Aphrodisiac Foods...
Almond - A symbol of fertility, the almond is thought to arouse passion in women by its scent.
Aniseed - Used since ancient Greek and Roman times, aniseed is very versatile and sucking on the seeds is said to increase sexual desire.
Artichoke - The French believed that women who ate Artichoke were reputedly 'loose'! Additionally, this vegetable was said to 'heat-up' those who ate it!
Arugula - Also known as Rocket. Used as an aphrodisiac as early as the 1st century AD and often used today in pasta and salad dishes.
Asparagus - The suggestive shape of this vegetable is deemed enough for it to be included as an aphrodisiac! However, it is a rich source of Vitamin E, which is needed for a healthy sex life.
Avocado - The Aztecs named the Avocado tree Ahuacuatlo or the Tree with Testicles! The texture of the Avocado is sensuous whilst tasting delicious.
Banana - Its phallic shape and creamy texture is responsible for it being considered an aphrodisiac food. Bananas contain potassium and B vitamins, both of which are needed for the production of sex hormones.
Basil (Sweet Basil) - Said to increase fertility and boost one's sex drive.
Cardamom - The seeds contain two androgens - hormones that increase sexual desire in men. Also contains cineole, which is said to stimulate the central nervous system.
Carrots - Believed to be a great stimulant for men and is high in vitamins and beta-carotene.
Caviar - Eggs from the Sturgeon fish that contain a great deal of different vitamins and its aphrodisiac qualities are emphasised when consumed with Vodka. Caviar is good for the nerve cells and is rich in phosphorous and zinc, which stimulates the creation of testosterone in men.
Celery - Yet another phallic shaped vegetable! Celery has a long history as an aphrodisiac mainly due to it being a great 'finger food'. Celery is wonderful for the muscles and for blood circulation due to its many vitamins and minerals, which also help to reduce cholesterol.
Chickpeas - The Romans fed chickpeas to their stallions and are considered to be an especially strong aphrodisiac for men.
Chili - Also Cayenne Peppers. Rich in Vitamin C and good for the circulatory system to keep the blood pumping.
Chocolate - Probably the most popular of all aphrodisiacs. Through the ages chocolate has been labelled virtuous, diabolical and sinful resulting in an outright ban from some monasteries some centuries ago. Chocolate contains no cholesterol, possesses a sedative that causes relaxation and lowering of inhibitions; and a stimulant that encourages increased activity. Even the simple aroma of chocolate is enough to stimulate the brain resulting in a release of hormones that increase sexual desire. Chocolate even contains more cancer preventing enzymes (antioxidant) than red wine, which is a good excuse to consume both...in moderation of course!
Clove - A powerful natural aphrodisiac and a good cure for flatulence! Two to three drops of clove essence in some honey once a day are said to be sexually beneficial.
Coffee - Coffee contains the well-known stimulant known as caffeine although it does act as a depressant if it is over-consumed. Drunk in moderation (e.g. a cup after dinner) coffee can stimulate the body and mind enough to keep one awake (if necessary!) for a little longer than usual.
Coriander (Cilantro Seed) - Coriander was said to have cured a merchant's 40 year impotency in the Book of Arabian Nights whilst it is also said to have a euphoric effect on women.
Fennel - Fennel increases ones sex drive and is also said to be good for the milk of nursing mothers. Many years ago, fennel was used for treating cuts, ulcers, scorpion stings and snakebites.
Figs - Figs are said to remind men of the female sexual organs when opened. Figs are good finger food and it is thought highly erotic for a man to break open a fig and eat it in front of his female partner.
Garlic - Roman priestesses claimed that garlic "makes women fall in love and men powerful". However, the odour emitted by garlic is enough to offend most noses and therefore is better to be enjoyed together. Nevertheless, garlic is said to stimulate sexual desire, is good for the circulation and lowers cholesterol.
Ginger - Considered to be the equivalent of Viagra in food terms! Ginger stimulates the circulation of blood throughout the body. Reasonable doses consequent pleasant hot flushes whilst too much can irritate the bowels!
