All across the world, eating together unites people. Who doesn’t love a romantic night out with their partner or a delicious home-cooked meal lovingly prepared by your spouse? Food also stimulates our senses. We feel good when we taste, smell, or see something delicious! Sharing a meal has the power to draw people closer. Often in more ways than one.
Enter the magic of aphrodisiac foods. Those yummy little treats with a reputation for bringing out the sexiness in all of us.
What Does “Aphrodisiac” Really Mean?
An aphrodisiac food (or drink) helps to stimulate sexual desire, otherwise known as libido. Ancient Romans revered apples as aphrodisiac foods, whereas the Greeks held beets in high esteem. Who would have thought apples and beets could be so sensual? Not us! But it appears that the Ancients knew what they were doing. But, of course, nowadays we live in modern times. And so, it’s only natural that we ask ourselves, “Wait. Is there any science behind eating aphrodisiac foods? Or is the hype a bunch of mumbo-jumbo?”
The Science Behind the Sexy
It turns out science defends aphrodisiacs. Research shows many benefits of consuming foods known to stimulate desire. First up is the psychological aspect. If a heightened sex drive is your goal, then you must not only physically feel good but mentally, too! The shape and texture of certain foods can be very arousing, especially when eaten together in a romantic setting. Think whipped cream and cherries around Valentine’s Day. Sexy, right?
In addition, neuroscientists have proven that the human brain responds positively to the chemicals and hormones in aphrodisiac foods. For example, some foods contain chemicals that interact with nerves to stimulate desire. This helps boost libido.
Likewise, aphrodisiac foods trigger physical responses, such as relaxed blood vessels, increased heart rate, and faster breathing. During intercourse, these same physical reactions occur, and so the libido gets a delightful boost when the chemicals enter our bodies.
Our Top 5
Alright, let’s try some aphrodisiac foods!
Chocolate
It’s no coincidence that men and women buy one another chocolate on February 14th each year. Eating chocolate releases serotonin, the “feel-good hormone” in our brains. The sensation of being loved cared about, and wanted helps spark any romantic encounter’s flame. There are various ways to enjoy chocolate, from serving it as a rich drink, candy, and even cakes or cookies.
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the most famous aphrodisiac foods…especially when dipped in chocolate. Try feeding plump strawberries to your significant other; they’re full of antioxidants that help our bodies glow. Moreover, they have been revered as aphrodisiacs for decades. So perhaps chocolate-covered strawberries would be a great combo to try out.
Oysters
Whether you’re a fan or not, oysters are known to have unique amino acids that stimulate desire in both men and women. If you can swallow the sliminess, consider a romantic night out with your partner at an oyster bar. A little hot sauce and sitting on a saltine is the preferred way experts eat them. Many oyster bars do offer many grilled or fried options too. They are protein with a romantic side effect.
Papayas
Papayas aid in stimulating the female libido, as they contain chemicals that imitate estrogen. Try sliced papaya or blending it in a smoothie for her, and test the effects yourselves. You can also cut them up into cubes and freeze them to be enjoyed inside a beautiful champagne glass with her favorite bubbly or served in a homemade sorbet. Be creative.
Bananas
It’s not just the phallic shape of bananas that makes them an aphrodisiac (though we challenge you to name a more iconic “male” fruit). Bananas are packed with vitamin B and potassium, which aid in producing estrogen and testosterone. So enjoy the aphrodisiac effects of bananas in different forms. The smell of banana bread alone stimulates desire!
Conclusion
The next time you go to the grocery store, add some of these aphrodisiac foods to your shopping list. Remember, food can bring couples together in more ways than one!
