Food for Love

Photography by Dave Bryce / Styling by Brittany Spinelli/ Story by Keith Recker

Ancient lore says that aphrodisiac ingredients put a tiger in our proverbial tank; there could be some scientific truth in the old beliefs

Pomegranate

The juice of the pomegranate contains over 100 phytochemicals including polyphenol, the antioxidant that gives it a lovely red color. Antioxidants help decrease inflammation and removed plaque from your vascular system, which means the blood flows more freely everywhere if you get the message. It is thought to be helpful in combatting heart disease and blood pressure, as well. Lastly, drinking pomegranate juice has been shown to increase testosterone production in both sexes, helping our sex drives to stay on the highway to happiness.

Chocolate

The antioxidant flavonoids in dark chocolate, like those found in pomegranates and berries, help address inflammation, which is essential in fighting cancer and keeping the heart healthy. Paradoxically, antioxidants help with weight loss, which puts small doses of good, pure chocolate on many healthy food lists. The natural caffeine and phenylethylamine in chocolate give us a little extra energy and a sense of well-being, as well. Les bonbons sont si bons!

Asparagus

Many aphrodisiac foods seem to have gotten their sexy reputation because they look like something sexy. Does a firm spear of asparagus work any magic on you? If not, perhaps its high levels of vitamin E and potassium will. Vitamin E helps direct blood and oxygen to erogenous zones, and potassium is linked to the production of sex hormones. Have a mouthful and see what happens?

Chilies

When capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers red-hot, puts a stunner on your tastebuds, your body releases adrenaline, which in turn calls up an endorphin response. With those stimulating, sexy juices running through the body…it could be midnight at the oasis at any hour of the day.

Saffron

Ancient Mediterraneans were fascinated by saffron. The crocuses that bloomed early in the spring signaled a return of the Earth’s fertile season, and their bright golden stamens were infused into milk, wine, honey, and other foods. The deep yellow results were beautiful to look at, delicious, and possibly, according to modern science, helpful with infertility in men. Certain chemicals in saffron could embolden neurotransmitters that stimulate libido, which could explain why Cleopatra is said to have bathed in saffron prior to a visit to the boudoir.

Try pastry chef Selina Progar’s recipe for Lemon Saffron Tort and see what happens?

Walnuts

Rich in vitamins B1, B2, A, E and F, walnuts pack a powerful nutritional punch. Their concentration of zinc is said to help regulate testosterone levels in men. Part of their allure may have something to do with their frequent appearance in ancient desserts…and we know what happens after dessert.

Honey

Like figs, another legendary aphrodisiac, honey has high levels of boron, an element that helps women produce estrogen. It also increases levels of nitric oxide, a chemical that helps blood flow to the nether regions of both sexes. Ancient Greek medico Hippocrates may not have known about nitric oxide, but he did prescribe honey for a little extra vigor in the bedroom.

Coffee

Caffeine gets us going in the morning, and evidence suggests that, like chocolate, coffee increases stamina and can elevate dopamine levels…all of which means you might be motivated to get your partner out on the dance floor and…dance?

Strawberries

When her handsome lover Adonis died in a hunting accident, Aphrodite’s tears mingled with his blood, and strawberries grew from the mixture. Does that story turn you on? Perhaps their vitamin C will: it is essential in the production of sex hormones and libido-related chemical neurotransmitters. It also helps keep the immune system up to snuff…because no one is turned on by sniffling.

Cherries

The anthocyanins that make cherries red are also powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation to promote overall health. Their sweet, complex, musky scent may have a pheromone effect. Their vitamin C content can help brighten the skin and eyes, as well, which can’t hurt one’s efforts in the wooing and courting department.