Food for thought

For years, we have used aphrodisiacs: herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, etc.... to enhance our love lives. So here are few foods that I have found can help to put you in the mood, with some great health benefits!  So give them a try see what works for you, it can't hurt.

{Oysters}
Oysters are probably the food most associated with being an aphrodisiac so I thought that I would start with it. They say it's because they're high in zinc, this helps produce sperm and increases libido. But then there is the more simple and a little funnier thought, because they resemble a woman's vulva. Regardless, oysters are one of the world's oldest aphrodisiacs. Tonight maybe try some fresh oysters served with chilled Champagne for a romantic meal, and see where the night takes the you. 
                                                                                                       
{Asparagus}
This one surprised me the most in my quest of food to rev things up. I guess it shouldn't have, the shape says it all. An English herbalist in the 17th century, Nicholas Culpepper, wrote that asparagus "stirs up lust in men and women."  Then in 19th century France, bride and grooms were served three courses of the spears at their prenuptial dinners. Why not, 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. Some great ways you can take advantage of this tasty veggie would be to; steam, grill, roast, even throw them in some pasta or a stir-fry. 

{Chili Peppers}
MM MM! When I came across this one I was so happy I love things HOT! Chilies contain capsaicin, this is a compound that makes the peppers spicy. It also raise your heartbeat, cause you to perspire, and release endorphins that may trigger feelings similar to those experienced during sex. There also good for you; containing antioxidants, and double the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits.


{Avocados}
The avocado has been considered an aphrodisiac for a long time. The Aztec name, ahuacatl, actually means "testicle tree," it's also associated with fertility. A Catholic priests in Spain found this fruit to be so obscenely sexual that they forbade it. CRAZY, because avocados are also considered to be a super food, high in antioxidants, fiber, and monounsaturated fat. This "good" fat has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They are also said to boost your immune system. Thumbs up from me for that.

{Red Wine}
A romantic dinner is never complete without a little alcohol. With that in mind a properly paired wine will enhance the taste of your food to hopefully, get the you both in the mood for love. After all moderate amounts of alcohol can lower inhibitions and help you relax. Red wine is on my list because doctors say: Drinking a small amount of wine (especially red wine) daily may increase your HDL, or good cholesterol and reduce your risk of blood clots. It is also power packed antioxidants. All drink one to that!

{Strawberries}
Again with the likeness to a body party. This summer berry is considered erotic because of it's likeness to nipples. Eat them on their own, or add them to your favorite salad, smoothie, or dessert. If you really want to multiply this berries' sexual powers, dip them in warm chocolate and feed them to each other!

{Chocolate}

Full of disease-fighting antioxidants, chocolate is now considered a super food with potential health benefits. I like the sound of that! It's been linked to love and romance thanks to a host of compounds including anandamide a feel-good chemical, which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain and peaks during orgasm. Also PEA (phenylethylamine) the love chemical, is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. When indulging, try to choose dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cacao, the more cacao the better, it is suppose to be the source of chocolate's health benefits.

{Honey}
In ancient customs newlyweds drank mead,  which is a fermented drink made with honey, to increase fertility and add sweetness to the marriage. This sweet and sticky treat is a great source of boron, a mineral that helps the body use and metabolize estrogen, the female sex hormone. Studies also show that this mineral as well as B vitamins may also enhance testosterone levels in the blood, the hormone responsible for promoting sex drive and orgasms in both men and women. Honey is also known for its cancer fighting antioxidants and wound healing powers. All though, the most erotic thing you can do is drizzle it on your partner and lick it off. "They don't call it a "honeymoon" for nothing!" A cute saying I hadn't really taken into consideration tell I ran across it during my research.

{Bananas}

It's shape should be the first sign hahaha. I use them all the time at my parties for games. It's not only the shape, but there creamy lush texture too. We also all know bananas are loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, but I bet you didn't know they contain chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme, said to enhance the male libido.

{Almonds}

 Almonds have been regarded as a fertility symbols. The aroma of almond supposedly arouses passion in females -- or so thought the poets and scribes. Scientists say that almonds provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and even fiber, as we have learned from the other foods, can boost up the mood. Never forgetting the amazing health benefits.

Keeping all this in mind, many experts believe the mythical properties of aphrodisiacs is all in the power of suggestion. So if you believe a certain thing will turn you on, it will. It's not just foods that can put you in the mood, smell and taste, have shown in studies to be sexually arousing as well. But most importantly the best aphrodisiac is a healthy diet and regular exercise. Doing this will keep your body and libido in top shape.

 A little Advice: Studies have shown that bring foods into the bedrooms as a means of foreplay is not always a good idea. Sugars and dairy are actually a woman's enemy down below, causing yeast infections. So keep the food I suggested at the table, then have maybe a flavored massage cream or edible body gel  for desert in the bedroom.

pictures provided by Lee & Chantelle McArthur and theogeo