Edible Aphrodisiacs

Contents [Hide] 1 If you didn't already know, 2 Snacking Sexy 3 The Menu 4 Related Guides

If you didn't already know, an aphrodisiac is any substance that increases sexual desire or performance. Named after the Greek Goddess of sensuality, Aphrodite, aphrodisiacs have been around a long time--despite there being little scientific support for their rumoured effects. But if you're in the mood for love (or just some interesting food), they may be fun to play with.

Snacking Sexy Consider yourself lucky if you're only seeking a little extra spice in your sex life from aphrodisial foods. In ancient times, they were relied upon for much more serious matters: fertility. To ease their fears about performance and likelihood of conception, people tried eating anything that resembled male or female sex organs (such as oysters or even rhino horn), had seeds or eggs, or simply seemed to help with baby making. And although a lot of aphrodisiac imposters have been discovered (rhino horn is pretty much useless), some still hold some mystery today. Avocado, for instance, was shown to increase love and romance in a study conducted in 2000. And it certainly can't hurt to experiment; many of these foods increased fertility in ancient times simply by combatting poor nutrition. And as any doctor will tell you, a one-two punch of a healthy diet and plenty of exercise (wink wink) is very, very good for you. The Menu Take a peek at a few foods that might make eating in a restaurant a question of public decency, as well as tips for using them at home (because getting arrested isn't sexy). Bon appétit!

Toss a salad!
Aniseed  and Fennel  Fennel has been found to be a source of natural plant oestrogens--a libido enhancement.  And whether it's the physical action itself or the actually the food that does it, sucking on aniseeds is said to increase desire. Suck on that!	Asparagus  The long, firm stalks of this vegetable make its appeal to the ancients pretty obvious. But the fact that it's an excellent source of folic acid keeps it on the list today, since folic acid triggers histamine production, and low-levels of histamine have been linked to difficulty reaching orgasm.	Almonds  (How about Marzipan ?) It's not so much eating almonds as  smelling them that's erotic; the rich, musky scent is thought to induce passion in women. And considering that they're chock full of healthy fats and protein, it's no wonder almonds are also considered a symbol of fertility.	Arugula  This leafy green with a light, spicy flavour has been use in aphrodisiac concoctions since the first century AD. While there's not a whole lot of science to back up its power as a love-life enhancer, the taste is said to awaken the senses. In any case, it can't hurt your diet to give it a try--one 1/2 cup serving will only set you back two calories.	Avocado  (try Guacamole !) The Aztecs called avocado trees "Testicle Trees." If you still need more convincing than that to try an avocado, consider their intense nutritional value--plenty of protein and healthy fats--or the fact that eating guacamole totally counts as a serving. At very least, give your lover a massage with the oil you'll find on the inside of the peel. The possibilities are endless.

Feeling a little weird about the Lindors you bought, Mum?
Bananas  Again, obvious shape. But richness in potassium and B vitamins might also boost production of sex hormone, like testosterone, to increase male performance. The potassium in bananas also might  aid physical performance by allowing you to maintain that position without cramping. Now that's athletic! Fuel your efforts with these smoothie ingredients: 1 banana, 1 cup pineapple (for extra male potency), 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup frozen vanilla yoghurt, and 1 tbsp honey.	Basil  and Pine Nuts  (Mmm, Pesto ) Fresh basil is thought to stimulate sex drive--but that may just be a by-product of the general sense of well being it's also rumored to produce. Pine nuts may be more likely to actually boost performance as they're a known source of zinc, a mineral key to male potency. Pesto can give you combined benefits, or try some pine nut cookies with a nice cup of espresso for some extra energy.	Chocolate  and Red Wine  Chocolate, the "food of the gods," is interesting because it contains both sedatives that relax and stimulants for energy/performance. And alcohol, when kept at a moderate amount (too much can mean sleepiness and even impotency), is an obvious one. Try combining dark chocolate with a glass of Cabernet to get a sensuous experience and a double shot of lowered inhibitions.	Carrots  and Cucumbers  Cucumbers look like a penis. There, now that that's out of the way, we can talk about the fabulous benefits of carrots! Anti-cancerous and artery protecting (oh so important to blood flow), carrots are also thought to be effective on male potency. And if that's a load of crap, they're still an excellent source of beta carotene!	Coffee  Did you really need another excuse to drink coffee? You already know it picks you up at work in the morning, so you can apply the same energizing principal to your labour in bed. Get in the mood for an all nighter by trying an almond or vanilla roast--the aroma alone will get you in a sensual state of mind. Combine with a piece of chocolate to really seal the deal.

