Rosalee Brown
COW COD soup, strong back, roots wine and egg punch are just a few of the food concoctions used in Jamaica as aphrodisiacs.
Various foods have long been associated with love, romance and the ability to increase sexual desire and passion. These include foods such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, chocolate, seafood, nuts and alcoholic beverages. Aphrodisiacs purported abilities may be based on the colour, shape, flavour and aroma of the foods and many persons, especially men, will swear by the powers of these foods. The word comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact. These foods, however, continue to have pride of place on the menu of many persons. Many of their uses are based on tradition and anecdotal experience. Many of these foods can contribute to overall nutritional well-being, which can ultimately improve sexual health.
Some popular foods used as aphrodisiacs are:
Chocolate: History says that Montezuma, the Aztec king, drank up to 50 cups of chocolate a day to sustain his harem of 600 women!
Sarsaparilla: An ingredient in local roots wine, which is said to stimulate the activity of testosterone.
Ginseng: Meaning, 'man root', and the plant's reputation as an aphrodisiac probably arises from its marked similarity to the human body. Ginseng has been looked on as an invigorating and rejuvenating agent for centuries in China.
Fenugreek: The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used the aromatic seeds to increase bust size in women.
Marjoram: Which the Greeks believed was created by Aphrodite's own breath. Well into Victorian times, floral bouquets included sprigs of marjoram to signify the love of the sender.
Maca: A cruciferous vegetable like Kale grows in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Native people dig up the root-like tuber and brew it into a strong drink. Both men and women partake of this brew shortly before lovemaking.
Basil: Fresh leaves of which have an alluring aroma and are believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Coriander: Heightens emotions and arousal, especially for women.
Vanilla: Its smell alone increases blood flow and is especially enticing for older men.
Because Aphrodite was born from the sea, many types of seafood have the reputation as aphrodisiacs.
Oysters are particularly esteemed as sex aids. Caviar also promotes sensuousness.
Lychee fruit has traditionally been used in China for thousands of years for its rejuvenating effects on sexuality and fertility.
Banana's shape, sweetness, and texture promote sensuality.
Cherry is said to arouse desire, especially in women.
Dates, rich and exotic, are considered aphrodisiacs for women.
Strawberry is ideal for dipping in chocolate, or savouring unadulterated.
Apples are associated with love. Paris, the prince of Troy, awarded Aphrodite the golden apple as a tribute to her beauty.
Avocado is considered an aphrodisiac, especially for women.
Carrots: All root vegetables draw power and intensity from the earth and can transfer that power and intensity to the love life.
Nuts: Jamaican men use nuts, such as peanuts as aphrodisiacs; other nuts such as almond are used elsewhere. An old legend tells how a once
barren almond tree burst into bloom when the body of St. Valentine was buried nearby. Since that time, almonds have stood for everlasting love.
Many tonic wines are available locally, but champagne is the classic aphrodisiac beverage, known as the 'the drink of love'.
Being healthy is the best aphrodisiac.
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
