Whether celebrating another year with a birthday cake or getting through a breakup with ice cream, we’ve all used food to make us feel better, and there’s science behind it. Studies have shown that our brains are wired to crave rewards, so food gives our brains a payoff similar to gambling or other pleasures.
Given the connection to the pleasure centers of the brain, it should be no surprise that food is also believed to lead to other pleasures. Aphrodisiacs, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, have been around for centuries. From spices to sweets, seafoods to meats, certain foods and recipes have been concocted to improve our moods, rev up our nervous systems or get our hearts pumping. All of this in the name of love.
OYSTERS: LOVE ON THE HALF SHELL
The oyster’s long reputation as an aphrodisiac is probably due to one man: Giacomo Casanova. In his biography The Story of My Life, Casanova claimed to eat 50 oysters for breakfast every day and swore they were the reason for his boundless energy and libido. Whether the claim is scientifically true or not, so sensational were his adventures and exploits that even 200 years later, his very name still conjures up the art of seduction, and oysters became the most famous of all aphrodisiacs.
Science has since attempted to back up Casanova’s claim. In 2005, research showed that oysters contained amino acids that increased testosterone, the hormone that affects sex drive in both men and women. But enough to make a difference? That is still up for debate.
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES: DOUBLE THE PLEASURE
Chocolate and strawberries both have even longer histories of aiding desire. The Aztec emperor Montezuma was said to have downed copious amounts of a cocoa drink to support his libido, not to mention that we’ve been giving our sweethearts Valentine’s Day chocolates since the Victorian era. Strawberries have had a love connection since Roman times when the heart-shaped fruit was referred to as the fruit of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Science once again stepped in and found that chocolate contained two chemicals, tryptophan and phenylethylamine, which are both related to the production of “love hormones” serotonin and dopamine. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which is good for blood flow and the production of estrogen, as well as potassium, which is good for the heart. Add the two together, and you have one sweet treat to share with the one you love.
FIGS AND CHILI PEPPERS: SWEET AND SPICY
Figs, with their rich, succulent taste and texture were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra and have been a symbol of fertility in many cultures for centuries. Some historians believe the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden may have been a fig and not an apple. Science tells us that figs are an excellent source of iron, which helps with your body’s overall energy level.
Chili peppers, with their bright red color and heat, give everything a kick. Capsaicin, the substance in peppers that gives them their heat, triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine when we eat them, making us feel good. Remember Montezuma and his love of cocoa? He added chili peppers (and another aphrodisiac, vanilla) to his chocolate drink to enhance its effect on passion. Try the recipe below, which includes figs and chili peppers for a sweet and spicy one-two punch, sure to win over the apple of your eye. It also includes maple syrup, a great source of manganese, essential to the health of the reproductive system. And while bacon isn’t considered an aphrodisiac, it is loved almost universally and has the ability to make anything taste a little richer.
HONEY, GARLIC AND GINGER: SWEET AND SAVORY TRIPLE THREAT
There are many reasons why honey is considered an aphrodisiac. It has long been a fertility symbol — think, “Birds and bees.” The term “honeymoon” was derived from the practice of the bride and groom drinking mead, a fermented drink made with honey, for one full month after their ceremony to ensure a happy and fruitful marriage. There’s also some science behind the tradition. Honey is rich in boron, which regulates testosterone and estrogen levels and provides an energy boost. It also includes B vitamins for boosting testosterone levels.
Though it may scare away vampires, garlic is known for other powers. It was used in ancient Greece by athletes to enhance their performance both in and out of the arena. Garlic had such a reputation at one time that Tibetan monks could not enter a monastery if they had recently eaten garlic. Science tells us that the allicin in garlic improves blood flow while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosting testosterone.
Ginger root has been used for centuries in Asia for its flavor and healing properties. In some cultures, ginger is mixed with eggs and honey as a treatment for impotence. When eaten, ginger can naturally improve blood flow and circulation and boost energy.
Serving salmon with a glaze made of honey, garlic, and ginger makes for a potent combination. Some experts have referred to salmon as a natural Viagra due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which elevate dopamine and L-arginine, an amino acid used to treat erectile dysfunction. While eating is a way to enhance our mood, nothing says “I love you” like cooking for someone. So even if the science behind aphrodisiacs may not always be solid, when someone goes to such lengths to prepare a feast, especially of the foods listed here, you should pay attention. Even if the effects are psychological rather than physical, it’s still an effect. Love takes place in the brain after all.
FIGS WITH CHILI AND BACON
Ingredients:
• 2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ripe figs, halved lengthwise
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
Cook bacon pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until brown and crisp. Remove to paper towel.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet. Add maple syrup to remaining bacon fat, continu-ing to stir over medium-high heat. Arrange figs in the skillet in a single layer, cut side down. Cook until figs are slightly softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Remove figs and plate. Arrange figs cut side up, top each with a piece of bacon.
With the skillet and remaining liquid on medium heat, add vinegar and stir. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until syrupy, about 1 minute. Drizzle syrup over figs, then sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
SALMON GLAZED WITH HONEY, GARLIC AND GINGER
Ingredients:
• 4 salmon filets, skin removed (about 2 pounds total)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
Directions:
Marinate — Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to-gether in a medium bowl. Place the filets in a bag and pour half of the sauce over the salmon filets, coating them thoroughly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Cook — Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake the fish for 15 to 20 minutes or about 10 minutes per 1-inch thickness of the filet. Broil the salmon for the last 3 minutes for crispier edges.
Glaze — Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan or skillet, adding the remaining used marinade as well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium and allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. The glaze will thicken as it cools. Drizzle over filets and serve.