APHRODISIACS

Foods that act as Aphrodisiacs

There is much debate surrounding the issue of aphrodisiacs, and whether they actually work or not. No scientist has come out and made a claim for any one of them, but research into their benefits goes on. Some scientists believe that so called aphrodisiacs act as mere placebos. Sexual arousal is such a complex subject and it's so difficult to isolate the conditions that bring it about.

The Greek goddess Aphrodite gave us the name, and a belief in their various forms has been present all through recorded history. The Chinese in particular, treat aphrodisiacs very seriously indeed. In their culture, the genitalia of male animals are thought to promote masculine virility. This leads to the buying of genitalia from seals and tigers. It's bad news for the tigers, which are an endangered animal.

Other animals are the victims of a belief in aphrodisiacs. The rhinoceros, also feted for its aggression, is hunted for the horn, which is ground into a powder. This is much sought after, unfortunately contributing to the endangered status of the species. Turtles are often poached, so they can be killed and dissected for the eggs inside. They are considered a delicacy as well as aphrodisiacs, and are eaten raw, flavored with lime juice and salt.
The most famous of the aphrodisiacs is probably the oyster.
The oyster industry, which is worth millions of dollars, likes to promote its product as the vital ingredient of any romantic, candle lit dinner for two. Does it work? The jury is still out.

It's well known that most people, especially women, have a weakness for chocolate. There is a chemical in chocolate that some people believe is an aphrodisiac. However, it's said that you would need to eat a great deal of it for it to kick in. Well, any excuse! At least, it isn't doing any harm. Chocolate isn't an endangered species.
In addition to all the foodstuffs we all have fun with, when thinking about aphrodisiacs, there is a lot of serious research going into developing drugs which address real problems such as erectile dysfunction and other sexual disorders.
The subject will be argued about for years to come. Is it the candles and champagne that makes us frisky, or the oysters? The brain is a very susceptible organ, responding to many different stimuli. The mere suggestion or reputation of something being an aphrodisiac may be enough to manufacture a response. It's probably true to say we all want it to be true. Between the skeptics and the true believers, the truth may fall somewhere in the middle.

Whatever the scientific value, the culture of aphrodisiacs is here to stay.

Changing Eating Habits can Improve Your Sex Life

Alcohol has been called a "social lubricant." People drink for many reasons, including to relax, reduce anxiety, gain self-confidence, and overcome depression. Because sexual problems can be caused or worsened by psychological stress, moderate drinking might seem like a sexual enhancer. In fact, it merely lessens inhibitions.

Alcohol is actually a depressant, and so, as the porter in Shakespeare's Macbeth observed, it "provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance." And drinking too much actually decreases desire.
A good diet and a regular exercise program are a more dependable path to better sex than are goats eyes, deer sperm, and frogs legs.
A good mental state is equally important.

Listed below are some of the more common foods that act as Aphrodisiacs

Aniseed

A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire

Raw Oysters

Oysters are a favorite among erotic foods and research now shows this shellfish to be a rich source of zinc — a mineral required for the production of testosterone. Not only the hormone behind the male sex drive, testosterone is believed to stimulate the female libido as well.

Avocado

Avocado contain high levels of folic acid, helping to metabolize proteins. They also contain vitamin B6, helpful in increasing male hormone production. In addition potassium is found in avocado which aids in regulating the female thyroid gland, thus helping both male & female by way of these two elements. Avocado.
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

Asparagus

Many foods thought to be aphrodisiacs were considered so because of their phallic shape. Asparagus however, has more than suggestive form. It is rich in vitamin E, a vitamin considered to stimulate production of our sex hormones and may be essential for a healthy sex life.

Arugula or Rocket

The seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

Chili Peppers

A pepper's heat comes from "capsaicin," a chemical that stimulates our nerve endings, raising our pulse and making us sweat.
Some researchers believe that eating hot foods also triggers the release of endorphins, body chemicals that gives us a natural high that is conducive to love-making.

Chocolate

In addition to the sensuous texture of melted chocolate, this quintessential lovers' gift contains a stimulant called phenylethylamine, considered by some researchers as the "love chemical" as it gives you a feeling of well-being and excitement that is very similar to the endorphins giving us a natural high.

