APHRODISIAC FOODS
Reality or Myth?

The following is a partial listing of various foods and beverages purported to have aphrodisiac qualities that result in amorous effects. There is little scientific evidence to substantiate such claims, most of which are deeply rooted in ancient history and folklore. Nevertheless, it is an interesting list and one can never be sure. Bon Appetite!

Alcohol: The use of alcohol as a sexual stimulant is almost as old as the human race and its use for similar purposes is still quite popular today. Alcohol is actually a depressant that reduces the body’s capacity for peak sexual performance. However, alcohol’s effect on the brain is a reduction in anxiety and inhibition, which in turn may result in a higher level of sexual bravery and adventurousness which are often confused with increased libido. Although a glass of wine or similar beverage used in the right setting may add a nice touch to the overall romantic mood, the problem with inserting alcohol into the sensual formula is that it is hard to tell when to stop. For some people the right amount is zero and for most others it is certainly way before the person becomes a "potted plant" incapable of effective lovemaking.

Pine Nuts: Pine nuts have been noted for their strong aphrodisiac qualities for nearly 2000 years. Pine nuts may be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly found in expensive restaurants and fancy recipes.

Gingko Nuts: Gingko nuts predate the human race by millions of years and present a strong case as a true natural aphrodisiac. Used by the Chinese for thousands of years as a herbal medicine, Gingko is still one of the most widely used herbals for treatment of various ailments and for its aphrodisiac qualities.

Walnuts: Throughout the Roman Empire, walnuts were believed to improve fertility. There has never been any scientific proof that the Romans were correct in their beliefs.

Grapes: Grapes may have earned a reputation as an aphrodisiac as the pre-cursor to wine and they ever had a god named after them by the ancient Greeks. Most likely this was little more than wishful thinking by over zealous Greek romantics.

Onions: Onions were thought to have powerful aphrodisiac qualities by ancient Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Arabs, Egyptian and many other cultures. Although onions can certainly provoke a physiological response, there is no real evidence the response could actually be sexual. One rule of thumb about the romantic qualities of onions is that they should never be eaten raw before lovemaking.

Oysters: Oysters may truly qualify as an aphrodisiac because of their high concentrations of zinc. Zinc has been proven to increase the production of testosterone and vaginal lubrication. Eaten raw or cooked there is no middle ground here; you either like them or you don’t.

Spices: According to folklore, there are numerous spices, which are supposed to have some characteristics of an aphrodisiac. These spices and the ancient rumors of their aphrodisiac qualities come from every part of the world and include cloves, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, vanilla and many more. Since almost everyone in the world normally consumes one or more of these spices on a daily basis, perhaps this may explain why the human race is so infatuated with sex. Too much salt and pepper! We are joking of course.

Vegetables: Even vegetables were thought to have some aphrodisiac qualities in ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Hindu and Chinese cultures. Many of these beliefs still exist today in almost every part of the world and include a comprehensive list of vegetables that would make any vegetarian proud. Some examples would include truffles, asparagus, beans, peas, celery, leeks, fennel and onions. Even this small vegetarian roster sounds more like a healthy eating diet plan rather than a serious listing of potential aphrodisiacs and besides, who wants to eat asparagus?  Truffles, on the other hand, might be an exception in being both a romantic and delicious delicacy.