Foods To Put You In The Mood

Romance

Aphrodisiacs have a long history in our kitchens and our bedrooms. From raw oysters on the half shell to salty pearls of caviar, certain foods are thought to inspire romance through their smell, taste and even appearance. Some of history’s most fabled lovers like Cleopatra and Casanova were great believers in the power of food to stimulate sexual desire.

But do aphrodisiacs really work, or are they just more proof of the power of suggestion? Research indicates that it’s mostly the latter—but even if you’re not looking for a magical mood enhancer, these tasty foods offer an assortment of healthy vitamins and nutrients. Here are 10 aphrodisiac foods you’ve got to love.

Asparagus

The 17th century English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper wrote that asparagus “stirs up lust in man and woman.” And in 19th century France, bridegrooms were apparently served no less than three courses of the sexy stalks during the prenuptial feast. Asparagus provides a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin. It also contains folic acid, which is thought to boost histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both men and women.

Almonds

Almonds have been regarded as a symbol of fertility throughout the ages. Its scent is thought to arouse passion in females. (Samson apparently wooed Delilah with these flavourful nuts.) Almonds also provide beneficial vitamin E, magnesium and fiber.

Arugula

Used as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D., arugula was typically added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Today, the zesty green is frequently used in salads and pasta. Arugula is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. The trace minerals and antioxidants found in arugula also help to block absorption of environmental contaminants thought to negatively impact the libido.

Avocado

While their shape is feminine and voluptuous, avocados have long been associated with male sexuality. In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl,” which translates to “testicle tree”. (The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled testicles.) The delicious, creamy fruit is especially good for pregnant women because of its high content of folic acid, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium. Avocados are also thought to boost immune function.

Bananas

The banana’s phallic shape is partially responsible for its popularity as an aphrodisiac food, but this ultra-nutritious fruit is also loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It also contains chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme, thought to enhance the male libido. Hindus consider bananas as a symbol of fertility, and according to Islamic myth, back in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve covered themselves with banana leaves rather than a fig.

Basil

This fragrant herb is thought to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility. Basil is also thought to cure headaches, warm the body and promote circulation. The ancient Greeks considered it their “royal herb”, and in some parts of Italy, it is considered a token of love.

Chocolate

The Aztecs considered chocolate “the nourishment of the gods”. Not only is it sensuous and delicious, it also contains theobromine, a stimulating alkaloid similar to caffeine. Eating chocolate helps the brain produce serotonin, which lights up the pleasure area of the brain. And if you indulge in the dark variety, you’ll reap the benefits of cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Eggs

An ancient fertility symbol, eggs are loaded with vitamins B6 and B5, which helps to balance hormone levels and fight stress. Apparently, eating raw eggs just before sex was thought to enhance the libido. Aphrodisiac properties are associated not only with chicken eggs, but also such delicacies as fish roe or caviar and quail eggs.

Figs

Associated with fertility in many cultures, these sweet, purple fruits are said to have been Cleopatra’s favorite food. Sexy in both appearance and texture, figs have long been a synonym in erotic poetry and literature for female sexual organs.

Oysters

Perhaps the classic aphrodisiac, or certainly Casanova thought so: he ate 50 raw oysters every day for breakfast. Oysters are high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone production, thus increasing libido. They also contain healthful omega-3 fatty acids.

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10 Things That Are Bad For You But Can Be Good For You

10. Beer

The newest bad kid on the block, beer has long been overshadowed by its healthier alcoholic cousins. While no one’s suggesting you switch that glass of antioxidant-rich Pinot Noir for a tall glass of lager-there’s still that beer gut to worry about-new research has suggested that moderate beer intake can actually improve cardiovascular function. Now if only a scientist will discover the health benefits of ballpark franks and chicken wings. Heaven.

9. Anger

If you’re one of those people who tends to bottle things up, only to explode … don’t hold it in so long. Studies show that bursts of anger here and there are good for the health, and can be an even more effective coping mechanism than becoming afraid, irritated or disgusted. Anger, like the consumables in this list, however, is best in moderation: stay angry for long periods of time and you’ll be plagued with a host of health issues, like blood pressure, sleep disorders and lung damage.

8. Coffee

Java is one of the most debated substances around. Is it good for you? Is it bad for you? Both? The consensus, now anyways, seems to favor those who enjoy their morning jolt-unrelated studies claim coffee is a major source of antioxidants in our diet and can help lower your risk of diabetes. Something in the beans is also thought to ease the onset of cirrhosis of the liver and pancreatitis, good news for those who like to party hard all night before their morning caffeine boost.

7. LSD

We’re definitely not in the business of advocating drug use. But check out this interesting science: In heavy drinkers, small doses of LSD have been thought to help bypass the rock-bottom stage of alcoholism and prevent relapses. These studies-some decades old-were done in closely monitored, clinical settings; many patients haven’t had a drink in the many years since. It’s an interesting finding that needs a lot more investigation, and not a remedy that should ever be tried at home. Meantime, and this may come as no surprise, recent study of 36 volunteers who took an LSD-like drug in a lab setting had them reporting mystical experiences and behavior changes that lasted for weeks.

6. Sunlight

Exposure to the sun’s rays is necessary to survive, but can also kill you in gross, cancerous quantities. Asthmatics, at least, could benefit from measured doses of ultraviolet rays, according to scientists. Sunlight suppressed the immune reactions that cause asthma in some lab studies with mice and could be used to treat humans afflicted with the disease in the future. And sunlight-even if indirect, such as on a shaded porch-is known to boost the mood. Extra sunlight can help office workers avoid afternoon drowsiness, a recent study found. There’s still no excuse to head outside and bake, however.

5. Maggots

They’re creepy, slimy and altogether ooky, but maggots can save your life. These squirmy larvae are science’s newest wonder-cure and were approved in 2003 as the Food & Drug Administration’s only live medical device. Placed on serious wounds, maggots mimic their “wild” lifestyle and munch on bacteria and dead tissue, stimulating healing and helping to prevent infection.

4. Marijuana

It’s medicinal, we swear! Marijuana, often associated with memory loss, is ironically now being hyped as a way to stave off the ultimate form of memory loss: Alzheimer’s. Recent studies on mice suggest that anti-inflammatories found in the drug prevent the clumping of brain proteins, one major cause of the disease. So when should you start preventative therapy? We suggest waiting for the human studies to wrap up.

3. Red Wine

A crucial ingredient in the diets of the world’s heart-healthiest populations-like those Bordeaux-guzzling French-red wine has long been known to have potent anti-cancer and artery-protecting benefits. The key, some studies indicate, is an antioxidant found specifically in the skin of red wine grapes, called resveratrol. The latest studies even link resveratrol to greater endurance, a reduction in gum disease and Alzheimer’s. White wine, which is fermented after the skins are removed, is less beneficial according to some studies.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate lovers rejoice: study after study lately has touted the magical benefits of the indulgent treat, which is packed with the antioxidant flavonols that prevent certain cancers and keep your arteries from clogging. The most recent news? These powerful chemicals may even increase blood flow to the brain, warding off dementia. Just stick to the highest cocoa content possible-the bars packed with sugar don’t help your health one bit.

1. Sex

Scientists have found that the benefits of sex go beyond immediate, ahem, gratification and satisfying the goal of procreation. Besides the obvious evolutionary purposes, we can all take pleasure in the news that having sex is an easy way to reduce stress, lower cholesterol and improve circulation throughout the body. As if you needed another excuse.

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