BY CHIOMA OBINNA

The old saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” may hold some truth after all as dieticians confirmed the sexual nature of some foods. It is not out of place to note that many first dates and special occasions are centered around a romantic dinner.

It is on record that food and sex have tied together throughout human history. They are intertwined from both being a basic human need to the words we use to describe them; hunger, appetite, need, spice, heat amongst others. Couples have also testified that a carefully prepared dinner is capable of working magic in most homes.

Throughout history many things, especially foods have been touted as aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are foods, drinks, drugs, scents or any devices that can arouse or stimulate sexual desire.

Although, studies have found no scientific proof that any food or herb has any special properties, yet certain foods have been said to have these properties for thousands of years throughout many cultures. Some of these foods, vegetables and herbs that have been known to be aphrodisiacs include; carrots, cucumbers, onions, asparagus, artichokes, radishes, celery, tomatoes, parsnips, truffles, mushrooms, cabbage, potatoes, mangoes, strawberries, avocados, guavas, bananas, pine nuts, coconuts, chestnuts, walnuts and almonds. Herbs and spices are; cinnamon, basil, pepper, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, thyme amongst others.

Most of these foods considered to be aphrodisiacs are rich in vitamins and minerals which can increase overall health and improve sexual function. Experts say fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals required to produce sex hormones necessary for sexual arousal and pleasure.

Some foods are reputed to strip away inhibitions. Others claim to put you in the mood for lovemaking, and still others boast of improving blood flow to your genitals, enhancing performance and pleasure. But dieticians say the best way to use food to stimulate is to set the table with love in mind.

However, there is more folklore than scientific proof to substantiate the link between food and passionate sex. But that is no reason why people should shy away from these so-called natural love potions. It is a win-win situation. According to experts, the most notorious food aphrodisiacs are treasure trove of nutrients necessary for sexual prowess and good health.

For instance; Cocoa beans contain phenylethamine, a compound that triggers the release of endorphin, compounds associated with pleasure. It contains the highest levels of the antioxidants associated with lower blood cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation in blood vessels, and maximum blood flow. Darker chocolate contains more cocoa powder.

Oysters are dripping with dopamine, a compound that stirs feelings of sexual desire, and pleasure. These mollusks are also bursting with zinc, a mineral that fosters the production of testosterone, necessary for arousal and pleasure in men and women. Again, healthy people are unlikely to have adverse affects from eating raw oysters, but those with diabetes, liver disease, immune systems disorders, AIDS, and other chronic diseases can end up with a severe infection that may be fatal.

Garlic: Rich in antioxidants that protect against cell damage, garlic is said to stir sexual desire and increase blood flow. Just be sure to eat as much as your bed partner, as the effects of garlic can linger on your breath for hours.