Ginseng - Ginseng is a Chinese plant extract and is a powerful hormonal stimulant that can increase for physical contact. More importantly, ginseng helps people to reach top physical condition and performance and increases vitality.
Grapes - Perfect for hand feeding your loved one and full of vitamins.
Honey - In Medieval times, honey was used to make Mead that was drunk by newlyweds to sweeten their marriage, hence the term honeymoon. The Egyptians made potions from honey in an attempt to cure impotence and sterility.
Horseradish - The pulp from horseradish is said to possess aphrodisiac properties.
Liquorice (Licorice) - Liquorice has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine and its essence is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Women are said to find liquorice particularly stimulating and chewing on its root is meant to augment ones lust.
Lobster - Full of all the necessary contents needed for stimulating the body. Lobster contains sulphur, chlorine, calcium, iron, amino acids and vitamin B. Eating a lobster together with ones fingers is also considered to be an erotic culinary act.
Mustard - Stimulates the sexual glands, which consequently increases sexual desire. Men in the Middle ages used to rub a mustard-based paste into their intimate parts that increased the flow of blood but unfortunately it also stung a little!
Nutmeg - It is claimed that a hallucinogenic effect is produced provided that a sufficient quantity of nutmeg is consumed. Some sources claim that nutmeg is an aphrodisiac for men although Chinese women valued it greatly in the past.
Onions - Onions are beneficial to ones health and are similar to garlic in their nutritional properties. Good for the blood, onions were eaten by the Romans who swore by their powers for generating energy.
Oregano - Acts as a wonderful agent when infused with other foods and other aphrodisiacs in particular.
Oysters - Oysters are a popular aphrodisiac that are very nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals. Oysters are also low in fat, rich in protein and high in zinc, which is important for the male sex drive. Casanova reputedly ate 50 raw oysters every morning to provide him with the stamina that he needed.
Pine Nuts - Pine nuts are rich in zinc, which is an essential mineral required to stimulate the male libido.
Pineapple - Full of vitamin C and is often used for treating impotency.
Potato - The Aztecs were fond of making potions from potatoes to help keep their sexual organs healthy.
Quatre Spices - Consists of coriander, cinnamon, cloves and two kinds of aniseed. This is a spicy mixture of aphrodisiacs created by the French and mainly used in stuffing and pepper sauce.
Radish - The spiciness of the radish is said to be the reason behind its regard as an aphrodisiac. Radishes were said top be popular with the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt.
Raspberries/Strawberries - Often described in erotic text as 'fruit nipples' and, like grapes, are perfect for hand feeding and full of vitamins.
Rosemary - Rosemary stimulates the nerve centres and boosts the circulation of blood.
Royal Jelly - A powerful aphrodisiac and one of nature's richest foods. Royal Jelly is the staple diet of a Queen Bee and is full of protein and vitamin B. It is a fast acting stimulant that is said to rejuvenate the sex glands.
Saffron/Safran - Stimulates the erogenous zones and said to have effects similar to that of hormones. Excessive consumption is said to incur uncontrollable laughter.
Seafood (in general) - Seafood contains vitamins and minerals that are not so common in foods found on dry land and are light on the stomach when consumed. These qualities combine to produce a feel-good factor and, as such, are ideally considered when concocting and intimate meal for two.
Thyme - Thyme is a powerful cleanser for the body and, like rosemary, stimulates the nerves.
Truffles - Truffles were Napoleon's favourite food and have long been considered an aphrodisiac. They are quite rare but are rich in minerals, stimulate positive feelings and are said to invigorate and excite.
Vanilla - The odour and flavour of vanilla is said to cause an increase in sexual desire and stimulates euphoria.
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What Are Aphrodisiacs?
The word aphrodisiac dates back to some 5000 years and is derived from the name given to the Greek Goddess of love, Aphrodite. The term is used to describe any type of food, beverage, drug or medicine or potion that enhances desire.
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