Aphrodisiacs aren’t just oysters and red wine mixed with the desperate need to save your libido during Valentine’s Day.
There are so many options (and combinations) you can use for some yummy treats or romantic dishes.
Let’s have a look…
WHAT IS AN APHRODISIAC?
It’s anything that increases sexual DESIRE(not performance – sorry, Viagra, you don’t get invited to this party). And while there are some manmade chemicals that will do the job, people often look to natural alternatives.
Interestingly enough, some of the products we now associate as passion-triggers were notions inherited from ancient generations.
Oysters, for example, were thought to improve the libido; primarily because they resemble female genitalia.
FUN FACT: The word aphrodisiac is actually named after the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.
KEY CHEMICALS FOR SEX DRIVE
So, what helps the most?
Hair-inducing, penis-forming, outdoor-cooking TESTOSTERONE.
It’s not the only hormonal player that gets you randy, but it is the MAIN one.
Present in both men and women (more so in men, obviously), levels can fluctuate because of many annoying reasons and screw with our lust gauge.
Getting the blood going can also help (which is why things like chili peppers are on the list).
THEN THERE IS: essential vitamins, phenylethylamine, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, nitric oxide, boron, antioxidants, resveratrol, potassium, magnesium, folate, and iron.
IT’S MORE THAN YOU REALIZE
And, just to screw with everyone, let’s throw in EXERCISE too.
That’s right, being healthy improves your wants and needs.
Why stop there?
How about emotional, visual, and oral-factory aphrodisiacs?
I’ll say it again…
It’s ANYTHING that boosts your desire.
This list includes foods that have some form of chemical reaction, to things that are debated if they’re legit or not.
But, don’t worry – unless you have a serious allergy, nothing here is going to kill you…
DESIRE BOOSTING MEALS
Yes, you could just go out, buy some nuts, and shove them in your mouth (giggle), but why not combine them into a mouth-watering menu?
Have a look at some recipes that mix several aphrodisiacs together…
Valentine’s Day Aphrodisiac Menu
Starters
Fig Salad with Goat’s Milk Yogurt and Pepper Cress
Oyster and Scallop Tartare with Ginger Dressing
Bacon, Avocado and Tomato Crostini
Main Courses
Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Spiced Pine Nuts
Fig Goat Cheese Pie with Basil
Creamy Pumpkin Seed Alfredo with Kale and Sweet Peas [Vegan]
Desserts
Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Red Wine Poached Pears + Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Filling
Chocolate Glazed Chocolate Tart
Drinks
Coconut Water Champagne Fruit Punch
Champagne
Red Wine
If cooking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! A fruit platter with honey and chocolate for dipping will be just as awesome. If you prefer savory, try a nut and veggie platter with avocado dip.
DEBATES ON EFFECTIVENESS
There have been a fair number of studies trying to prove (or disprove) the effectiveness of these love foods.
However, these studies are looking at it from a purely scientific point of view, and most of them can’t decide or agree on an answer.
The one thing people CAN agree on? Whether or not there is a correlation between food and sex drive, there can definitely be a placebo effect – and those can sometimes be just as effective.
So, even if you don’t buy into the idea, you’ll still have some pretty nice recipes to try!
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Do you have any amazing aphrodisiac-based recipes to recommend? Share in the comments!