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Food and Sex - An
Historical Glimpse
The aphrodisiac
properties of certain foods have remained as such, down through history.
With the ongoing argument between those who don’t believe there is any
such thing and those who do, it strikes me that perhaps the tales of
these foods told through the ages is proof enough. A long shelf life
seems to indicate there is some modicum of truth to these old foods for
sex
.
The foods that history has deemed a
turn on range from nuts (no inference intended) and animal genitals
(total inference intended). Now I don’t know about the reading public,
but a night of slippery, hot passion is NOT sufficient reason for me to
consume another living thing’s privates. Our scant but interesting
list also includes things like onions and oysters (but of course). What
would a list of sex food be without oysters? As Johan's Guide to
Aphrodisiacs nicely points out, notice that aphrodisiac foods are
generally the most expensive. It goes on to say that any lover who would
go to the expense to feed you caviar may just tweak your libido with
this show of love. Some of these foods you may not see as a sexual
teaser and believe me, nor do I. Let’s examine some of them and
perhaps you’ll be cooking dinner in a whole different frame of mind.
The French poet Paul Verlaine is said
to have opened the absinthe craze in the bohemian subculture in France.
An extract from the Wormwood plant, absinthe was seen as the exotic and
erotic tonic of the era because of its tie with intellectuals and the
art community. Thujon, an ingredient found in absinthe was commonly used
in well measured doses for intestinal worms, but used as a beverage and
consumed in quantity, the side effects can be devastating; including
blindness and nerve injury.
Lately Absinthe has been gaining
resurgence in gothic subcultures around North America. It is once again
being distilled despite its illegality and health risks. It is seen as
the drink of the Victorian era, although its use is France of the era
was far more extensive. Outlawed there in 1915, it is now illegal in
most European countries because of its high addictive properties and
toxic constitution.
Onions are a common health remedy for
ill health and a weak libido. Although, the foul breath problem may seem
a factor, nevertheless onions have been cited from historical Hindu
texts on the art of making love. They appear to be the most frequently
used in ancient Greece. The Romans rarely ate them without being cooked
and usually with meat and other foods. Onions chemically and
nutritionally have marvelous health benefits, similar to garlic in their
properties of benefit to constitution and blood strength. It would stand
to reason that they were eaten and good health was the result and
therefore more energy for lusty pursuits.
Oysters are the age old favorite. But today we know that any possible
responses from oysters are found in other seafood as well. Seafood
contains vitamins and minerals not often found in dry land foods.
Nutrients that our bodies are often lacking, so a feel -good result is
not uncommon. Add to that the non-stuffed feeling and most people find
they have enough energy for a night of lust. According to Johan’s
guide, emperors used to pay for them by their weight in gold.
Pine nuts were considered by the Greeks
to have libido benefits. Many of the middle eastern dishes include them
as a garnish and flavor enhancer. High in natural vitamins, pine nuts
are a healthful addition to any diet and that would result in more
energy.
Asparagus was believed by the Greeks to
have libido enhancing properties. “Quensel states (1809) that
asparagus turn men on but women off. Its main action is diuretic; the
stimulating effect on the male genitals is a consequence of this.”
Johan’s Guide.
Foods producing apparent sexual response are plenty. The list is long.
For a complete guide, visit - Johan's
Guide to Aphrodisiacs.
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Copyright - 2002
Reprinted with permission
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