Named after Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and
beauty, aphrodisiacs have been titillating our taste buds and pleasing our
palates for centuries. Raul Dias
lists eight such super foods, each imbued with legendary libido-boosting
properties to get you into the mood. Well, it is the month of love, after all.
Isn’t it?
AVOCADO
The truism “we eat with our eyes!” was probably coined keeping the sensually-shaped South American wonder fruit—avocado in mind. The soft, greenish-yellow, buttery flesh, ensconced in a rough dark green shell has garnered the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, extending back to ancient Aztec times. In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl,” which translates to “testicle tree.” Modern science however, has proven that the fruit’s high levels of Vitamin E could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining “youthful vigor and energy levels.” We rest our case.
The truism “we eat with our eyes!” was probably coined keeping the sensually-shaped South American wonder fruit—avocado in mind. The soft, greenish-yellow, buttery flesh, ensconced in a rough dark green shell has garnered the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, extending back to ancient Aztec times. In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl,” which translates to “testicle tree.” Modern science however, has proven that the fruit’s high levels of Vitamin E could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining “youthful vigor and energy levels.” We rest our case.
Try it out here: Chilli Tossed Tuna Poke with Cubed
Avocado at Toast & Tonic, Bengaluru
BANANA
Never mind what they remind you of. That would be stating the very obvious! Not only do these, naughtily-shaped bad boys come packed with bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production, but the fruit’s potassium and Vitamin B are said to elevate energy levels. However, experts believe that expecting one banana to bolster things immediately, is a tad unrealistic and that they should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to work their magic. Go on, what are you waiting for!?
Never mind what they remind you of. That would be stating the very obvious! Not only do these, naughtily-shaped bad boys come packed with bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production, but the fruit’s potassium and Vitamin B are said to elevate energy levels. However, experts believe that expecting one banana to bolster things immediately, is a tad unrealistic and that they should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to work their magic. Go on, what are you waiting for!?
Try it out here: Pearl Millet and Oat Flapjacks with
Bananas, Salted Peanuts and Jaggery Caramel at 212 All Good, Mumbai
ASPARAGUS
Once again, analogies to the very obvious phallic shape of the asparagus spears are unavoidable, making it another ‘deserving’ candidate on a list like this. And just like Avocado, Asparagus is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones. It also increases circulation in the genitourinary system, leading to increased sexual desire. So, should one opt for the green asparagus or the more exotic white variety? How about both? Remember, love is colour blind!
Once again, analogies to the very obvious phallic shape of the asparagus spears are unavoidable, making it another ‘deserving’ candidate on a list like this. And just like Avocado, Asparagus is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones. It also increases circulation in the genitourinary system, leading to increased sexual desire. So, should one opt for the green asparagus or the more exotic white variety? How about both? Remember, love is colour blind!
Try it out here: Miso-Glazed Chilean Seabass on a bed
of Asparagus at Theory, Mumbai
CHOCOLATE
While there’s no disputing chocolate’s rankings on the popularity charts for its sheer luscious taste and sensuous mouth feel, there’s more to it than what’s apparent! It contains the chemicals anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA), which boost serotonin levels—the feel-good hormone. Yes, that’s the very same hormone your body releases during sex. Interestingly, more than any other variety, it is the inky, cocoa-rich dark chocolate that has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. And we have just the right one for you…
While there’s no disputing chocolate’s rankings on the popularity charts for its sheer luscious taste and sensuous mouth feel, there’s more to it than what’s apparent! It contains the chemicals anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA), which boost serotonin levels—the feel-good hormone. Yes, that’s the very same hormone your body releases during sex. Interestingly, more than any other variety, it is the inky, cocoa-rich dark chocolate that has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. And we have just the right one for you…
Try it out here: Sensual Bitter Chocolate Cake at The
Claridges, New Delhi
COFFEE
To many, the inclusion on coffee on a list like this might seem a wee bit out of place. But the caffeine in coffee is actually a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. And we all know how important blood flow is to the vital parts in question here! In fact, legend has it that Turkish people claimed coffee to be an aphrodisiac and husbands kept their wives well supplied. If the husband refused, it was a legitimate cause for a wife to divorce him. ‘nuff said!
To many, the inclusion on coffee on a list like this might seem a wee bit out of place. But the caffeine in coffee is actually a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. And we all know how important blood flow is to the vital parts in question here! In fact, legend has it that Turkish people claimed coffee to be an aphrodisiac and husbands kept their wives well supplied. If the husband refused, it was a legitimate cause for a wife to divorce him. ‘nuff said!
Try it out here: The Oh! Sweet Ninja Coffee Cocktail
with Vodka, Kahlua, and an Espresso Shot at Shiro, Bengaluru
HONEY
Ever looked up the etymology of the word ‘Honeymoon’? This post-marriage love vacation apparently gets its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey that was traditionally given to the new bride and groom to drink on their wedding night. Honey is packed with Vitamin B and boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost. Even Hippocrates is believed to have prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Well, in that case…
Ever looked up the etymology of the word ‘Honeymoon’? This post-marriage love vacation apparently gets its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey that was traditionally given to the new bride and groom to drink on their wedding night. Honey is packed with Vitamin B and boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost. Even Hippocrates is believed to have prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Well, in that case…
Try it out here: Honey Flan with Figs at The Clearing
House, Mumbai
OYSTERS
Who’d imagine these ultra-unappetising looking molluscs held a hidden secret within their rock-like shells? High in zinc, oysters have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. The briny liquid that accompanies the critter is also said to boost the libido like no other elixir can. Viagra of the sea, anyone?
Who’d imagine these ultra-unappetising looking molluscs held a hidden secret within their rock-like shells? High in zinc, oysters have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. The briny liquid that accompanies the critter is also said to boost the libido like no other elixir can. Viagra of the sea, anyone?
Try it out here: Broiled Oysters and Choriz in a Ponzu
Sauce at The Fatty Bao, New Delhi
WATERMELON
What? That innocuous summertime refreshing thirst quencher! An aphrodisiac? Clearly, we’ve saved the most surprising candidate for last. According to a recent study, this lycopene- and citrulline-rich fruit may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.
What? That innocuous summertime refreshing thirst quencher! An aphrodisiac? Clearly, we’ve saved the most surprising candidate for last. According to a recent study, this lycopene- and citrulline-rich fruit may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.
Try it out here: Asian Watermelon Pop Salad at Shizusan,
Pune
(A shorter, edited version of this article first appeared in the February 2017 issue of Hi!Blitz Magazine, India)
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