearance and texture. For obvious reasons,
they've been a synonym in erotic literature for female sexual
organs. To the ancient Greeks, they were "more precious
than gold" and many cultures associated figs
with fertility.
FOIE
GRAS
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One
of the most luxurious foods, controversial foie gras
is expensive, decadent and sought the world over. Like
diamonds, furs and Champagne,
it is associated with fine living, and both its buttery
texture and mythical status are sure to put you in a
sexy mood. See what Gayot readers have to say about
foie
gras. |
OYSTERS
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These
mouthwatering mollusks are the classic aphrodisiac.
And, there's research to support it: raw oysters
are very high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone
production, thus increasing libido. Like some fish,
oysters contain omega-3 fatty acids, considered to
increase one's overall well-being and even fight depression.
They are also a source of dopamine. No wonder Casanova
ate 50 raw oysters every day. |
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(Updated:
01/15/08 AK)
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