Friday, 11 February 2011
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15 Edible Aphrodisiacs
With Valentine's Day around the corner, what post can be more apt than a list of foods that are aphrodisiacs? Essentially, an aphrodisiac is any substance that increases sexual desire. Here are 15 edible aphrodisiacs, but keep in mind that there is no scientific evidence for any of these:
1. Oysters--Oysters are renown aphrodisiacs. In the 18th century, the notorious womanizer Giacomo Girolamo Casanova de Seingalt is said to have dined on 50 oysters a day.
2. Chocolate--The Aztecs were the first to tie chocolate and sex together; however, recent research suggests otherwise. I don't know about what science says, but I know chocolate suffices as an aphrodisiac for plenty of people!
3. Asparagus--Asparagus was served in 19th century France for all three courses at the prenuptial dinner. What's more, English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper wrote that asparagus "stirs up lust in man and woman."
4. Anise--Roman doctors prescribed anise as an aphrodisiac--it might have something to do with the fact that it's a narcotic when consumed in large doses.
5. Avocado--The ancient Aztecs believed the avocado was an aphrodisiac because it hung from the tree in pair reminiscent to male testicles. Spanish priests found the avocado so risque that the parishioners were banned from eating them.
6. Saffron--Saffron was sprinkled on the beds of newly weds in ancient Persia because it was believed to increase fertility and encourage sexual activity.
7. Almonds--It is believed that the scent of almond arouses women.
8. Basil--According to Moldavian folklore, if a man accepts a sprig of basil from a woman, he is destined to fall in love with her.
9. Hot Pepper--Spanish explorers in Mexico and Peru were warned by Jesuit priests in the 16th century against eating chili peppers. The priests believed eating chili peppers would incite lustful thoughts since capsaicin (the ingredient that makes peppers spicy) increases the heart rate similar to when one is aroused.
10. Nutmeg--In India, nutmeg is prescribed as a sexual stimulant by practitioners of Unani.
11. Banana--Hindus consider the banana to be a sign of fertility and Central Americans drink red banana sap as an aphrodisiac. 
12. Honey--In ancient Egypt, honey was key to curing impotence and increasing fertility. 
13. Truffles--It is alleged that Madame de Pompadour, King Louis IV's lover, had a diet of vanilla, truffles, and celery as she believed it would give her the sexual stamina needed to satisfy the king.
14. Figs--Cleopatra is said to have regularly eaten figs as an aphrodisiac; the appearance of a fig is believed to mimic female sexual organs.
15. Eggs--Not only are eggs believed to be an aphrodisiac, but the stench of rotten eggs is said to alleviate erectile dysfunction in men!
Do you believe these foods are effective aphrodisiacs? Will you be serving any of these items on Valentine's Day?
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- From: sbaral@xanga
- About Me: I'm a Rutgers University graduate who discovered a passion for writing in college when I found myself enjoying researching for and writing papers instead of working at biology labs. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and watching movies--I am in pursuit of learning to fluently speak French and Italian after developing an interest in these languages from watching foreign films. Apart from foreign films and cooking, my interests include photography, traveling, art history and interior design. twitter.com/sushbaral
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Comments (18)
...rotten eggs smell like a massive dump. what is the psychology behind THAT?!?
I can't imagine the scent of rotten eggs arousing a man. Just can't.
mmmmmmm figs....
I'd have to agree with the other commenters about the smell of rotten eggs! The only thing on this list I'd probably serve is chocolate. Although an almond panna cotta garnished with fresh sliced figs drizzled with honey doesn't sound like a bad idea for dessert.
At least most of these things are tasty!
Time to start carrying basil around with me - that's cute!
Eggs? You're kidding right?
am i the only one disturbed by the image of an impotent man getting a hard-on from a rotten egg?
People need to learn to educate themselves more as to WHY things are the way they are. The smell of a rotten egg may not be pleasant, but the hydrogen sulfide can relax muscles. It's an involuntary, chemical reaction.
All I know is, right after I eat anything, I am the farthest thing possible from aroused.
Although, the smell of chocolate turns me on for some reason...
ew, oysters? i would SO wanna make out with someone after they slurped down a sea-SnotRocket.
@proana_emokitty666@xanga - i agree with you. all i wanna do after i eat is sleep. but i do agree with the chocolate part, though.
@Insomnia_Pickles_XtraTomato@xanga - My thoughts exactly. I have discovered that eating broccoli also produces rotten egg odored farts. If that's an aphrodisiac, then a woman should eat large amounts of broccoli-cheese soup and fart continuously before sex.
I never heard the eggs one. Very interesting
@Candilicious_Meanie@xanga - I don't even know what the scent of almond IS! I never realized that almond has an odor.
@proana_emokitty666@xanga - Story of my life! But that's probably because I eat too much :)
@kaos_calle@xanga - NO! LOL It's one of those surprising facts :-/
@Insomnia_Pickles_XtraTomato@xanga - Here ya go: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/03/health/webmd/main4840360.shtml