Here are five infamous aphrodisiacs that have made a mark in history and have the ability to fire up passion and desire in whoever consumes them!
RED CHILIES
Red chili was used as a catalyst in fortifying chocolate drink that the Aztec emperor Montezuma consumed to make his tongue dance and quicken his pulse in preparation for his daily visit to his concubines with beautiful maidens.
Chillies have a wonderful attribute—they have the ability to increase heart rate, doubling the pleasure of your meal. With its ability to raise body temperatures and accelerating the heart beat to making your lips swell to a kissable plump pout, the effects of eating a hot chilli are similar to the visual cues of a sexual flush! This sexy attribute can put your partner’s mind in the mood with a fleeting glance! They also help to release endorphins—a floating energised feeling so powerful in its pleasure that makes it difficult to say no to this flavoursome spice!
OYSTERS
Oysters have also been credited with keeping men virile well into old age. Most historians believed that Casanova, the charming playboy consumed more than fifty oysters each day to keep his sexual libido in top form!
One of the most evocative symbol of passion, most believe that the connection between oysters and romance lies in a chance that slurping the slippery bivalves from their shells might reveal a pearl (however, edible oysters are not of the pearl-producing variety). The slightly salty and sweet scent of oysters has proven to be sexually stirring as their smell is similar to a potent female pheromone. They are also loaded with zinc, a key nutrient for testosterone production.
ALMONDS
Every culture has its unique folklore in history. In ancient Greece, almonds were tossed at weddings in place of rice as a sendoff for a successful honeymoon (and fed to the groom) as they were considered to be the Viagra of the hour!
Almonds are known to be a healthy source of fat and are considered a great aphrodisiac for men because they support testosterone production. Also packed with proteins and other essential nutrients, the texture of almonds is said to sensitise the tongue and increase the sex drive in both men and women.
STRAWBERRY
Well known as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus—the goddess of love, beauty and sex. A lost tradition, in ancient times newlyweds were made to consume strawberry soup to add romance to their relationship.
Shaped like a perfect little red heart, strawberry is one of the most sought after aphrodisiacs known to man.Rich in Vitamin C, the berries supposedly reminds one of the most erogenous zones of the female anatomy. The scent of a strawberry is invigorating and is said to trigger your sex drive. When dipped in chocolate (another aphrodisiac) it awakens all your senses and sensuality.
RED WINE
Dionysus was the god of fertility and wine, later considered a patron of the arts. He created wine and spread the art of viticulture. Consuming wine and indulging in the art of love making was a revered art during the times of ancient Greeks.
Red wine is believed to not only keep you healthy and young but also boost your libido and that of your lover. Red wine is also rich in resveratrol—an antioxidant that is known to increase the amount of estrogen, the chief sex hormone in women. The secretion of this hormone increases the desire for sex in a woman. Any alcoholic beverage will do the trick, however in the game of seduction, musky and masculine reds are the best!