Looking to arouse sexual desire in someone or even yourself? A trip to the local supermarket maybe all that’s required!
aph-ro-di-si-ac :
noun; 1. an agent (as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire; 2. Something that excites. Merriam Webster Dictionary
The word aphrodisiac comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
1. Oysters
It’s true! A team of US and Italian researchers analysed bivalve molluscs – a group of shellfish that includes oysters, mussels and clams – and found they were rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones.
So Casanova’s breakfast of 50 oysters per day did really make him frisky!
Casanova, who admitted seducing 122 women in his memoirs, offered his own serving suggestion: “I placed the shell on the edge of her lips and after a good deal of laughing, she sucked in the oyster, which she held between her lips. I instantly recovered it by placing my lips on hers.”
2. Strawberries
Since as early as 200BC Folklore, art and poetry have infused strawberries as a sign of love and given them meanings such as “you intoxicate me with delight” and “you are delicious.”
Strawberries gained their reputation as an aphrodisiac due to their large number of tiny seeds symbolizing fertility. In art and literature, the strawberry was usually portrayed as a symbol of sensuality and earthly desire and has been described as fruit nipples.
Strawberries contain more vitamin C than any other berry. They also contain a good amount of potassium, folic acid and some iron and fibre.
So strawberries can aid in boosting an otherwise lacklustre libido by providing essential vitamins and minerals needed to supply energy and keep the fires burning.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate is believed to have been thought of as an aphrodisiac since as early as 600BC. The Aztecs and Mayans were the first to recognize the potency of this food, celebrating the harvest with festivals of wild orgies. Montezuma (the Aztec emperor) drank fifty golden goblets of melted chocolate a day to boost his virility before visiting his harem of 600 women..
Chocolate is known to increase serotonin and Phenylethyalanine levels in the brain. Phenylethyalanine is a stimulant similar to the body’s own dopamine and adrenaline. Phenylethyalanine strikes the brain’s mood centres and induces the emotion of falling in love.
Serotonin is a happy chemical; it can make a direct change on a person’s mood, and a person’s libido. Chocolate can gently stimulate the central nervous system and gives an immediate and substantial energy boost thus increasing stamina.
Casanova is said to have consumed chocolate for its aphrodisiac qualities before his conquests, however recent research suggests that women are more susceptible to the effects of Phenylethylamine and Serotonin than men. Casanova properley didn’t know his as there is no mention in his memories of him sharing chocolate with the ladies. But he probably though his charms were enough to guarantee success!
4. Honey
Honey has been known as an aphrodisiac as far back as the 500 B.C., even Hippocrates prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Wedding traditions in some cultures include the offering of honey to a bridegroom and even the term “honeymoon” stems from an ancient tradition of couples going into seclusion and drinking a honey concoction until the first new moon of their marriage. Attila the Hun drank himself to death with honey on his honeymoon.
Everything about honey is romantic from the way it’s made to its golden appearance. However scenically honey is an aphrodisiac due to its rich B vitamin and amino acid content boosting energy and stamina.
5. Avocado
Despite the avocado’s similarity, when halved, to female genitalia the Aztec name for avocados literally translates to testicle. It was deemed so powerful that village maidens were forbidden to set one virginal toe outside the house while the fruit was being gathered. In the confessional Catholic priests forbade it to their parishioners.
Avocado is high in folic acid, as well as vitamin B6, vitamin E and potassium. They are also said to boost immune function. Especially good for boosting stamina and energy
6. Chillies
It’s been recorded that Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, inventor of Corn Flakes and founder of Kellogg’s cereals, advised nymphomaniacs to stay away from this potent food.
Chillies heat up your sex life due to capsaicin a substance that gives kick to peppers, curries and other spicy foods. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high. It is also said that eating chillies is similar to making love – you get all hot and sweaty!
Beauty and Lace is an online magazine for women. We hope you enjoyed this article!