Aphrodisiac Foods To Stimulate Your Erogenous Zones

Lately, more and more people are interested in bringing natural and alternative methods of staying healthy into their daily routine. We believe that living in a state of wellness includes physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual fitness. Sure losing weight and getting in shape will boost your ego and sexual prowess, but what about eating your way to better sex?

Over the last few centuries a variety of foods and herbs have been recognized for their abilities to stir the libido as well as their resemblance to body parts. This aroused our interest to investigate the facts and myths surrounding food and erotic stimulation.Named after the Greek Goddess of Love Aphrodite, an aphrodisiac is something that arouses or intensifies your sexual desire. The actual stimulant can take a variety of forms: food, herbs, beverages, drugs, scents or devices. Oysters, the most commonly known food aphrodisiac, are high in zinc, which is needed for vaginal lubrication and testosterone production. Chocolate, dubbed the 'food of the gods' by the Aztecs, contains phytochemicals that help increase blood flow and produce endorphins.

Although scientific evidence to support the relationship between food and sexual vigor is sparse, we found a wealth of folkloric information on the subject. One of our favorite and most quoted sources used to prepare this article comes from InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook, created by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge (Terrace Publishing). We?d like to thank the authors and photographer, Ben Fink for sharing the contents of what we hope will add more spice and delight to your love life.

Common Aphrodisiacs	Origin/History and Physical Properties
Banana	Considering the size and shape of this fruit ? need we say more? A popular aphrodisiac, bananas are also rich in potassium and B vitamins, which help improve circulation.
Chocolate (cacao bean)	Chocolate was so highly praised by the Aztecs that they celebrated the cacao bean harvest with wild orgies. Chocolate contains PEA, a substance known for abilities to create a feeling of euphoria by stimulating endorphin production.
Ginseng	Research has shown that ginseng stimulates and increases endocrine activity and relaxes the central nervous system, which could lead to heightened sexual response.
Honey	Ancient Egyptian medicines often included honey because it was believed to cure sterility and impotence. It?s also prized for its sweet, succulent and smooth texture.
Oysters	Some prize the oyster for its visual resemblance to key body parts; others have a passion for the raw sensuality of consuming them from the shell. Oysters are rich in protein and low in fat so they won?t slow you down in the bedroom. They are also filled with zinc, which is crucial to testosterone production.
Wine	Wine has been thought to ?arouse erections? and relax inhibitions but if you drink too much it will inhibit your desires and put you to sleep.
Herbs & Spices	Origin/History and Physical Properties
Anise	Spicy and sweet, anise seed is the flavor prevalent in most of today?s black licorice. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed anise increased your sexual desire ? most likely due to the fact that is it emotionally uplifting and stimulating.
Basil	The Haitians claim this herb came from their Goddess of Love, Erzulie. Women of ancient cultures sprinkled their breasts with pulverized basil to keep a husband?s roving eyes in check.
Chiles & Hot Spices	Have you ever considered your body?s reaction to eating hot peppers and spicy foods ? increased blood flow, pumping heart rate, flushed flesh and sweaty pores? Oddly similar to what you may experience during an impromptu roll in the hay.
Coriander	Coriander, the seed of the Cilantro plant, is said to stimulate the ?sexual appetite.? There is a story in the Arabian Nights of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and was cured by a concoction that included coriander.
Garlic	Traditionally known as a cure-all, the warmth of garlic is also reported to arouse sexual intentions.
Ginger	Sweet, spicy and exotic in flavor, eating ginger also excites the circulatory system.
Licorice	Ancient Chinese medicines have included licorice, which is thought to enhance love and lust (Anise, Fennel Seed)
Nutmeg	This highly prized spice is considered by Chinese women to be an aphrodisiac, yet too much can produce a hallucinogenic effect.
Rosemary	Choose a perfume or candle with the unique, woodsy scent of rosemary to heighten awareness and produce feelings of clarity and confidence in your lover. Warning: You may experience powerful lovemaking. Torn pieces of a fresh baguette dipped into rosemary infused olive oil enliven the palate as well.
Vanilla	Lust is believed to be the result of just the scent or flavor of vanilla.
Vegetables	Origin/History and Physical Properties
Artichokes	Guarded by thorny leaves, the soft meat of this vegetable plays hard to get, as do many lovers, making the eating experience all the more enticing and playful.
Asparagus	The phallic shape is this vegetable?s most apparent sensual property, but it?s also packed with hormone-stimulating nutrients: potassium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin E.
Leeks	Similar in texture yet milder in flavor to garlic and onions, leeks can produce feelings of warmth and arouse sexual desire.
Fruits	Origin/History and Physical Properties
Figs	Soft, plump and delicious, the pinkish-red flesh of a fresh fig has been said to stir desire for what lies above the inner thighs of a woman. Fresh figs can be enjoyed from June to October.
Grapes	Envision a scantily clad Roman woman feeding her man a grape and you will know why this plump, juicy fruit is considered to be an aphrodisiac. Try the seedless variety for maximum enjoyment.
Mango	An exotic, luscious, and sexy fruit! Bite into the bright orange flesh and let the juice run down your chin. Mangoes are also packed with antioxidants.
Raspberries	A healthy food you can hand feed your lover, raspberries are high in vitamin C, which arouses blood flow and promotes good circulation.
Strawberries	Nutritionally, they are loaded with vitamin C, which helps with blood flow and circulation. Erotic literature often describes these sweet and tart berries as fruit nipples. Try them dipped in chocolate for a double dose of aphrodisiac.
Miscellaneous	Origin/History and Physical Properties
Coffee	Coffee is well known for its ability to stimulate the body and the mind if you need to prepare for an ?all-nighter.? But serve in small amounts because excessive intake of caffeine can inhibit libido.
Pine nuts	Pine nuts have a rich buttery flavor and are also high in zinc. They have been believed to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times.