Table Talk by: Tamara Kaye Sellman

Aphrodisiacs: are they real, or are they the products of old wives’ tales?

The jury’s still out as to whether certain substances, when consumed, really do improve one’s libido, especially in the category of common foods used as romantic stimulants. The power of positive thinking can go a long way to improving one’s sex life, in and of itself; therefore, the suggestion of sharing aphrodisiac meals might be all a couple needs to get in the mood.

However, it’s still rather fun to think of certain foods as lending additional support to you or your loved one’s ability to be aroused. It’s widely assumed that chocolate and oysters have romantic qualities to them, based on their particular chemistries, along with long-held beliefs in their aphrodisiacal properties. Would it matter if science debunked those claims? Probably not. People who love chocolate and oysters are still going to connect their cravings for these foods with sexual performance.

Chemists who study the various nutritional properties of foods do give several foods, including chocolate and oysters, a thumbs up based on laboratory evidence that a bon-bon here or an oyster shooter there does, in fact, stimulate the libido, improve blood circulation, and arouse sexual desire through the glands.

Perhaps appropriately, many of these foods also resemble the various reproductive organs of both men and women.

The avocado is one case in point. Let’s face it; the avocado, when cut open, has a distinctly “female” resemblance. The Aztecs referred to the avocado plant as the “testicle tree” due to the fact that the fruits hung in pairs from the tree’s limbs. Whether this is true or not, consider what nutritionists have know for a while: The avocado is higher in beta carotene, potassium, protein, magnesium, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin K per ounce than any other fruit.  A power-packed fruit with such a rich, creamy flavor and suggestive look to it has got to do something good for the ol’ sex drive.

Enhancement of sexual organs is one of the reasons why the herb, fenugreek, was used so frequently in ancient times. Women who consume fenugreek are thought to enjoy larger, rounder breasts and to be more productive with nursing. Chinese herbalists still use fenugreek to help with male reproductive issues and kidney disorders (the Chinese believe the kidneys are the storehouse for sexual energy). Fenugreek also contains the natural steroid, diosgenin, which helps the human body to initially synthesize sex hormones. And who wants a lover with bad breath? If they drink a tea of fenugreek seed or chew on the seeds themselves, they’ll naturally freshen their breath. Who could argue that fresh breath is better for kissing?

For people who want to eat a seasonally sensual dinner, asparagus is a great choice in late winter and early spring. Forget its obviously phallic resemblance: asparagus contains tons of nutrition and is known to increase circulation for both the genital and urinary systems. It’s also credited for increasing mother’s milk, soothing menstrual cramps, and boosting one’s vitality.  Why not “get some” while asparagus is on sale this spring?

Let’s not forget the predominance of figs in ancient culture to suggest fertility. It all started in Eden, with Adam and Eve, adorned only in fig leaves. A raw fig in the hand certainly can feel like and resemble a testicle. Slice open a fig and you’ll see there’s no denying its suggestion of all things female. Figs are nutritious little treasures as well and have a creamy, perfumed sweetness that’s perfect for a romantic meal, especially when drizzled with honey, another food valued for its aphrodisiacal properties. Honey, after all, is a kind of superfood all its own, proven to enhance physical stamina by providing the body with a slow and steady release of energy.

Other surprise foods that can improve one’s love life include arugula (its spicy, phallic-shaped blades clear the mind and add robust amounts of minerals and vitamins to the diet, all essential for priming one’s sex life); almonds (which have properties that can help treat sexual dysfunction as well as have a positive aromatherapeutic affect on women’s sexual arousal); eggs (of every variety: from chicken ova to caviar, eggs are rich in protein and zinc, which is especially useful for getting that blood flowing); vanilla (studies show it has a positive aromatherapeutic affect on men’s arousal); and ginger (scientifically proven to stimulate sexual performance, thanks to the way it enhances the body’s circulation).

It’s safe to assume that most nutritiously dense foods lend themselves to better sexual health: after all, it’s not just a healthy relationship that keeps two people together, but good mental and physical health as well. So whatever you eat for dinner on Valentine’s Day, your wedding night, your anniversary, or at any other romantic interlude, make sure it’s fresh, healthy, and nutritious—the ultimate definition of sexy.

Bio: Tamara Kaye Sellman is a creative writing coach and developmental editor living in Bainbridge Island, WA. She writes the blog, BuzzFood: Feed The Obsession (http://buzzfood.blogspot.com).

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