Aphrodisiac Foods
To Enhance Your Love Life

Aphrodisiac foods are something that humans have looked to throughout history. With Valentine’s Day approaching, consider including some of this love food in your meals.

Here are 10 aphrodisiac foods that just might spice up your love life. At the very least, you know they are health enhancing… and a healthy body is a prerequisite for a healthy love life.

1. Asparagus. Did you know that in the 19th century bridegrooms ate asparagus because of its supposed aphrodisiac powers? Certain foods were considered to be such because of their forms or textures or aromas. I’ll leave it to you to decide into which category this vegetable falls.

   However, there’s more to asparagus than its suggestive shape. Nutritionally speaking, it’s low in calories, has no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. In addition, it’s an excellent source of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It’s also a very good source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6; manganese; fiber; tryptophan; copper; phosphorus; and potassium.

2. Bananas. These fruits have a sweet taste, creamy texture and… well, yes, another suggestive shape, qualities that probably have contributed to their popularity as a sexy food. More importantly, they are a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, nutrients that are necessary for sex-hormone production. They are also a good source of dietary fiber.

3. Tomato. When first introduced to European culture, the tomato, from South America, was thought to be poisonous. Leave it to the romantic Italians and French to discover the delicious, succulent qualities of the ripe red fruit’s juicy flesh.

   Keep your heart—the symbol of love and romance—healthy with the antioxidant lycopene, as well as the nutrients potassium, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate, all of which are richly found in tomatoes. Lycopene and the other phytonutrients in tomatoes also contribute to a healthy prostate.

   
4. Chili Peppers are reputed to contribute to releasing endorphins, which are known to cause the “high” related to physical exertion. In addition, eating them can lead to an increased heart rate. Dr. John Christopher, the famous herbalist, writes about administering cayenne pepper in the case of a weak heart or a heart attack.

   Along with the endorphin release, chili peppers can cause an increase in body temperature and cause the lips to swell to a kissable pout, perhaps signaling romantic interest to one’s sweetheart.

5. Grapes. Besides the relaxing, mellow state induced by wine, grapes are the perfect finger food to feed your sweetie. Grapes are symbolic of love, fertility and virility, and associated with Bacchus, the god of wine. In ancient Greece, there was a tradition to give grape clusters to newlywed couples, in the belief that grape seeds would confer the blessing of many children upon them.

6. Garlic. You don’t need me to tell you that if you and your lover are sharing a meal that includes garlic, you both should eat it. If just one of you consumes it, it’s possible that the entire romantic mood would be destroyed. In addition to its reputation as a cure-all, garlic is reported to contribute to extraordinary energy and stamina.

7. Celery isn’t a food that quickly jumps to mind as an aphrodisiac food. However, once again, there’s the somewhat suggestive shape. In addition, it is said that celery stimulates the pituitary gland which is involved in the release of sexual hormones. Historically, celery root has been used as a cure for impotence.

8. Apples. Who doesn’t think of the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden when considering the apple? Also, the story goes that if a Greek warrior tossed an apple to his fair maiden and she caught it, they were engaged. The people in England during the Middle Ages celebrated a fall festival based on fermented apples, with much ensuing merriment.

   Rich in antioxidants, apples offer natural anti-aging abilities to those who consume them, along with helping to fight cancer and other diseases, keeping one healthy and strong and in the mood for love perhaps.

9. Cherries. And then there are certain aphrodisiac foods which seem obviously sexy, without even knowing why. Some cherries are said to stimulate pheromone production. Plus, they provide potassium which is required for sexual hormone production. And there are abundant antioxidants in the little fruits, helping to keep your skin youthfully beautiful and your energy level high.

   When they are combined with another delicious aphrodisiac food, they really are the essence of romance. And that other food is:

10. Chocolate, of course. Chocolate and cherries together make a sublime romantic treat. David Wolfe in Naked Chocolate writes, “Chocolate truly is food for the heart—and it is the heart’s ‘blood,’ due to its magnesium, antioxidants, love chemicals and esoteric properties.” He says that even Casanova gave up champagne in preference to chocolate.

    Here’s a poem quoted in Naked Chocolate by James Wadsworth:

    “Twill make Old women Young and Fresh;
    Create New Motions of the Flesh,
    And cause them long for you know what,
    If they but taste of chocolate.”

    If you’re planning a romantic dinner, you may be thinking of flowers, candles and music, but don’t neglect the healthy foods of love. Share a delicious meal of health-promoting aphrodisiac foods…

    …and may you live happily ever after.

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