Aphrodisiac Foods: Claims and Facts [Part 1/2]

Aphrodisiac Foods: Claims and Facts

Food does not only nourish the body with energy, but it also nourishes the soul, the senses, and the lust. Many foods have been claimed to have an energizing and aphrodisiac effect therefore be considered as aphrodisiac foods. This effect might be based on their shape, aroma, taste, or the changes they cause in the human body. Many of “aphrodisiac foods” are part of our daily nutrition, many part of especial occasion dinners, and some just part of healthy snaking.

A Closer Look at Some Aphrodisiac Foods (Love Foods)

Anise
Anise seeds contains female hormone like ingredients (estrogenic compounds) which seem to also elevate testosterone levels- testosterone is the main sexual hormone in men and women.  The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that you could increase desire by sucking on anise seeds, so it could be considered as one of the main aphrodisiac foods.

Avocado
Have you ever thought of the shape of an avocado or how it hangs on its tree? The Aztecs called the avocado tree a “testicle tree” because its fruit hangs in pairs on the tree, resembling the male testicles. Avocado is a super-food rich on vitamins, healthy fatty acids, and antioxidants. In addition, its aphrodisiac value is believed to be based on its resemblance to male testicles and is being names as one of aphrodisiac foods.

Bananas
Known as one of the main aphrodisiac foods, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are said to be necessary for sex-hormone production. They provide the body with valuable energy and endurance. Also the phallic shape of the banana is believed to have sexual effects.

Basil
Have you ever noticed the smell of basil? Basil is a “feel-good” herb stimulating circulation. Furthermore, it is believed to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility, this feature made basil into the list of aphrodisiac foods. Its scent has been told to have magical effects on men driving the, wild and crazy.

Cardamom
Cardamom is rich in cineole which helps to increase blood flow in areas it’s applied to. Various cultures use these spice as powerful aphrodisiac foods.

Chocolate
Chocolate has always been associated with love, romance, Valentine’s Day, etc.; have you ever thought of the reason why? The Mayan civilizations already worshiped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” Chocolate contains phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are both “feel good” chemicals. Naturally occurring in our bodies, they are released by our brains when we are happy or feeling loving or passionate, that is a good evidence to buy chocolate a ticket to aphrodisiac foods list.

Carrots
Carrots are the “dildos” of the ancient times. The phallus-shaped carrot has been associated with sexual stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.

Chili Peppers 
Chili is not only hot, but it’ll make you feel “hot” as well. The capsaicin in chili peppers will make you sweat, increase your heart rate and circulation just similar to when having sex; it  is also a good pain reliever.

Cucumbers
Aside from its phallic shape, the scent of cucumbers is believed to stimulate women by increasing blood flow to the vagina! Good reason to be on the list of aphrodisiac foods, isn’t it?

We will talk about the other aphrodisiac foods in the next post!