Aphrodite’s Secrets

Hippo Snout

Even before Madame Pompadour ate truffles, vanilla, and celery to heighten her attraction to Louis XIV, food and desire went hand in hand. Nearly every food from artichoke to passion fruit has been considered an aphrodisiac at one time or another.  Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, an aphrodisiac is a food, drink, drug, scent, or device that supposedly has powers to increase libido. The ancient Romans were especially fond of hippo snouts and hyena eyeballs, traditional Chinese medicine espoused the use of shark fin soup and rhino horn, and the Arabs were keen on camel’s hump.

Lab Rats

Today studies reveal a variety of substances such as Cihuapatli, the Mexican zoapatle (Montanoa tomentosa) or Curculigo orchioides rhizomes (Golden-eye grass) have been responsible for the gleam in the eye of more than a few lab rats.  But when has infertility been a huge problem with rats, lab or otherwise?

Because they’re high in zinc which controls progesterone levels (known to have a positive effect on the libido) oysters are among the world’s oldest reputed aphrodisiacs.  But if the idea of slurping back slimy bivalve molluscs curdles your cockles, wheat germ, veal liver, tahini, and cold lozenges also contain a healthy amount of zinc.   (Good luck sexy-ing up that menu.)

Chocolate!

In most countries chocolate is associated with romance, and with good reason, it was thought by the Aztec’s to have aphrodisiac qualities, invigorating men and making women less inhibited. Consequently when it was first introduced to Europe, little wonder chocolate quickly became the ideal gift for a man to bestow on a loved one.  At one point in time, chocolate was believed to be so potent that nuns were forbidden from eating it and French doctors used it to treat “broken hearts.” Stands to reason that chocolate is toxic to dogs because they’re already so full of love.

In Excess...

Alcohol often makes aphrodisiac lists. While it’s true, in moderation wine enhances a wonderful meal, reduces inhibition, and can lead to a lovely romantic interlude, in excess it usually becomes the star of all too many “What was I thinking?” stories.

Many people claim that peppers put them in the mood. Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy, will also raise your heartbeat, cause you to perspire, and release endorphins that may trigger feelings similar to those experienced during sexual arousal. Another less titillating side effect triggered by capsaicin – heartburn.

Avocados

Avocados have long been considered an aphrodisiac. Its ancient Aztec name (again with the over-sexed Aztecs?), ahuacatl, actually means “testicle,” and the fruit was associated with fertility.

Strawberries too made it into the pantheon of erotic foods for its suggestive shape.  To multiply their aphrodisiac powers, dip them in warm chocolate and feed them to your lover

Honey, I’m home! They don’t call it a “honeymoon” for nothing! Ancient customs encouraged newlyweds to drink mead, a fermented drink made with honey, to increase fertility and add sweetness to the marriage.

Cinnamon Rolls

Many experts attribute the mythical properties of aphrodisiacs to the power of suggestion. In other words, if you believe a certain thing will turn you on, it probably will. And it isn’t just eating foods that can put you in the mood — according to researchers at the Chicago-based Smell and Taste Foundation, studies reveal that certain smells can also be sexually arousing. They cite as examples lavender, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, and licorice.

Nigerian Couple

A boom in the sale of aphrodisiacs in northern Nigeria is attributable to men trying to keep several wives happy and women competing with co-wives for their husbands’ attentions. Jealously-guarded special recipes  handed down from father to son are purported to be finger lickin’ good.

“Forget oysters and chocolate”  says O magazine contributor Helen Fisher.  “The most powerful aphrodisiacs are already inside our bodies.”  Humans have evolved three different brain systems to encourage mating: sex drive (lust), feelings of attachment (trust), and romance (being in love).

Sex drive is associated with a class of hormones called androgens, particularly testosterone.  Studies have suggested that making love  raises testosterone levels, so the more sex you have, the more sex you desire.

Feelings of trust and attachment are fostered by the chemical oxytocin. You can stimulate oxytocin naturally with touch by holding hands, trading massages, or sleeping in each other’s arms.

The third chemical that drives relationships is dopamine, a key player in the brain’s pleasure center that’s been found to promote romantic love. Research shows that novelty—taking risks or trying something new—can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain.

So just like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” it turns out you’ve had the power to spicy up your love life all along!