Emily Mohlmann

Aphrodisiacs — foods, herbs or aromas said to enhance sex drive and performance — have been around for centuries. The term comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. The first aphrodisiac that Greeks consumed were parts of Aphrodite’s sacred totem animal, sparrows, including their heart and brain.

Up until the 18th century, most aphrodisiac recipes were created by Galen, a Roman physician. He theorized that warm, moist food and heavily-peppered fare would serve as good aphrodisiacs. During this time, there was little distinction between lust and sexual function. As a result, consuming aphrodisiacs was long thought to cure impotence and infertility.

People consumed food shaped like thighs or genitals, such as mandrake roots and oysters, in order to increase their fertility. Malnutrition was rampant, which affected fertility and the ability to perform, so aphrodisiacs of the time were foods with high nutritional value. By consuming these nutritionally rich foods, amour returned.

Today, we know aphrodisiacs can’t cure infertility or impotence. Users of modern aphrodisiacs instead bank on the ability to increase lust or sexual desire.

Fruits of the Womb

Bananas possess an obvious shape, but it’s an invisible ingredient that increases desire. Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain, said to increase male performance. They also contain high amounts of potassium and vitamin B, necessary for sex hormone production.

Strawberries, known as fruit nipples, have long been considered symbols of love: They’ve appeared in art and poetry since 200 B.C. The enormous amount of seeds, representative of fertility, is thought to have inspired their identity as an aphrodisiac. But appearance isn’t everything: Like bananas, strawberries contain potassium, vitamin C, folic acid and iron; all of which are said to boost libido.

To ease that full feeling after a romantic meal, indulge in some digestion-aiding pineapple. It will not only leave you feeling less bloated, but this vitamin C rich fruit fights impotence.

Liquor, Chocolate and Carrots?

Of all aphrodisiacs past and present, alcohol has never left the list. Most people are well aware of alcohol’s relaxing effects, and this is exactly what makes it a good aphrodisiac. However, a line from “Macbeth” contains this appeal to moderation: “[Alcohol] increases the desire, but takes away the performance.”

The Aztecs considered chocolate the “nourishment of the Gods.” Luckily, today chocolate is available for mortal consumption. The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, is said to have drank 50 goblets of melted chocolate a day in his quest to sleep with 600 women. Instead of nutritional value, the chemicals in chocolate are said to affect neurotransmitters in the brain. They increase serotonin and phenylethyalanine levels, which control your mood and cause you to fall in love.

Beyond improved vision, carrots may improve male bedroom performance. Their phallic shape has made them a staple since ancient times, and Early Middle Eastern royalty would consume carrots to aid in seduction. They’re high in vitamins and betacarotene, which have a positive effect on sex hormones.

Additives

On top of foods that can be consumed alone, there are ingredients that can be added to any dish to spice up passion.

Garlic, mostly known for causing bad breath, is believed to increase sexual desire, as well as blood flow, which is beneficial in the treatement of impotence in men. To avoid being the only one covered in the clove’s perfume, it’s advisable that both partners partake of it together.

The almond is a long-standing symbol of fertility, and has been considered an aphrodisiac since biblical times. If you’re looking to pique your lady’s interest, have her eat some or find a scented candle. The scent is what is believed to arouse women. Like many aphrodisiacs, almonds are high in vitamin E and considered the “sex vitamin.”

So, the next time you plan a romantic dinner for two, try incorporating one or more of these foods in the mix. You just might end your night in the bedroom.