We’ve all heard the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but did you know that certain foods are said to satisfy your appetite as well as increase sexual desire?
The word “aphrodisiac” is used to describe any element (natural or chemical) that arouses sexual desires, although we almost universally associate it with food. And whether you’re a believer in the passion-inducing properties of these foods, aphrodisiacs are not a new phenomenon.
One of the most well-known and earliest users of aphrodisiacs was Cleopatra. A woman known for her blatantly sexualized nature, Cleopatra is said to have used perfumes, opiates and even spices like cinnamon to lure in her lovers.
Since I’d prefer that none of my faithful Sex 101 readers drug their significant other with opiates, I thought I’d discuss some of the more user-friendly aphrodisiacs that can be purchased at your local grocery store.
The first one that needs mentioning is the friend to bears everywhere—honey. It’s known as the “nectar of Aphrodite” (Greek goddess of love and sexuality) and is even given a shout out in the Kama Sutra where readers are told to mix it with nutmeg to induce a stronger orgasm. As a form of sugar, honey helps sustain high energy and is rich in vitamin B, enzymes and amino acids to keep your body healthy, happy and ready for action. Whether you want to eat it on toast or off your partner’s body, the consumption of this sweet treat will make you eager for your next delicious indulgence.
The phallic fruit we all know and love is next on the list because you can’t talk about aphrodisiacs without mentioning a banana. The fruit originated in India where it was embraced as an aphrodisiac and used in Indian offerings to the gods of fertility. Its shape is only part of the reason it’s a popular pick for those wanting to double their desire because the banana is also stuffed with nutrients that are essential to sexual hormone production like potassium and good ol’ vitamin B.
I dare any female to try eating a banana in front of their man. If he doesn’t immediately pounce on you like a cheetah on its prey, he’s gay.
Last on the list is a food from the sea with a funky smell. The long-term association between oysters and their role as aphrodisiacs is said to be due to their resemblance to the female genitalia. But it wasn’t until recently that there was scientific data to back up the long-standing relationship. Recently, American and Italian chemists claimed to have discovered that oysters, along with mussels and clams, contain compounds that are shown to release sexual hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Don’t blame me if your significant other refuses to chow down on a delectable dinner of steamed oysters—I’m just providing you with the idea, it’s up to you to make it happen.
