Aphrodisiacs 102

Aphrodisiacs
For thousands of years, certain foods and drinks have been known to have qualities that contribute to the increase of sexual desire and improvement of sexual performance. The reliability of these foods and drinks, called aphrodisiacs, has been both challenged and heralded.

Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, the list of aphrodisiacs includes such foods as celery, garlic and fennel, among many others. Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea. That's why many types of seafood also are considered to be aphrodisiacs. Oysters perhaps are the most well known of all -- they contain high amounts of zinc that improve the sex drive.

The Food and Drug Administration in 1989 declared that there was no scientific proof that aphrodisiacs affect sex drive. It is reasoned, however, that because some foods known to be aphrodisiacs affect the body by increasing things like heart rate, they are thought to directly affect sexual desire. Perhaps they work as a placebo. The mind itself can be a powerful aphrodisiac!

Here is a list of foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs. Try your own experiment on the effectiveness of aphrodisiacs by adding them to some dishes this Valentine's Day.

Caviar
Sturgeon eggs contain a large amount of vitamins and phosphorous. Try caviar with vodka for a real experience!

Celery
Celery has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac. It contains vitamins A, C, B, P and minerals. It is excellent for the muscles and liquefies the blood. But most celebrated as an aphrodisiac are the celery seeds. Crush them to spice bread or an oil-vinegar salad dressing.

Clove
One of the most powerful natural aphrodisiacs. It is also effective against mental and physical fatigue as well as memory loss. In essence form, take two or three drops in honey every day.

Fennel
Greeks and Hindus are those who believe that fennel is good for sex drive. The Greeks used the leaves and seeds in dishes and wore the leaves as crowns during festivities.

Ginger
For thousands of years, ginger has been used in drinks to excite the senses. If used in small amounts, it causes hot flushes and in large amounts, it irritates intestines.

Ginseng
This plant is a very powerful hormonal stimulant. It is reported that ginseng gives people enough sexual energy to last quite a while.

Nutmeg
While nutmeg is not as effective on women, its powers definitely are not wasted on men.

Chili
With a large amount of vitamin C, red, green and Cayenne pepper chilies stimulate circulation, which is why it is considered to be a potent aphrodisiac.

Chickpeas
For men, chickpeas are a powerful aphrodisiac. Hummus, anyone?

Horseradish
It is said that horseradish pulp has aphrodisiac properties.

Saffron
While excessive doses causes uncontrollable laughter, saffron, the stigmas of the crocus flower, can be fun in other ways! It has stimulating properties on the erogenous zones and it has similar effects to that of hormones.

Vanilla
Vanilla's scent alone indirectly acts as a sexual stimulant. The bean itself can be used in recipes in hot chocolate as a great aphrodisiac. Add a couple drops of vanilla essence (extracted from real vanilla beans) to your bath for a pleasurable effect.

Asparagus
It has been reported that asparagus turns women off as much as it turns men on. It is a diuretic -- this stimulation for men is one reason why it is called an aphrodisiac. Another? Just look at it!

Walnuts
Ancient Romans threw walnuts instead of rice at weddings because they believed that walnuts held powers of fertility.

Grapes
Wine is not the only form in which grapes can hold aphrodisiac properties. Even unfermented grapes are thought to have stimulating properties.

Oysters
Probably the most well known of all aphrodisiacs, oysters are a healthy food that are rich in phosphorus, iodine and zinc, which is known to increase the sexual health of both men and women. Legend holds that Casanova ate 50 raw oysters every morning with the lady du jour. Chardonnay is a good match with oysters.