Aphrodisiac
Posted by Jaide Reina Jones on Monday, June 18, 2012
Under: Cajun Recipe
Almost every culture devotes part of its folklore to sexual matters, and a popular issue has always been aphrodisiac foods. You have all heard claims that certain foods can increase your sexual libido -- but are they true?
I decided to make a small list of common foods believed to have sexually stimulating effects, even though in most cases, their effects have yet to be proven. This list is by no means incontestable, since most of the claims are not based on fact. Nevertheless, here are some foods that are considered aphrodisiacs and why, or as the case may be, why not.
Ah yes, good old oysters, the cliché of all aphrodisiac foods. Oysters have long been thought to have aphrodisiac properties, but very few studies have been conducted on the matter.
One thing that brings credibility to the oyster myth is the fact that these slippery critters are full of zinc. Zinc controls progesterone levels, which have a positive effect on the libido. Zinc deficiency can cause impotence in men, so any food rich in zinc is considered an aphrodisiac in that respect, and oysters happen to be loaded with the mineral.
Many believe that oysters were originally labeled "aphrodisiac" because of their shape. Upon close inspection, they somewhat resemble the female sex organ. This could be a reason why people in the past associated mussels with sexuality. Sexual appetite, more often than not, starts in the mind rather than in the body, so oysters could have a psychological effect on the libido.
This brings us to the next type of aphrodisiac foods...
Many different foods are considered aphrodisiacs because of their sexually suggestive nature. Eggs and caviar remind us of the reproductive system. Asparagus, bananas, onions, carrots and, as stated above, oysters, also remind us of sex organs, and have therefore been categorized in many cultures as erogenous foods.
None of these foods really have any proven qualities, but if they make us believe that they'll raise our sexual desires, chances are they'll work. Many men's sexual libido begins to diminish after having been with the same partner for a long time, so sexually suggestive food can help spice things up.
As crude as it may sound, alcohol is also onsidered an aphrodisiac. It relaxes the body and reduces inhibition. In other words, alcohol makes you do things you normally wouldn't do in a sobered state. It doesn't really enhance the libido; it just changes one's perception of things.
How many times have you heard stories of an acquaintance making a complete jackass of himself during a party, staring down some girl's dress or making out with, let's say, somebody less than desirable? Where would humanity be if it weren't for alcohol? A world population of a few billion short, probably.
Many different nuts have alleged aphrodisiac properties, many of which have been used in love potions and serums for thousands of years. Walnuts have been used in Roman times for fertility and pine nuts have been adopted for similar purposes for 2000 years through the Mediterranean and the East. Cola nuts are also considered an aphrodisiac in Madagascar, probably because of their high caffiene content.
Some believe the smell of certain nuts excite women (I know what you're thinking -- stop it). Almonds, for instance, are widely used in beauty products for their supposed aromatic properties. Some nuts are also rich in zinc, so like oysters, they can treat zinc deficiency impotence.
Ginkgo nuts are widely used in Chinese herbal medicine even to this day to stimulate, among other things, erotic desires. One of the few true aphrodisiacs, ginkgo nuts are a powerful antioxidant; this makes them an excellent source of nutrition for stimulating blood circulation and invigorating stagnating bodies.
Coffee is considered an aphrodisiac in many traditions but there is very little proof that it actually has any effect on the libido. Coffee -- like any caffeine-rich food -- stimulates the body, which is why it's usually mistaken for sexual arousal.
A recent poll revealed that most women prefer eating chocolate to having sex. Granted, chocolate is often associated with romance and passion, but does it really have any sexual properties? Well, the jury is still out on that one...
Two doctors once discovered that chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that releases "feel good" endorphins. But later studies have proven that even though chocolate has this ability, it does not significantly affect the brain in any way. Luckily for the myth, chocolate also contains caffeine, so it can give you the impression that you are aroused by waking you up a bit.
For a long time, people believed that celery's aphrodisiac properties were a myth. Today we know that it contains androsterone, a hormone naturally produced in males that stimulates sexual arousal in females. Whether or not this hormone found in celery actually affects the body is still unclear. But hey, the vegetable has it so it's a plus, and further studies are being conducted in the matter.
So there you go; some sexual foods are false and others are loosely based on fact. Certain foods do, in fact, have physiological effects on the body and brain, but most of them are not as directly related to our libido as we'd like to believe. Still, don't let that steer you away from the whole idea that foods can be exciting.
Ever see 9½ weeks? Food can be pretty fun if you know how to use it... just make sure you don't put honey in your hair, you'll have a really tough time getting it out.
I decided to make a small list of common foods believed to have sexually stimulating effects, even though in most cases, their effects have yet to be proven. This list is by no means incontestable, since most of the claims are not based on fact. Nevertheless, here are some foods that are considered aphrodisiacs and why, or as the case may be, why not.
oysters
Ah yes, good old oysters, the cliché of all aphrodisiac foods. Oysters have long been thought to have aphrodisiac properties, but very few studies have been conducted on the matter.