Damiana

Damiana, or wild yam, has a traditional use as an aphrodisiac and chemical analysis shows that it contains chemicals that can increase sensitivity in the genitals. Damiana also has a reputation for inducing erotic dreams, when drunk at bedtime, although it has not been proven in clinical trials.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo is commonly used for age-related memory loss, but some have had success using it to treat sexual dysfunction; possibly by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, widening blood vessels of the genitals and erectile tissue. Ginkgo shouldn't be taken with blood-thinning drugs or by people with heart disease.

Spanish Fly

One of the most notorious of the aphrodisiac or modern love potions, Spanish Fly is actually quite dangerous. Made from the dried body of a special beetle, it irritates the urinary tract, sending a rush of blood to the genitals. However, it is also a poison, illegal in the United States.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine, extracted from Yohimbine bark, can facilitate erections by stimulating the nervous system and increasing blood flow to the penis. But it is not for everyone. Common side effects include increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, anxiety and nausea. Available by prescription, Yohimbine should be used under a doctor's supervision.

Basil (Sweet basil)

This is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility.

Carrots

Another good reason to eat carrots - believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

Coffee

Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

Coriander (Cilantro seed)

The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

Figs

An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

Garlic

The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

Ginger

Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

Honey

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.

Liquorice (licorice)

The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.

Mustard

Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can help spice up your evening.

Pine Nuts

Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.

Pineapple

Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

Raspberries and Strawberries

"Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

Truffles

The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Vanilla

The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.

Wine

A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do rememberthat excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.

Other things that act as an aphrodisiac

When looking for an effective aphrodisiac, you may not need to look further than your own kitchen. Strawberries, wine, and chocolate are all well-known aphrodisiacs. I recommend that one particularly famous aphrodisiac, the oyster, be avoided. There is absolutely nothing romantic about them. If you have ever seen someone feed one of these slimy things to another person or eaten one yourself, then you most likely spent more time in the bathroom that day than in the bedroom.
I believe that, if presented correctly, almost any food can be an aphrodisiac except, of course, the oyster. To take your favorite food to the level of aphrodisiac all you need to do is feed it to your partner. Often times your partner simply responds to your attention and the nurturing aspects of feeding someone. If you take your time and feed them slowly, any treat can do the trick.
As I woman I prefer sweet foods and fruit. Fruit has a symbolic nature that subconsciously turns both men and women on. The words "seed" and "fruit" are wrought with carnal connotations. The other plus side to fruit is that most of them contain a bit of juice that could fall onto your partner's fingers and need to be retrieved in a most creative way.
There are many aphrodisiacs besides food. An aphrodisiac can be anything that excites our sensual nature. Intoxicating smells from fresh flowers, a scented candle or incense along with soothing music can ease your partner's mood and most people enjoy the act of love more thoroughly and more often when they are relaxed. Bubble baths and massages are good ways to soothe your partner and connect physically at the same time.
This next tip sounds a bit strange at first but has a proven track record. One often-overlooked aphrodisiac is fear. Before you raise your eyebrow, allow me to remind you of a time when you were younger. Picture yourself in high school. You are at a movie with your crush. Think back to the feeling of the dark theater and the close proximity you had with each other. Remember the exhilaration of two shy hands seeking each other out and slowly meeting. Now what if that movie you were watching was a horror flick? How close did you get to each other when there was a touch of fear in the moment?
It doesn't take very long for two hands to find each other in the dark when one of you is afraid. Remember this the next time the power goes out and you are searching for the flashlight. You may be missing a wonderful opportunity for excitement.
One secret aphrodisiac that is guaranteed to excite any woman is conversation. The word "intercourse" means conversation. We love it when you can share your minds with us and not just your bodies. The quickest way to get a woman to open up to you is to open up to her. Women categorically respond better to psychological stimulation than any other kind. There is also evidence that women orgasm more often and with greater intensity when they feel psychologically safe and cared for. The greatest and most powerful aphrodisiac will always be conversation. Be it with food or conversation, the aphrodisiac of sweetness will serve you well.