Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, still wields her passionate influence today as modern lovers indulge in “aphrodisiac” foods that, for millennia, have had a reputation for arousing amorous feelings. Although some such as Spanish fly and powdered rhino horn tend toward the exotic, many others like carrots, avocados, and chocolate await you at the supermarket.

FACT OR FANTASY
Montezuma and the Aztecs believed chocolate and chilies powered sexual prowess. They also called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl,” or “testicle tree.” Oysters have been heralded as enhancing romance for centuries. Some say because bananas, carrots, asparagus, avocados, and artichokes resemble sexual anatomy, they’re aphrodisiacs.

Not wishing to be a wet blanket, I hesitate
to expound on the practical and/or scientific aspects of reputed aphrodisiacs. Nevertheless, food experts tell us chocolate contains two mood-lifting agents, phenylethylamine and seratonin, both of which trigger euphoric effects and provide an energy boost. Chocolate’s caffeine (ditto for coffee) is another energy booster. When you add the satiny texture and sublime taste of chocolate, as well as its enticing aroma, it’s irresistible.

Oysters’ reputation as an aphrodisiac dates back to the ancient Romans and is chronicled in literature. Actually, oysters themselves represent a sexual quandary since they may change their sex one or more times during their life span. From a food perspective, they’re loaded with protein and are a rich source of zinc, one of the minerals required for the production of testosterone, plus iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and D, as well as rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. In fact, four or five medium-size oysters reportedly satisfy the body’s daily need for iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus. Stoked with all these vital nutrients, who wouldn’t feel sexy?

Ancient Egyptians used honey as a medicine to cure sterility and impotence. Garlic has been the agricultural cure-all for centuries and was touted as stirring sexual desires...assuming both lovers ate equal amounts! Truffles titillated the Greeks and Romans...and, at today’s prices, there better be a “value added.” Even seasonings reputedly encourage amour...for example, basil, cayenne (which dilates blood vessels), and rosemary.

Without belaboring the point, all the senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—contribute to creating a romantic mood. In seductive surroundings with someone to whom you’re attracted, you could probably eat almost anything and call it an aphrodisiac.

Consequently, is it asparagus or ambiance? Honey or hormones? Oysters or opportunity? Fact or fantasy?

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