One thing that brings credibility to the oyster myth is the fact that these slippery critters are full of zinc. Zinc controls progesterone levels, which have a positive effect on the libido. Zinc deficiency can cause impotence in men, so any food rich in zinc is considered an aphrodisiac in that respect, and oysters happen to be loaded with the mineral.
Many believe that oysters were originally labeled "aphrodisiac" because of their shape. Upon close inspection, they somewhat resemble the female sex organ. This could be a reason why people in the past associated mussels with sexuality. Sexual appetite, more often than not, starts in the mind rather than in the body, so oysters could have a psychological effect on the libido.
This brings us to the next type of aphrodisiac foods...
sexually suggestive food
Many different foods are considered aphrodisiacs because of their sexually suggestive nature. Eggs and caviar remind us of the reproductive system. Asparagus, bananas, onions, carrots and, as stated above, oysters, also remind us of sex organs, and have therefore been categorized in many cultures as erogenous foods.
None of these foods really have any proven qualities, but if they make us believe that they'll raise our sexual desires, chances are they'll work. Many men's sexual libido begins to diminish after having been with the same partner for a long time, so sexually suggestive food can help spice things up.
OTHER NOTABLE FOODS
Apples Grapes
Beans Leeks
Cherries Dates
Garlic Ginger
the devil's soup
As crude as it may sound, alcohol is also onsidered an aphrodisiac. It relaxes the body and reduces inhibition. In other words, alcohol makes you do things you normally wouldn't do in a sobered state. It doesn't really enhance the libido; it just changes one's perception of things.
How many times have you heard stories of an acquaintance making a complete jackass of himself during a party, staring down some girl's dress or making out with, let's say, somebody less than desirable? Where would humanity be if it weren't for alcohol? A world population of a few billion short, probably.
Many different nuts have alleged aphrodisiac properties, many of which have been used in love potions and serums for thousands of years. Walnuts have been used in Roman times for fertility and pine nuts have been adopted for similar purposes for 2000 years through the Mediterranean and the East. Cola nuts are also considered an aphrodisiac in Madagascar, probably because of their high caffiene content.
Some believe the smell of certain nuts excite women (I know what you're thinking -- stop it). Almonds, for instance, are widely used in beauty products for their supposed aromatic properties. Some nuts are also rich in zinc, so like oysters, they can treat zinc deficiency impotence.
Ginkgo nuts are widely used in Chinese herbal medicine even to this day to stimulate, among other things, erotic desires. One of the few true aphrodisiacs, ginkgo nuts are a powerful antioxidant; this makes them an excellent source of nutrition for stimulating blood circulation and invigorating stagnating bodies.
| coffee anyone? | ||
| ||
Coffee is considered an aphrodisiac in many traditions but there is very little proof that it actually has any effect on the libido. Coffee -- like any caffeine-rich food -- stimulates the body, which is why it's usually mistaken for sexual arousal.
| OTHER NOTABLE FOODS | |
| Onions | Oranges |
| Peaches | Pears |
| Peas | Pepper |
| Salt | Thyme |
| Truffles | Vanilla |
| chocolate | ||
| ||
A recent poll revealed that most women prefer eating chocolate to having sex. Granted, chocolate is often associated with romance and passion, but does it really have any sexual properties? Well, the jury is still out on that one...
Two doctors once discovered that chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that releases "feel good" endorphins. But later studies have proven that even though chocolate has this ability, it does not significantly affect the brain in any way. Luckily for the myth, chocolate also contains caffeine, so it can give you the impression that you are aroused by waking you up a bit.
| celery | ||
| ||
For a long time, people believed that celery's aphrodisiac properties were a myth. Today we know that it contains androsterone, a hormone naturally produced in males that stimulates sexual arousal in females. Whether or not this hormone found in celery actually affects the body is still unclear. But hey, the vegetable has it so it's a plus, and further studies are being conducted in the matter.
| ready for bed? | ||
| ||
So there you go; some sexual foods are false and others are loosely based on fact. Certain foods do, in fact, have physiological effects on the body and brain, but most of them are not as directly related to our libido as we'd like to believe. Still, don't let that steer you away from the whole idea that foods can be exciting.
Ever see 9½ weeks? Food can be pretty fun if you know how to use it... just make sure you don't put honey in your hair, you'll have a really tough time getting it out.
In : Cajun Recipe
Tags: the sultry chef jaide jones aphrodisiacs
Hi there! I am a New Orleans native now living in Lake Charles! I started cooking when I was 5 years old & have loved it from that very first day. When I am on stage (in the kitchen), my accent flows as thick as gumbo roux and I toss out one-liners as easily as I toss shrimp into my big black cooking pot. My clients laugh, learn and after I'm done get to eat the “show” – a meal that could include crawfish, alligator, crab, shrimp or other justly famous Louisiana delicacies. I have served my spicy Cajun fare to senators and congressman, movie stars and music luminaries. I am available for travel but only in the U.S. I am also open to be hired on to be your Sultry Chef!!
"Y'all come back now, ya hear!"
