Foods that put you in the Mood...and they're good for you too:)

Valentine’s Day is a day when more chocolate is sold than on almost any other holiday.  Is it psychologically seductive (and therefore, an aphrodisiac) or does it truly affect us physiologically?  

Yes and yes! We have Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, to thank for our concept of aphrodisiac foods.  Since ancient times, people have eaten oysters, chocolate, and garlic to name a few foods that supposedly spurred on sexual desire.  Science may tell us why certain foods have been considered more special than others. Any food that stimulates the circulatory system could be considered an aphrodisiac.  And any food that has a shape that is anatomically suggestive might also be effective. Below is a list of foods that are considered aphrodisiacs for one or both of these reasons.  

Read below for some fun insight on why the following foods made the list!

·  Asafetida

Any Indian dried, powedered herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine.  The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor—which for obvious breath enhancing reasons, may negate it’s effect altogether

·  Asparagus

Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food.  The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".  Good love maybe, smelly urine definitely.

·  Avocado

The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.  Don’t even know where to go with this one…

·  Bananas

The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.  Who said utilizing banana leaves for covering up wasn’t practical..ahem Baker 13?!

·  Basil

Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.

·  Chocolate

The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine.  The secret for passion is to combine the two.  I’m thinking the alcohol content may have something to do with this as well…

·  Carrots

Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

·  Coffee

Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant.   Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups.   Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".  

·  Fennel

In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".

·  Figs

An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers! Just be sure to wash your hands first:)

·  Honey

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to "sweeten" the marriage.  

·  Liquorice (licorice)

The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman. Twizzler anyone?!

·  Mustard

Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.

·  Nutmeg

Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can help spice up your evening. Don't do nutmeg....I mean drugs.

·  Oysters

Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

·  Pine Nuts

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

·  Pineapple

Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion. 

·  Raspberries and Strawberries

Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

·  Truffles

The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

·  Vanilla

The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

·  Wine

A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

Hope you enjoyed!  Now try cooking up a delicious healthy treat and have a Happy V-day!