All things aphrodisiac

Mariko Amekodommo lists outs some of the amorous & feel-good foods

Aphrodisiac foods, named after the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, are foods that contain feel-good components (think chilli and strawberry that improve blood flow) or resemble intimate body parts (think eggplant and figs). Here’s a list of aphrodisiac foods that are readily available and easy to incorporate into your favourite meals:

Almonds

Known as a fertility symbol, the almond has been said to have aphrodisiac qualities. They are rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3 fats), which are needed to produce testosterone.

Chilli peppers

If heat is synonymous with passion, then chilli peppers are certainly an aphrodisiac. Chilli peppers contain the chemical capsaicin, which generates the heat they give off — the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.

Honey

Honey’s romantic nature comes partially from its sweet taste and gooey texture, but it’s also been regarded as an aphrodisiac since ancient times. It’s been said that when couples would get married, they would drink mead (made with honey) until the first moon thereafter, and this is where it’s reputation sprouted from — the literal honeymoon. Scientifically, honey contains boron which regulates estrogen and testosterone levels and nitric oxide which is released in the body when a person is in an aroused state.

Strawberries

Naturally formed into a little red heart, it’s easy to see why strawberries are associated with love and romance. From a nutritional standpoint, they are full of antioxidants and a healthy dose of vitamin C that promotes vitality.

Ginger

Ginger root boasts of medicinal benefits and is a known digestive aid, but has romantic properties as well. It’s been used in Ayurveda as a treatment for impotence and is known to wake the body up and increase the heart rate.

Chocolate

The Aztecs used to ingest cocoa to stimulate desire, and emperor Montezuma was said to have ingested them in large quantities to fuel his love life. Today, Tryptophan, a building block of serotonin (the feel-good chemical), can be found in cocoa, as well as phenylethylamine, a stimulant related to amphetamine. Both chemicals are released when a human is in love!

Coffee

The world’s most socially acceptable stimulant has an effect on libido as well, increasing blood flow and raising the heart rate. Studies also show that coffee can increase levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure receptors in the body. The experience of drinking coffee is relaxing and sensual, adding to its aphrodisiac qualities.

Try this simple recipe:

Spice dipped strawberries

Ingredients
1kg strawberries, washed and dried (stems left on)
200g dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
100g toasted almonds, chopped

Method
Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of water.
Add ginger and chilli powder, mix well.
Remove from heat for 5 minutes.
Holding onto the stems, dip half the strawberry into chocolate mixture.
Put on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 10 minutes to harden and they are ready to serve!

(The author is an international culinary expert.)