Valentine’s Day offers couples an ideal opportunity to maximize the eternal connection between love and food. With American supermarkets, gourmet boutiques and restaurants, you always have a cornucopia of food choices. Also, unless you are in a brand new relationship, you probably know what delicacies – from greasy spoon to gourmet dining – are most favored by your partner.
However, it works in your favor to be aware of what foods are considered to have aphrodisiacal properties. Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, aphrodisiacs are believed by many to arouse the person eating them sexually or to light up their libido.
There are, of course, two sides to this discussion: empirical evidence-based science and heart- and desire-driven human emotions. History proves that the latter is more likely the motivation.
“No food has been scientifically proven to stimulate the human sex organs,” says Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, in her article “Aphrodisiacs: Fact or Fiction” for WebMd. “But foods and the act of eating can suggest sex to the mind, which in turn can help stimulate desire in the body. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to stack the sexual odds in your favor by enjoying foods you and your partner find sensual!”
The story of humankind has clearly demonstrated a direct and powerful connection between food and romance. Typically, a loving relationship between two people often starts as a first date at a restaurant. Later, it progresses to dining at one another’s homes. Daily meals become important times to unwind and share daily events and epiphanies with our partners. Next, as the relationship progresses, it includes sharing meals at family gatherings for holidays, weddings, graduations or other significant events.
“One theory that has been tested and studied for hundreds of years is that food is a way to show someone you care,” writes Mireille Kilgour. “It’s a way to tell someone you like them, that you want to take care of them, and a chance to spoil a loved one…. the joy from sharing food lends a satisfactory feeling for all parties involved. Essentially, the emotional response we get from food is as close as it gets to the emotional response we get when receiving someone’s affections.”
The following are eight very common foods that, in numerous searches, show up regularly as foods many claim to have aphrodisiac properties. No one can “prove” it for any of them, but they’re all certainly good for you. Besides, it’s more fun to test them out yourself and see what they do for you and your partner:
• artichokes
• asparagus
• chocolate
• figs
• oysters
• spicy chili peppers
• strawberries
• watermelon
Additionally, the following seven foods and supplements are natural and believed to help in the libido-elevating department. Obviously, pharmaceutical options such as Viagra are available, but they may come with side effects, and where’s the romance in that? For more detailed research study information on these suggested aphrodisiacs, please read the source: “7 Fascinating Foods and Supplements with Benefits Similar to Viagra” in healthline.com.
1.) Tribulus terrestris is a small leafy plant whose roots and fruit are popular in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
2.) Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable taken to enhance fertility and sex drive. Supplements are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquid extracts.
3.) Ginseng, red ginseng in particular, may increase low libido and improve sexual function. A review of 10 studies found that red ginseng was effective at improving sexual arousal in women with menopause
4.) Fenugreek is a popular herb in alternative medicine that may help enhance libido and improve sexual function. It contains compounds that your body may use to produce sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
5.) Saffron is a delicious spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower. Its many traditional uses range from reducing stress to acting as an aphrodisiac, especially for people on antidepressants.
6.) Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement in traditional Chinese medicine. Some believe it treats various issues, including sexual disorders like ED and low libido, because it can raise blood levels of nitric oxide, which aids blood flow by promoting the expansion of blood vessels.
7.) L-citrulline is an amino acid naturally produced by your body. Your body then converts it into L-arginine, which helps improve blood flow by producing nitric oxide to dilate your blood vessels. This, in turn, may treat ED.
Ultimately, purchasing, preparing and then savoring these foods together might be the most aphrodisiacal activity of all. Marisa T. Cohen, Ph.D., a relationship researcher, marriage and family therapist, says this time spent together at the store or in the kitchen preparing a meal represents an important part of effective relationships and helps couples experience more marital satisfaction.
“A great way to connect food and activities would be to cook with your partner,” she writes in her August 28, 2019 article “Food and Love: The importance of food choice and meal prep in relationships in Psychology Today. “This would allow the two of you to come together to plan and execute a delicious meal. For those of you who are inexperienced in the kitchen, several meal kit services provide easy-to-follow instructions and pre-portioned ingredients to help even the most novice chef plan a delectable feast.”
