Turn UP The Heat Valentine's Day-With These Natural Aphrodisiacs!
Are you ready to rock your world with a healthy dose of fun? From fruits and veggies to herbal elixirs, there are ways to pump up the volume of feeling amorous, without drugs and artificial stimulators. These are nature’s way of giving us aphrodisiacs to experience the love connection to ourselves and others. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality and love. In this modern age of love potions, potent elixirs, pills and synthetic chemicals, the Ancients had the right idea. They discovered foods, drinks and behaviors that increased sexual desires.
It is especially noticeable in plant foods which have aphrodisiac effects. Putting the placebo effect aside, Western medical science may not have any proven claims to their efficacy, many lovers still enjoy the presumed effects of aphrodisiacs because they turn up the heat in the body. One of the main effects is that they stimulate the senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and sound.
Author, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, is also a writer, chef, and speaker, with five ground breaking books, including the award-winning The Joy of Vegan Baking, The Vegan Table, Color Me Vegan, and the Vegans Daily Companion.
As a compassionate animal lover, she is “A star in the vegan Universe” VegNews.
Check out:The 30 Day Vegan Challenge, “you will learn about foods that increase libido - no powdered rhino horn or exotic oysters, but good wholesome foods for good wholesome fun.”
“Some aphrodisiacs are considered such because of their texture. Agave nectar, derived from a cactus-like plant, oozes a thick sweet syrup. The romantic effect of champagne has more to do with the bubbles than with the alcohol. And apricots, mangoes, peaches, and tomatoes – also known as “love-apples” – are on the list of sensual foods primarily for their built-in succulence.”
Food and sexuality have been associated in various ways throughout history. Foods such as chocolate, known as a sexy potion because of the release of dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain. Remember the incredible display of pure, raw sensuality in front of the refrigerator in movie, 9 1/2 Weeks? That may well be the most sensuous, sexually invigorating scenes ever!
Some provide symbolism, such as the biblical "forbidden fruit "or the cherry with its associations related to virginity. Seeing the color red may increase passion. Spicy foods like chili peppers increase heat, blood flow, blushed skin, swollen lips and also release endorphins.
An English herbalist from the 17th century, Nicholas Culpepper, wrote that asparagus "stirs up lust in man and woman." It's light and full of vitamins, and adds a welcomed freshness to many dishes.
Here are more:
Almonds have been regarded as a fertility symbol throughout antiquity.
Agave oozes a thick, sweet syrup.
Avocados have been considered an aphrodisiac since Mayan times -- when they were eaten to improve sexual desirability. They are visually symbolic.
Bananas are noted for their obvious shape, but also chock full of potassium and Vitamin B, an important part of the proper function of sex hormones.
Celery is also high in essential nutrients necessary for great sex, and it contains two chemicals — androsterone and adrostenol — which serve as a sexual attractant when ingested.
Champagne is intoxicating but mainly used for it’s titillating bubbles. Prosecco is super bubbly!
Chocolate has always been an elixir with phenylethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the same hormone your body releases during sex.
Cinnamon heats up your body and, in turn, your sex drive
Figs have been a part of biblical history, one of the ancient fruits that were highly coveted because they are sweet and soft. The Greeks linked this sensuous fruit with love and fertility.
Garlic is another strong flavor enhancer and is known to get your juices flowing.
Ginger like chili peppers, ginger spices things up and increases circulation and body temperature.
Honey which is organic, raw and rich in B vitamins, supports testosterone production, which can increase desire. It also contains the boron used in estrogen production, which is important for female desire.
Pine Nuts since the Middle Ages, they have been known to increase sexual stamina. Loaded with zinc, which is essential for producing testosterone.
Pomegranates are a symbol of fertility. The seeds of this luscious red fruit improve blood flow and are rumored to increase genital sensitivity.
Sweet Basil is a sweet, pungent herb that not only appeals to the sense of smell, but the taste is energizing, and may boost your sex drive.
Vanilla is always a great flavor enhancer for desserts, but it is also a powerful spice, in foods and especially candles.
But you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to experience these potent elixirs. This can be a year round delicacy, so make sure you indulge daily, especially when these delectable aphrodisiacs are in season.
If you have any personal favorites, please share below and don't forget to sign up for special postings! We'd love to hear from you!