Food for Sex: The Way to Natural Love?

Copyright (c) 1995 by Shannon Roxborough

Since the beginning of time, it seems, men and women have been looking
to foods to ignite their lovers (or their own) sexual passion. It
has been said in fact and fiction that Casanova, Don Juan, Cleopatra,
Aphrodite, and Marquis de Sade, known for their mysterious powers
of seduction and amorous exploits, all relied on some form of aphrodisiac.

Around the world, various foods, herbs and rare and extreme concoctions
have been used as aphrodisiacs through the centuries in the hope that
their special ingredients would somehow enhance a persons allure,
increase fertility, improve vitality and sexual stamina.

Today, critics regard aphrodisiacs as quackery. Nevertheless, there
is backing for at least some of the folk wisdom that has been passed
down through the generations.

Chocolate has long been reputed to be a food of love, its romantic
reputation attributed to the fact that it is rich in the chemical
phenylethylamine. According to psychiatrist Michael Liebowitz, M.D.,
author of Chemistry of Love (Little, Brown and Co.), the level of
"some sort of amphetamine-like chemical in the brain, possibly
phenylethylamine, goes up when we meet the right person."

Chocolate also contains a small amount of caffeine, which stimulates
the release and action of epinephrine, one of the neurotransmitters
that triggers sexual arousal. The sugar added to chocolate offers
a quick form of energy. Together, these ingredients may enhance arousal
in some people.

Carrots, another food hailed as an aphrodisiac, is rich in beta-carotene,
a nutrient that helps bolster sperm count and increase levels of
important sex hormones.

Niacin, which improves circulation to sexual organs (and all parts
of the body) is found in Asparagus and figs. Figs are also rich in
Magnesium, a mineral required to produce sex hormones. Apricots are
another excellent source of Magnesium (and beta-carotine).

Ginseng root (Chinese, Korean & Russian) has been found to increase
stamina and potency, without any harmful side-effects (other than
a possible increase in blood-pressure).

Oysters, which have long been dubbed to have a positive effect on
human sexuality, are rich in Zinc, which has been associated with
an increase in sperm motility, which theoretically increases a mans
fertility. It also helps reduce the risk of inflammation of the
prostate, a problem that can put a crimp in any mans love life.

Scientific studies have found that 200 mg of Vitamin C can detox sperm
made sluggish by smoking and other pollutants, and Jean Carper, author
of Food-Your Miracle Medicine (Harper-Collins) recommends 200-plus
mg doses in the form of any of these easy-to-eat foods (1 cantaloupe,
3 oranges, 2 1/2 cups raw strawberries, 1 1/2 red peppers, 3 kiwi
fruit). Food is always preferred over supplements due to its content
of other sperm helpers such as the antioxidant glutathione, found
in leafy greens and avocado.

In order to function properly, the nerve systems natural hormones
and neurotransmitters (which control physical and emotional arousal
and excitement) require vitamins C and B-6, as well as amino acids
which come from protein. Other necessary nutrients can be derived
from such foods as egg yolks, grains, nuts, meats, poultry and green
vegetables. Clearly, these foods provide nutrients that are needed
for sex.

A short list of edibles reputed to be aphrodisiacs might include
artichokes, bamboo shoots, basil, caviar, game birds, garlic, grapes,
halibut, horseradish, mackerel, leeks, mugwort, nutmeg, paprika,
radishes, rosemary, saffron, sage, spinach.

Diane Ackerman, author of A Natural History of Love (Random House),
insists that "Sometimes, these remedies work because the user thinks
they will or because they provide a vitamin or trace mineral the person
lacks."  "People dont feel sexy if theyre unhealthy."



Tips to Boost your Sexual Health

Be sure to eat a balanced diet, including an abundance of healthy
fruits and vegetables.

Use alcohol in moderation. Excessive use suppresses sensation and
decreases nerve response needed for arousal.

Dont smoke. Nicotine increases the chance of infertility in women
and impotence in men.

Exercise. Study after study has shown that people who exercise on
a regular basis were more lusty than their less active counterparts.

Check medications. Some may cause side effects that adversely affect
sexual activity. Consult your physician or pharmacist, since the
product label is unlikely to offer this information.

Stay away from drugs and the sometimes so-called over-the-counter
sex enhancers. Many are dangerous and actually impair performance.

Conclusion

The unexciting, and perhaps reassuring, conclusion to this brief
introduction to a healthy love life is that mood itself is the ultimate
aphrodisiac.  It goes without saying that nothing can guarantee that
youll light someones fire unless you provide him, or her, with the
proper atmosphere to spark the desire.  The food and drink are
supplementary to the romantic task at hand, while the job of arousing
interest in your partner is entirely up to you.  Look for new ways to
develop greater intimacy, self-confidence, and creativity, while
reducing anxiety and guilt.  Only honest confrontation and straight-
forward communication can do that.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shannon Roxborough has contributed to various
publications in the U.S. and abroad.  He is the editor of Male Call, an
upcoming quarterly newsletter that will focus on men's sexuality and
relationship issues.  A sample copy may be obtained by sending 2 stamps
(or 2 IRCs) to: Detroit International Publishing, Box 725278, Berkley,
Michigan 48072 USA.  Annual Subscriptions are $12 ($15 outside the U.S.).