Aphrodisiac Foods: Myths and Facts

Aphrodisiacs are foods, plants or drugs that cause a noticeable enhancement of sexual desire or function. They have along and colorful history. One excellent book which can tell you everything you'd ever want to know about them is Christan Ratsch's Plants of Love. It gives their history in various cultures, and also how to find and use them effectively.

But many people think aphrodisiacs are a myth, or a joke, even. This is because of misunderstanding over how they actually work. Ratsch says "Aphrodisiacs are involved with human sexuality, another gift of nature." But it is rare or even impossible for a plant or food to suddenly induce a raging erection, for example, or instantaneous lust in women. Substances that do this can be poisonous (like Spanish fly), and drugs like Viagra can be dangerous if abused.

Aphrodisiac foods and herbs work in a subtle way. Their properties can increase circulation and make the genitals feel tingly. They can add a slight heating sensation to the skin. They can help hormone production. They can increase the function of minerals like phosphorous, which helps the body manufacture seminal fluid and vaginal lubrication. Some of these foods or plants simply remind us of sexual parts of the body or the act of sex, and so they act upon the imagination to inspire us to be amorous.

Here are a few of the most commonly mythologized aphrodisiacs and how they got that reputation.

Raw Oysters & Mussels

These were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. Casanova, the legendary lover, used to boast that he ate fifty of them every night to stay potent. They do contain phosphorous which increases semen production somewhat. But their most powerful ability is by association. In their raw state, oysters are reminiscent of the female genitalia: their shape, color, texture, salty taste and fishy odor are all associated with the female, so no wonder men thought they'd help their reputations as great lovers! Some people still swear by them, men and women. Raw seafood can be a risk of food poisoning so make sure you get yours from a reputable source.

Chocolate

Sweet, dark, delicious, slightly sinful: chocolate is practically synonymous with sex. When first brought to Europe from South America it was brewed into a potent hot drink. Coffee appeared at about the same time, and a whole nation of addicts was born! Chocolate was drunk at all hours of the day or night in special cafes. Its pleasurable effects quickly labeled it a scandalous drink and women were legally prevented from drinking it in many areas. Is it an aphrodisiac? It has a complex chemical make-up, and contains theobromine (literally "food of the gods") which can affect serotonin production–this is the hormone that makes us feel a euphoric pleasure similar to that of being in love. It also contains magnesium which is important for good health. The caffeine in it stimulates the mind and keeps us alert. The French still enjoy dark, less-sweet chocolate than we do–follow their lead and you can enjoy it without the worries of empty sugar calories or tooth decay.

Bananas

Is it the shape? They are certainly handy for practicing oral technique. Or maybe it's that chimpanzees and primates eat them and when we visit the zoo these creatures always seem to be masturbating! But eating them is certainly a good idea for your health, they contain large amounts of potassium which the body needs to function efficiently.

Red meat

A steak dinner at a fancy restaurant is sometimes considered the perfect date food for getting lucky later on. Maybe it just proves the person who bought the dinner is well to do and this is the actual turn on. But red meat does provide iron which strengthens the blood. It provides phosphorous, too, like oysters. Rare steak is an excellent dietary boost for occasional anemia. But don't eat too much of it, it leaches calcium from the bones and can impair digestive function if too much is eaten over time.

Apples

Well, it worked for Eve, right? Biblical historians now believe the famed apple of Eden was probably something more like an apricot. But apples are gorgeous and evocative nonetheless. Their color , scent, crunchy texture and sweet juicy flavor are a favorite of many, and the act of biting into an apple while gazing into your lover's eyes is a sure gesture of seduction. One or two of them a day just might help keep the doctor away (they have fiber from pectic, which helps tone the intestines, plus vitamin C and vitamin A)–and good health is always sexy.

Asparagus

The shape is wonderfully phallic. Thicker stalks are actually more tender than the young, slender ones. Steamed lightly and served with fresh lemon and a bit of olive oil or butter, this is a nice accompaniment to any dish and you eat the stalks suggestively at the table. They do contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. But their aphrodisiac reputation is also no doubt related to that odd phenomenon known as "asparagus pee." The urine becomes strongly-scented for a few hours after ingesting asparagus. This means it's giving your kidneys a healthy workout. But some believe it sours the taste of semen and vaginal secretions temporarily, so it's not necessarily the best idea for a romantic dinner...save the oral activity for the following afternoon.

Strawberries, Peaches, Grapes, Plums, Cherries

Fresh fruit is wonderfully health-giving. All fruits used to be associated with Venus, goddess of love and sex and beauty. Their fragrant, blossoming trees and vines are among the best loved of all trees. Think of how we associate cherries and peaches with young women's sexuality! These foods promote healthy skin and are excellent cleansers and toners for the reproductive system. Their sweet scents and tastes make them a delight to eat, and their texture is somewhat reminiscent of female genitalia (without being slimy or fishy like oysters or mussels). Enjoy them with your lover and get healthy at the same time!

Return to the Aphrodisiac Menu