Food beyond thought

A rundown of aphrodisiac foodstuffs:

Oysters
Myth: Ever since the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite emerged from the shimmering waves of the sea on an oyster shell, these pearly molluscs have been thought to have potent aphrodisiac properties.
Fact: Recent studies have at last thrown some scientific weight behind the claim that oysters, clams and mussels do have aphrodisiac potential. Researchers at Barry University in Florida have found that these mollusks contain certain compounds (D-aspartic acid and N-methyl D-aspartate) that have proved effective in releasing sexual hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen. However, food myth expert Dr Robert Shmerling, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School is sceptical. He argues that although these findings are interesting, the levels of these compounds are negligible and that eating the succulent mollusc probably only has a placebo effect on the libido. We think that feeding your significant other theses knobbly beasties is a sure way to say ‘I love you’. If the oyster’s fresh brackish flavour and mucoid texture of doesn’t win them over, you’re bank breaking generosity will do.

Vanilla
Myth: The scent and flavour of vanilla is widely believed to increase lust in many different cultures. According to Mexican myth Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness; vanilla. If you refuse to believe this Aztec drivel then read up on most European foodlore and you’ll find that vanilla has a solid reputation as one of natures most appealing aphrodisiacs.
Fact: As with most foodstuffs with supposed aphrodisiac properties, there is no solid scientific evidence which can confirm vanilla’s effect upon one’s amorous feelings. However, some studies report that it can combat sexual asthenia by acting upon the central nervous system and, through its odour, indirectly acts upon sexual stimulation. We think it smells nice, which automatically raises it above many of the other supposedly prowess enhancing munchies on this list.

Chocolate
Myth: Chocolate has always been considered something a little bit special. Moctezuma, the Aztec emperor introduced the Spanish conqueror, Hernan Cortes, to his favorite drink, ‘chocolatl’ – served in a golden goblet. Moctezuma is said to have consumed several goblets of ‘chocolatl’ before entering his harem, leading to the mythical belief that chocolate had aphrodisiac properties. Through such auspicious patronage this sacred substance was raised to its prominence today as the food of romance, celebration, and indulgence. While chocolate was once considered the ultimate aphrodisiac, this reputation got a bit stale as the sweet stuff became commonly available.
Fact: There are some scientific reasons behind the addictive allure of chocolate. Chocolate contains approximately 50 per cent fat and close to 50 per cent carbohydrate; these nutrients combine to produce a powerful effect on brain chemicals (specifically serotonin, dopamine, and opiate peptides) positioning them at optimal levels for positive mood and euphoric feelings. On top of that biogenic amines, including phenylethylamine, (otherwise known as the ‘love drug’ because it induces physiological and psychological effects similar to those caused by being in love) will make their presence felt as you munch down on a bar of the good stuff. Delve into the dark side and try the 70 per cent cocoa solid variety – potent, delicious and best eaten in small amounts, so a little will go a long way.

Asparagus
Myth: People of ancient cultures from sandy Arabia to the decadence streets of Rome believed asparagus had aphrodisiac properties. Such was its reputation as an aid digestif that the Roman writer Pliny the Elder named asparagus ‘prodigas verntras’. With its phallic appearance, this vegetable has a visual association with enhancing potency. In fact, in 19th century France, bridegrooms were traditionally required to eat several courses of asparagus on their wedding night because of its reputation as a stimulant.
Fact: Recent scientific studies in the U.S. support evidence that asparagus may help prevent certain types of cancer, although there’s no word as yet as to the green veg’s love-inducing properties. Doctors now emphasize the need for diets rich in fiber, and asparagus is an ideal source that helps regulate intestinal function. These tasty green spears are also packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorous. But no scientific evidence corroborates the suggestion that the asparagus has aphrodisiac properties aside from the fact that contains high levels of vitamin E, which is considered by some to act as a stimulant to sex hormones. Time Out recommends that you lightly boil them and eat whole with lashings of butter, salt and freshly milled black pepper. Delicious, if not yet proven to be diverting.

Celery
Myth: Not the most obviously erotic of foods, celery nonetheless has a longstanding history as a supposed aphrodisiac. Recently researchers looking for a real turn-on tonic have focused on the potent male hormone androsterone, which is found in celery. They believe androsterone is released through perspiration after eating. Its stimulating effects are well known in Sweden where the famous Swedish author Hagdahl described celery as ‘straight forward arousing’. Crushed celery seeds have a reputation for being particularly potent and can be used to spice up salad dressing. According to Grimod de la Reyniere, the French writer credited with inventing food journalism, celery was considered by the French as a potent loin-stirring force. He wrote the Almanach des Gourmands in the early 1800’s and had this to say about the dieter’s favourite. ‘Our conscience obliges us to warn shy people of this [sic] aphrodisiac property of celery, that they might disdain from eating it. It is enough to stress that it is not in anyway a food for bachelors.’ One for the ladies then.
Fact: Some scientists believe that the celery influences the suprarenal glands, which means the production of the corticosteroid hormones, like adrenalin and noradrenalin. What we can be certain of is that a celery heavy diet will make you thinner, hungrier and has the handy bonus of being exceedingly low in calories while freshening your breath.

Honey
Myth: Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with mead, a fermented drink made from sticky sweet goo. Lovers on their honeymoon drank mead as it was thought to ‘sweeten’ the marriage. The use of honey as an aphrodisiac is mentioned in the Kama Sutra and The Perfumed Garden. In the latter it is said that honey spiced with nutmeg heightens pleasure.
Fact: Honey is a complex sugary food and does provide sustained high energy. Nutritionists suggest a couple of tablespoons of honey and two 400 I.U.s of Vitamin E to provide about four hours of increased vigour. Vitamin E present in honey increases oxygen in your system and is considered by many to be an aphrodisiac. Honey is an easily metabolized sugar, rich in B-vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. After taking honey and vitamin E, do a little exercise – this helps to pump the energizers through your system. Some nutritionists warn not to take honey and vitamin E if you’ve been drinking within the last twenty-four hours, because it can work in reverse as a downer rather than an upper.

So, do aphrodisiacs work?
Sadly, they do not. According to the US Food and Drug Administration the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are solidly based in folklore, not fact. In 1989, the agency declared that there is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs have any proven effect whatsoever on the libido. All those foods which have so called aphrodisiac properties cannot be counted on to make you more desirable, desiring, amorous or potent. However, there is no discounting the placebo effect; suggestion can be a powerful thing. Using aphrodisiac foods or drinks as part of your seduction technique will certainly add to your culinary prowess and might serve to spice up your sex life in a number of different ways. And they taste good, which is definitely the best reason for trying them.


By Michelle Madsen, February 2006 (Time Out)