Mmm... Sexy Snacks!

9 Everyday Edible Aphrodisiacs

Can a trip to the supermarket put you in the mood for romance?
By Jen Laskey

For thousands of years, people have

been using aphrodisiacs — herbs,
spices, fruits, vegetables (even
insects and animal organs!) — to
enhance their love lives. But how
effective are these stimulants at
increasing sexual desire, drive, and
performance?
According to the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, they’re not very
effective at all. In fact, the FDA has
asserted that there is no scientific
evidence that aphrodisiacs have any
effect on libido whatsoever. Still,
many people claim that certain foods
put them in the mood. Here's a list of
legendary, edible "aphrodisiacs" that
are safe (and healthy!) for you and your partner to enjoy.

Give them a try — it can't hurt!

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 Oysters
Some say it's because they're high in zinc,
while others say it's because they resemble a
woman's vulva — either way, oysters are
among the world's oldest reputed
aphrodisiacs. Try some fresh oysters on the
half shell with a squirt of lemon and some
spicy sauce, and see where the night takes
the two of you.

Dark Chocolate
Full of disease-fighting antioxidants,
chocolate is now considered a super food
with potential health benefits. But through the
ages, it's been linked to love and romance
thanks to its effect on neurotransmitters and
endorphins (the "feel good" chemicals) in the
brain. When indulging, try to choose dark
chocolate with at least 60 percent cacao —
the more cacao the better, since this is
probably the source of chocolate's health
benefits. Don't overdo it, though, because
this sweet treat is still high in calories!

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 Red Wine
No romantic dinner is complete without a
good bottle of wine. A properly paired wine
will enhance the taste of your food and,
hopefully, get the two of you in the mood for
love, since moderate amounts of alcohol can
lower people's inhibitions and help them relax.
An extra bonus: Drinking a small amount of
wine (especially red wine) daily may increase
your HDL, or good, cholesterol and reduce
your risk of blood clots. Red wine, in
particular, also contains powerful
antioxidants. Cheers to that!

Ginseng
Many aphrodisiacs gain their reputation
because of their resemblance to sexual
organs. This is true for ginseng, an Asian
herb used to boost immune function, whose
name means "man root." According to the
FDA, "Ginseng has been looked on as an
invigorating and rejuvenating agent for
centuries in China, Tibet, Korea, Indochina,
and India." Studies have shown that ginseng
may sexually stimulate animals, but there is
no conclusive evidence that it has any effect
on a human's sexual response. Feel free to
give it a try though!

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 Chili Peppers
If you like it hot in the bedroom, then chili
peppers might be your best bet for heating
things up. Chilies contain capsaicin, a
compound that makes the peppers spicy.
Capsaicin will also raise your heartbeat,
cause you to perspire, and release
endorphins that may trigger feelings similar
to those experienced during sexual arousal.
Chili peppers are good for you too — they
contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and double
the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits.

Avocados
The avocado has long been considered an
aphrodisiac. Its ancient Aztec name, ahuacatl,
actually means "testicle," and the fruit was
associated with fertility. Avocados are also
considered to be a super food because they
are high in antioxidants, fiber, and
monounsaturated fat. This "good" fat has
been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart
disease, and diabetes. So even if an
avocado doesn't do anything for your sex life,
it'll still be great for your health!

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 Asparagus
Known in the world of erotic foods for its
phallic form, asparagus is also rich in
vitamins and minerals and high in fiber.
There are many ways you can take
advantage of this tasty veggie — steam it,
grill it, roast it, or throw it in some pasta or a
stir-fry. (Don't be alarmed, though, if 15
minutes or so after you eat this sexy
vegetable your urine develops a strange
odor — it's just a natural chemical reaction
that will go away once the asparagus has
been fully digested.)

Strawberries
These delicious summer berries are
considered erotic because of their likeness to
nipples. They're also a rich source of vitamin
C, fiber, and water. Eat them on their own, or
add them to your favorite salad, smoothie, or
dessert. If you want to multiply the berries'
"aphrodisiac" powers, dip them in warm
chocolate and feed them to your lover!

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 Honey
They don't call it a "honeymoon" for nothing!
Ancient customs encouraged newlyweds to
drink mead, a fermented drink made with
honey, to increase fertility and add
sweetness to the marriage. But you don't
need mead to sweeten your relationship —
enjoy honey on its own, dissolved in tea, or in
place of sugar. Honey is also known for its
cancer-fighting antioxidants and wound-
healing powers, though the most erotic thing
you can do is drizzle it on your lover and lick
it off.

More About Aprhodisiacs

Many experts attribute the mythical
properties of aphrodisiacs to the power of
suggestion. In other words, if you believe a
certain thing will turn you on, it probably will.
And it isn't just foods that can put you in the
mood — according to researchers at the
Chicago-based Smell and Taste Foundation,
studies reveal that certain smells can also be
sexually arousing. They cite as examples
lavender, pumpkin pie, and licorice.
Ultimately, though, the best aphrodisiac is a
healthy diet combined with regular exercise.
Eating healthfully and staying in shape will
keep your body — and your libido — in top
form.

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