Caviar an aphrodisiac? That's a new reason to steal food from parties!
Coriander seed  In Arabian Nights, a merchant ended a 40 year streak of childlessness with a coriander potion. While we can't make any such guarantees, cilantro is at very least an appetite stimulant, which might prompt you to try some other tried and true aphrodisiac foods.	Caviar  Though eggs were probably thought to increase female fertility, it's actually male potency that caviar works on. The high zinc content stimulates production of testosterone.	Figs  Because an open fig so closely resembles the female organ, it's thought to be a very powerful seductive act for a man to eat one in front of a woman. Feeding each other small figs can also be sexy, but unfortunately, that's where the aphrodisial properties of this fruit end.	Garlic  The "heat" of garlic is thought to warm the whole body. In actuality, it does aid in circulation and may help keep blood flow up. But both of you better partake, or stinky breath will overshadow any positive benefits of this herb.	Ginger  Another circulatory stimulant, the warm, exotic scent of ginger cooking might also get you in the mood.

Mustardmoon just didn't have the same ring to it.
Honey  Honey is the sweet potency and desire booster that people have been using since the ancient Egyptian days. In Mediaeval times, it was given to newly-weds in the form of Mead get them in the frame of mind for a happy marriage. They drank some every day for the first month--the "honeymoon."	Licorice  The Chinese knew about licorice first, but they were using it for medical purposes. Savvy sweet-tooths know better: its essence is 50 times sweeter than sugar, and for women, chewing on a bit of it can enhance that loving feeling. Sweet!	Mustard  In the Middle Ages, men used to rub this into their nether regions to cure impotency. We don't recommend that, but eating it sure can't hurt--it's intense spiciness causes a spike in adrenaline, and the mix of pleasure and pain in its taste is said to be a "gastronomical climax." Is it hot in here?	Nutmeg  and Cinnamon  Chinese women used nutmeg first to warm up their sex lives--but careful, too much of it can be hallucinogenic. Try just a sprinkling, or get your tingle on with some cinnamon instead.	Oysters  These slippery little guys are probably on this list for two reasons: they look like vaginas and wow, are they healthy. Their richness in zinc may help male performance, but experts believe its their wealth of nutrition that boost a person's overall health, and by default, sex drive.

Dessert before dessert. Rawr.
Pineapple  Although its rough exterior may not make you think warm and fuzzy thoughts, pineapple has been used for ages to help men be intimate; it's a rumoured impotency treatment. It's also good for digestion and full of vitamin C, so try a little for dessert.	Raspberries and strawberries  and Champagne  Raspberries and strawberries--"fruit nipples" in naughty literature--are a perfect companion to a flirty little drink: champagne. You already know about the relaxing and inhibition-lowering properties of alchohol, but champagne especially gives sippers a unique, warm glow. Hand feed your lover the berries between glasses for extra sexy.	Truffles  The Greeks and Romans believed it was the musky scent of the truffle that aroused the senses, and even softened the skin to the touch. What a great excuse to lick your fingers!	Vanilla bean  Both the taste and aroma of vanilla are said to create a warm, sensual atmosphere. Luckily, this versatile flavor can be slipped into all sorts of yummy after-dinner treats: hot cocoa for a comforting effect, or even champagne to keep things sexy (drop a bean right into your glass). You can also pop a few frozen cinnamon buns in the oven to scent the house--or, light some vanilla scented candles. But be sure to turn off/put everything out before getting too distracted.	Wine  If you've ever seen a wine taster in action, you already know sipping a glass can be an extremely sensual experience. Just keep the gargling to a minimum to avoid grossing out your partner, and know that that relaxed, sexy feeling wine produces can quickly turn into drowsiness if you exceed your limit.

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