A little information on a few of the most common treats may give some insight as to why
they're considered (or shouldn't be) such arousing foods.The avocado grows on trees, where it commonly hangs in pairs and was hailed as the "testicle tree" by the Aztecs in reference to the appearance of the fruit. Initially the avocado was not eaten by those wishing to portray a chaste im
age.Bananas have an obviously phallic shape, and the flowers on the plant do as well. They are also packed full of potassium and B vitamins, which are said to be necessary for sex hormone production.
Chocolate, although frequently hailed as a sexual treat has less serotonin and phenyl ethylamine (chemicals that often can give a 'rush' like that of intercourse) than cheese. That's right, cheese is a more sensual and erotic
food than chocolate. "You're more likely to go into a diabetic coma than get that rush because you'd have to eat so much chocolate to get the effect," says Amy Reiley, graduate from Cordon Bleu culinary schools as well as author of "Fork me, spoon me: The sensual cookbook"As for oysters, Discovery Health debunks this myth in an article on aphrodisiacs when it asserts that, "In the case of oysters, probably the classic among the alleged aphrodisiacs, chemical analysis shows that it consists of water, protein and carbohydrates, plus small amounts of fat, sugar and minerals. None of these components is in any way known to affect sex drive or performance."
Why do these foods work? Well, scientifically some of them just don't. It's somewhat of a placebo effect, people think that they will work, and in turn, are more alert for the smallest signal that they are working. Others, which actually do have some 'arousing' qualities, can attribute most of their success to other aspects as well. For example consuming certain nutrients makes your skin glow brighter or makes your mood generally better. Therefore when the opportunity arises you look a feel better, making many think that the supposed aphrodisiac has directly turned them on.
Some crazy other sensual dishes include scrumptious green blister beetle, or the Spanish fly. It is said to create irritation and burning which leads to a swelling of the genitals. Ugh, that doesn't seem great at all to me! It can also cause permanent kidney damage, and ...death. Does not seem worth it!
Also, there is toad venom. Which according to FOXNews.com, killed a 35 year old man. What is worse is that although it's banned by the FDA it's sold frequently in local sex shops. The substance can disrupt the natural rhythm of your heart. Does not seem worth it either..
So, if you were going to try one of these magical myths, try sticking to the carrots, or oysters, or something. Eating the powder of the remains of a ground up beetle cannot possibly create pleasing sensations judging from the fact that it's horribly repulsive. Also chicks never dig the guys who eat toad venom.
The "testicle tree" named by the Aztecs, was hilarious. I was also a little blown away by the fact that cheese is a more "sensual" food than chocolate. I also agree with the oyster statement. That people believe it to do something, and it may not but just because we beileve it will, it works. It's kind of like one of my friends. You can give him a drink and tell him there is alcohol in it, and reguardless if there is or isn't he will think he is the drunkest thing in the world.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about cheese... though I know that once some of my friends read this they are going to stock up on imported cheeses.... and just as Jay commented, the placebo effect often IS the effect. What people believe, at least about themselves, is over half the battle sometimes. They used to smear creams made of odd animal parts such as tiger's testicles, elephant tusk, etc on themselves to increase potency. I think some people still do.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting blog, it is very informative and the whole cheese thing is shocking. I love cheese a lot and I guess now I know why. I agree with your final paragraph i don't know why people even experimented to find out that about beetles or toad venom.
ReplyDeleteI have heard many times about certain foods suppose to cause arousal, or create certain moods. But in my experience I have come to find that every person has a food trigger, and that there are not necessarily specified aphrodisiacs. I think the foods specified as aphrodisiacs have more of a mental effect on arousal due to the tag they carry. It is the placebo effect.
ReplyDeleteI always thought that chocolate was a sexual food. They always make it seem that way. I guess like the oyster thing, you make something what it is. If you think it will have that certain affect then it will. I like Avocadoes though, they are loaded with monosaturated fats that are great for you.
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