Food for Love and Romance
Throughout history much food for love have been linked to sexual desire, and many have been claimed to increase sexual desire and/or pleasure. Modern Western medical science does not however support this view and there is little scientific evidence that any specific food increases sexual desire or performance.
Science does however concede that many different foods have physiological effects, raising body temperature, encouraging increased energy levels, encouraging production of hormones, changing levels of neurotransmitters and lowering inhibitions. These kinds of observed effects coupled with a placebo effect, the belief in their efficacy, probably account for the reputation that some foods have gained for being aphrodisiacs.
Some foods claimed to have aphrodisiac properties are:
Dark chocolate – chocolate is a complex food, but it is now known that, amongst other ingredients it contains Phenylethylamine and Serotonin which are naturally occurring mood lifting chemicals in the human brain. Eating dark chocolate, which is rich in these substances, brings about a mild euphoria, a slight rise in blood pressure, and general feelings of well being such as are associated with being in love. Dark chocolate also contains flavanol antioxidants which are of positive health benefit.
The reputation of chocolate as an aphrodisiac originated in South America over a thousand years ago where it was prized by both Mayan and Aztec cultures. When chocolate was discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors so was its reputation which has lingered on.
Oysters – oysters have long had a reputation as an aphrodisiac, but with little scientific foundation. They are though a very healthy and well balanced food like eggs. They contain protein, carbohydrates, lipids, an array of vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, and D), plus a plethora of minerals (calcium, iodine, iron, potassium, copper, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulphur). They also contain like other sea-foods, quantities of the health giving omega-3 fatty acids.
Some of the aphrodisiac properties of oysters have been attributed, at least in part, to their zinc content, as zinc is important in raising testosterone levels, but it is most unlikely that any such effect would be immediate. Recent evidence suggests that oysters contain varying amounts of Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the “arousal” centre in the brain, and this may have some bearing.
Plant-Based Foods – There are many other natural substances, mostly plant based, that have supposed aphrodisiac properties but there is no specific evidence for any of them being able to independently spark erotic arousal. The list includes such diverse substances as: avocados, asparagus, arugula (rocket), bananas, blowfish, caviar, celery, chilli pepper, figs, gingko, ginseng, kava, lobster, passion fruit, pomegranate, saffron, sea cucumber, truffle, vanilla, and wasabi.
As far as we know the concepts of love and romance are peculiar to us humans, and not shared by the animal kingdom in general. This is probably due to our large cerebral cortex and our hence vast imaginative powers and sensitivities. Our feelings of love and romance reside in the brain, self manufactured, but capable of being affected by tastes and smells. In this way it is possible that certain foods can contribute to a romantic feeling if the ambience is conducive. Exotic foods, a candle-lit table, and low music can lift one out of the mundane into the sphere of romance.
