Is that Love I Taste? The Truth About Aphrodisiacs
From herbs to animal parts and exotic delicacies to the downright weird, humans have long searched for the ultimate aphrodisiac that will arouse our sexual desires at the very whiff or taste of it.
For all the mysticism that surrounds aphrodisiacs, it's quite a bummer to know that they've actually never been scientifically proven to increase our libido! But that doesn't mean we should take the fun out of eating and romance.
Amorous Gastronomy
Many foods remain on our list of sexy delights despite the lack of scientific proof. Some of them usually make you feel good, just as sex does! Luscious dark chocolate comes to mind immediately.
Others possess certain minerals and nutrients that are vital for your sexual wellness and are hence good for your sex life. Some are probably perceived as aphrodisiacs merely for its phallic appearance, such as banana and asparagus!
Some may argue that the effects of aphrodisiacs tend to be more psychological than chemical, but they are no less potent. Never underestimate the power of our thoughts and imagination. After all, the largest sex organ we have is the brain!
Love Bites
We'll draw the line at the rare (and illegal) rhino horn and tiger penis, but we definitely welcome a tantalising bite from regular food that could just be the right thing to ignite our sexual appetites and spark off a great romp in bed!
Oysters
This quintessential aphrodisiac has a history that goes back to ancient Greece and Rome.
The shellfish contains high levels of zinc, which stimulates and increases blood flow. Zinc is also a necessary nutrient in helping sperm production. So the oyster's reputation is not entirely unfounded!
Oysters also make a delicious appetiser. Squeeze some lemon juice over it for a fresh tang, or drizzle a hint of Tabasco hot sauce for a spicy zing, and watch each other slurp it down!
Chocolates
It's delicious and women love it. It also possesses all the right stuff that makes people feel good: phenyl ethylamine and serotonin. These can also produce a hormonal rush that's similar to the rush of intercourse. The bad news is you'd have to eat a lot of chocolate to get that rush!
Nevertheless, that shouldn't stop you from buying her a box of chocolates. You can also cuddle together over a cup of hot chocolate, or paint chocolate sauce over your bodies and have fun licking them off!
Banana
Yes, it's phallic but don't snub the banana just yet. It contains potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin which increase your energy levels and therefore your sexual performance!
So grab a bunch from the supermarket and feed each other sliced bananas for dessert or dip it in chocolate for a sensuous treat!
Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado ‘ahuacatl', literally ‘testicle' but it affects both men and women! Avocado contains vitamin B6, which increases male hormone production, and also potassium which regulates the female thyroid gland.
Toss some in your salads, or scoop out the insides of the avocado with your finger and have her lick it off! It's healthy and just as fun!
The Real Deal
Alcohol may be frequently associated with sex, but it is a false aphrodisiac. It merely lowers inhibitions and decreases sexual performance! It affects our brains as well as the blood flow in our body. Also, it is known to lower testosterone levels and even contribute to erectile dysfunction.
What you can rely on is a clean bill of health. You'd be surprise how far a healthy lifestyle can go to boosting your sex life, but sexual dysfunction is usually associated with poor physical health and a sedentary lifestyle.
Above all, the biggest turn-on lies in the love and respect between you and your special lady. Sex shouldn't be just about getting physical, but having a loving relationship. So cherish each other for who you are. Meanwhile, a little fun with food will go a long way to spicing up your sex life!
