(JAMA) The Journal of the American Medical Association published results from a ground breaking study. A shocking statistic from that study is the number of people who reported major problems in their sex lives. A staggering 43 percent of American women and 31 percent of men confided some sort of sexual dysfunction.
Satisfying sex is one of the central parts of having a rewarding relationship with your partner. As well, feeling comfortable with your own sexuality is an essential part of your self-esteem, which impacts your life in all areas.
So let us have fun in exploring possible ways of improving our sex life in every possible direction. The first topic I will address in this blog is a series of posts on aphrodisiacs, staring with "Can some edibles be termed aphrodisiac in nature"?
Let’s start by defining aphrodisiacs. What are "Aphrodisiacs"?
By definition, aphrodisiacs are elements that evoke and / or stimulate sexual desire. An aphrodisiac is an agent which causes the arousal of sexual desire. The name comes from the Greek goddess of love "Aphrodite". (pictured above).
Desire can be aroused by a variety of events or situations but this blog focuses on foods and drugs to which an aphrodisiac effect has been attributed. Newly introduced exotic fruits or vegetables often acquire such a reputation.
What exactly do Aphrodisiacs do?
By definition, aphrodisiacs are elements that evoke and / or stimulate sexual desire.
Certain foods, drugs and scents really can increase sexual desire according to lore. Millions of people swear they work, but the scientific evidence is still questionable. This exploration will examine what types of substances, scents, internally-visual effects people believe are aphrodisiacs and investigate whether or not there really is any credible evidence to their effectiveness.
Edibles considered to be aphrodisiacs.
Nowhere is the psychological relationship between food and sex more evident than in language. Many terms for food have sexual connotations.
The term for this connection is called eroto/abia.
This appears in English and other foreign languages, and their existence is no mere accident, but proof of man's universal preoccupation with the erotic character of foods.
Words like "cherry," "nuts," "wiener," "dish," "tart," to name but a few, refer to some aspects of human sexuality.
Others, like "sweetheart" and "dumpling," are used as terms of affection. Food, sex, and language are all intricately entwined in a psychological maze providing " food for thought" so to speak.
The connection of food and sex is not only psychological, but physical as well. Many foods considered to have aphrodisiac qualities actually contain active ingredients that are documented to improve sexual function and libido as well as improving overall health.
The German nutritionist, "Balzli", points out that "the sensual internal surface areas of the sex organs correspond to the tastebuds of the mouth." Certain nerve structures which are extremely sensitive to stimulation, called "Krause's end-bulbs," are found principally in the penis, clitoris-and lips. Man's urge to engage in oral-genital contact is as natural and healthy as his desireto partake of tasty and satisfying foods.
Aphrodisiac Foods and What They Claim to Do.
Below is a list of so called aphrodisiac foods that reportedly act as stimulants and libido enhancers. Many of these “aphrodisiacs” gained this status simply because of their shape. Some them are said to have power because of their aromas. Others claim a chemical basis for their enhancement powers. The following is by no means a complete list. There is no readily available research to back up claims of enhanced sexual desires. There are some that do have effectiveness in some overall areas of sexual health.
Aniseed
Also known as anise, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that you could increase desire by sucking on anise seeds. Aniseed does include estrogenic compounds (female hormones), which have been reported to induce similar effects to testosterone.
Avocado
The avocado tree, the Aztecs called the “testicle tree” because its fruit hangs in pairs on the tree, resembling the male testicles. Its aphrodisiac value is based on this resemblance.
Bananas.
The phallic shape of the banana itself, the banana flower also has a phallic shape. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are said to be necessary for sex-hormone production.
Basil (sweet basil).
For centuries, people said that basil stimulated the sex drive and boosted fertility as well as producing a general sense of well being. The scent of basil was said to drive men wild—so much so that women would dust their breasts with dried and powdered basil. Basil is one of the many reported aphrodisiacs that may have the property of promoting circulation.
Cardamom.
Cardamom is an aromatic spice. Certain cultures deem it a powerful aphrodisiac and also claim it is beneficial in treating impotence. It is high in cineole, which can increase blood flow in areas where it is applied.
