Edible Aphrodisiacs

With love in the air this Valentine’s Day, it’s only natural that we take a look at the foods that are natural aphrodisiacs. According to Amy Reiley, author and a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with a Masters of Gastronomy degree, there are five general categories of food aphrodisiacs:

• Increase circulation and raise body temperature (e.g. curry, ginger, chilis)
• Resemble sexual organs (e.g. peaches, cucumbers, avocados)
• Involved with reproduction (e.g. eggs, certain animal organs)
• Stimulate the senses and promote well-being (e.g. wine, spices, chocolate)
• Rare and exotic substances

Check out the most popular bites below:

Oysters are renowned for their high levels of zinc and rare amino acids, all responsible for stimulating hormone levels.

The citrulline present in watermelon signals the body to release arginine, which relaxes blood vessels. The chemical is concentrated closer to the rind and is more abundant in yellow watermelon, although geneticists are currently working to engineer varieties in which citrulline is more evenly dispersed throughout the melon.

Figs circulates blood to all the right places, a result of the significant amounts of fiber present in the fruit.

Spice up your life in more ways than one: piquant foods like hot chili peppers, curry, and ginger possess capsaicin, a compound that causes perspiration and a faster heartbeat. The body’s reactions replicate symptoms of arousal: flushed cheeks, tongue tingling, and plumper, more kissable lips.

Nuts such as almonds increase testosterone production and boast substantial amounts of protein. Additionally, almonds contain L-arginine, a substance found in some medicated creams and gels that can increase arousal.

Asparagus is packed with Vitamin E, notorious for increasing testosterone levels.

Made through pollination and potentially the inspiration behind the word “honeymoon,” it’s no wonder that honey is a popular aphrodisiac. According to ancient customs newlyweds were encouraged to sip mead, a fermented drink made with honey, to increase fertility. Three ounces of the sweet substance increase the body’s levels of blood-vessel-opening nitric oxide by 50%.

Chocolate: nature’s most decadent ingredient. With its high fat and sugar content, it’s often considered forbidden to eat and can cause an endorphin rush in some people. Chocolate additionally contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps produce the “feel good” chemical serotonin, which promotes feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. A 2006 Italian study also showed a correlation between daily chocolate consumption and an increase in libido.

Ten times more effective than chocolate, cheese contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which raises blood pressure, releases endorphins, and puts you in the mood. Brie has also been singled out for making women smell sweeter.

Prefer to sniff rather than consume your aphrodisiacs? Males in particular can take a whiff of lavender and pumpkin spice or vanilla, while females may be most intrigued by the smells of cucumbers, licorice (i.e. Good ‘N Plenty), and black truffles.

Whether you are single or have that special someone, these foods are quite tasty any time of year!

Pictures from author and from Google Images.

— Nicole Woon