Aphrodisiacs

Chocolate is delicious on its own. But won't you just love it if it will be served with a yummy hunk?

aphrodisiac [ˌæfrəˈdɪzɪæk]
n
(Medicine / Pharmacology) a drug, food, etc., that excites sexual desire
adj
exciting or heightening sexual desire
[from Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios belonging to Aphrodite]

Chocolate as an aphrodisiac

Have you ever felt an unexplainable pleasure after eating chocolate? From a scientific standpoint, chocolate contains both Serotonin and Phenylethylamine, which are mood-lifting hormones found naturally in the human brain. When we consume chocolate, we increase our normal levels of both, which leads to that feeling of excitement, as well as an increased level of energy

Image: a model from the Philipines

Chocolate, favored by the Aztec gods, helps the release of serotonin that is responsible for feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Dark chocolate is preferable as it contains a higher level of cocoa that is supposed to be more effective. It provides a boost to some good, old-fashioned loving and has the additional advantage of being high in magnesium and antioxidants.

Image: Brent Javier, Filipino

High-fructose corn syrup as an aphrodisiac

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) binds to the endorphin receptors in your brain. No wonder why some people drink sodas at parties.

Honey as an aphrodisiac

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to "sweeten" the marriage.

Grapes as an aphrodisiac

This dates back to ancient history. Grapes have attained the image of seduction even from Cleopatra. Giving your partner grapes by hand is a powerful image of seduction. The ancient Romans, acknowledged as the first civilization to cultivate grape vines, made both grapes and wine emblems of Bacchus, god of ecstasy (not to mention fertility). Even pre-dating the Romans, in ancient Greece it was a tradition to give clusters to newlyweds in the belief that the grape’s seeds would bless the couple with many children. But it is not Wine is considered as a powerful aphrodisiac. Aside from one’s inhibitions, wine can also calm the mood helping a nervous lover get rid of a stuttering jaw or flighty feet and have freedom to express his sexual feelings. Whether you are in a relationship or at a club looking for a one-night stand, if you are looking to spice things up, try loosening up with a drink or two and let your backbone slide. It will simply bring down barriers that one would normally not cross.

Image: Benz Nipit Hange, Thai

Arginine, an amino acid found in meat, nuts, eggs, coconut milk and cheese, has been found as a safe and effective route to increase the amount of growth hormone (GH) released from the pituitary gland that helps to retard many aspects of aging. As a natural female aphrodisiac, Arginine, along with other supplements, enhances sexual desire, can reduce vaginal dryness, increase the frequency of intercourse and orgasm and even improve clitoral sensation and sexual arousal, thus giving a boost to the libido.

Image: Chea Vannarith, Cambodian

Apple as aphrodisiac

No wonder why Eve gave this to Adam. In Norse legend, apples restores youth and vitality. In Greek mythology, Gaia, or Mother Earth, presented a tree with golden apples to Zeus and his bride Hera on their wedding day. These golden apples became involved with many tales of love, bribery and temptation ranging from the abduction of Helen of Troy to the defeat and marriage of Atlanta.