Chocolate.
Chocolate is legendary and has forever been associated with love, romance and sex. Chocolate was originally discovered in the South American rainforests. The Mayan’s worshiped the Cacao tree and called it “food of the gods.” It has been said that the Aztec ruler Montezuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate each day to embellish his sexual abilities.
Clinical studies found chocolate contains phenylethylamine and serotonin, both are “feel good” chemicals in our bodies. These chemicals occur naturally in our bodies and are sent out by our brains when we are happy or feeling passionate and sensuous. It produces a euphoric feeling, like when you’re in love or sexually attracted to someone.
In addition to phenylethylamine and serotonin, researchers at the Neuroscience Institute in San Diego, California, concluded chocolate may also contain ingredients that have the same effect on the brain as marijuana. A neurotransmitter called anandamide.
The volume of anandamide in chocolate is not enough to get you a “high” like marijuana, but it could be sufficient stimulus to contribute to the overall good feelings that serotonin and phenylethylamine produce. Meaning it could increases sexual desire.
If it makes you feel good, it could lower your inhibitions so that you’re more receptive to seduction..
Carrots.
The phallus-shaped carrot has been associated with sexual stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.
Cucumbers.
Aside from its phallic shape, the scent of cucumbers is believed to stimulate women by increasing blood flow to the vagina.
Chili peppers.
Eating chili peppers generates physiological responses in our bodies (e.g., sweating, increased heart rate and circulation) that are similar to those experienced when having sex. The capsaicin they contain is responsible for the effects and is also a good pain reliever. Another reported effect of eating large quantities of chili peppers is an irritation of the genitals and urinary tract that could feel similar to sexual excitement.
Figs.
Figs are another fruit that claims aphrodisiac qualities based on its appearance. An open fig is thought to look similar to female sex organs.
Garlic.
Long ago, Tibetan monks were not allowed to enter the monastery if they had been eating garlic because of its reputation for stirring up passions. Garlic increases circulation.
Ginger.
People have deemed ginger root an aphrodisiac for centuries because of its scent and because it stimulates the circulatory system.
Honey.
In medieval times, people drank mead, a fermented drink made from honey, to promote sexual desire. In ancient Persia, couples drank mead every day for a month (known as the “honey month”—a.k.a. “honeymoon”) after they married in order to get in the right frame of mind for a successful marriage. Honey is rich in B vitamins (needed for testosterone production) as well as boron (helps the body metabolize and use estrogen). Some studies have suggested that it may also enhance blood levels of testosterone.
Licorice.
In ancient China, people used licorice to enhance love and lust. The smell appears to be particularly stimulating. Alan R. Hirsch, MD, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted a study that looked at how different smells stimulated sexual arousal. He found that the smell of black licorice increased the blood flow to the penis by 13 percent. When combined with the smell of doughnuts, that percentage jumped to 32.
Nutmeg.
In ancient China, women prized nutmeg an aphrodisiac, and researchers have found it to increase mating behaviors in mice. There is no evidence to prove the same happens in humans. In quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.
Oysters.
Oysters are lore in many civilizations for their aphrodisiac powers. Romans documented oysters as aphrodisiacs in the second century A.D. Known to be high in zinc, which has been associated with improving sexual potency in men. Visually the oyster also resembles the female genitals.
Mussels, clams.
Mussels, clams and oysters contain D-aspartic acid and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate These chemicals may be effective in releasing sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Researchers have not yet determined if there is enough of those compounds in the shellfish to contribute to increased libido.
Papaya.
Papaya is estrogenic , meaning it has chemicals that act as the female hormone estrogen. It has been used historically by some civilizations in promoting menstruation and milk production, facilitating childbirth and increasing the female libido.
Pine nuts.
Like oysters, pine nuts are high in zinc and have been used to stimulate the libido since Medieval times. They have been used for generations to prepare love potions.
Aphrodisiacs to be continued in my next post. I hope you found the above information interesting. See you Monday.
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