~*Aphrodisiac*~ for 'elle & Lui ''*~

“For women the best aphrodisiacs are words. The G-spot is in the ears. He who looks for it below there is wasting his time.”

Isabelle Allende

However,throughout history,many foods,drinks,and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable for men and women.

It's quite interesting to know that these foods weren't randomly picked up and labeled as aphrodisiacs however food's unavailability,in Ancient times caused undernourishment that creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates.

They were identified by the likes of ancient Greeks during the first century AD and later by Paul of Aegina from the seventh century.

Other foods deemed to have these aphrodisiac qualities were derived from mythology.In fact, Aphrodisiac hold it's name from the goddess of sensuality Aphrodite.

Aphrodisiacs may be classified in two principal groups:

(1) psycho-physiological (visual, tactile, olfactory, aural)
(2) internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions, medical preparations).

Here's a list of Foods and Drink thought to be Aphrodisiacs for "elle & Lui '' :

~*Aniseed*~
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans,who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.

~*Asparagus*~
Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".

~*Almond*~
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

~*Arugula*~
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.

~*Asafetida*~
Any Indian dried,powedere herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.

~*Avocado*~
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl" which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles.This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

~*Bananas*~
The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.

~*Basil (sweet basil)*~
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.


~*Chocolate*~
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods".Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine.Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine.The secret for passion is to combine the two.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
---Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat !!! ----

~*Carrots*~
Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?

~*Coffee*~
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember,too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".

~*Coriander*~
The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander.That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

~*Fennel*~
In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".


~*Figs*~
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
----Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!------

~*Garlic*~
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
-----Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it can lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later!-----

~*Ginger*~
Ginger root raw,cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
----Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later!----

~*Honey*~
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead,a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.

~*Liquorice*~
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times.The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar.Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.

~*Mustard*~
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.

~*Nutmeg*~
Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac.In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.


~*Oysters*~
Oysters were documented as an aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal.He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters".An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.

~*Pine Nuts*~
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.

Hint~*~*~*~* Hint
----Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert----

~*Pineapple*~
Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence.


~*Raspberries and Strawberries*~
Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover."Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples".Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

~*Truffles*~
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

~*Vanilla*~
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust.

~*Wine*~
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be a tantalizing experience!



Enjoy '' ~*My Aphrodisiacs*~

by Dietitian Nicole Maftoum