Food of Love
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, February 10th, 2011
It is almost the start of Valentine’s Weekend and you still haven’t decided what or where you will be eating. Whether you decide to eat out at a fancy restaurant and leave the cooking to the professionals or try your hand at culinary arts to impress (or attempt to impress) your date, be sure to order or cook dinner with aphrodisiac foods.
Here are a few items to look for on the restaurant menu or at the grocery store:
Chocolate contains anandamide which is a chemical that gives you a natural psychoactive good feeling. It also contains phenylethylamine, the “love” chemical that releases dopamine in the brain’s pleasure centers. Chocolate also induces excitable feelings and stimulates attraction and euphoria. It is no wonder that the Aztecs referred to chocolate as “nourishment of the Gods.”
Oysters are very nutritious and high in protein and they are also a natural aphrodisiac. They hold high levels of zinc which increase testosterone levels. They say that the aroma of oysters is similar to that of female pheromones. I don’t know how I feel about that- the scent of oysters is not particularly flattering to me nor do I wish to smell remotely like any seafood, even if it is fresh and delicious.
Avocados are said to be the “chocolate” of fruits. It all started in 200 B.C. when the Mayans and Aztecs ate them to increase desirability. Chop them up in your salad or mash them up for some guacamole. It seems to be a very sensuous fruit having such smooth texture and beautiful earthy colors.
Bananas are full of potassium, magnesium and vitamin B, which are necessities for both male and female hormone production.
Basil is said to stimulate passion and fertility. There is a Moldavian (old Romanian) folklore that says if a man accepts a sprig of basil from a woman, then he is destined to fall in love with her. James Franco, will you accept my sprig of basil?
Honey was a primary ingredient in many ancient Egyptian cures for sterility and impotence. They say that mead, an alcoholic fermented drink which is made from honey was given to a happy couple, hence the word, “honeymoon.” Honey has vitamin B for male hormones and boron which is a mineral that assists the body in metabolizing estrogen, the female hormone.
Some more aphrodisiac foods include saffron, rosemary, garlic, nutmeg, strawberries, cherries, chili peppers, tomatoes, lobster, shrimp, truffles, figs, arugula, coffee, pine nuts, almonds, anise and many more.
With so many foods that are aphrodisiacs, there are many variations and options to eat for dinner all weekend long to celebrate love.
-Rebecca Kim
Tags: Aphrodisiac, Avocado, Bananas, basil, chocolate, Gut Check, honey, Northern Virginia Magazine, oysters, Rebecca Kim, Valentine's Day