Whether we openly admit or prudishly ignore it, intimacy is the fuel that keeps lovers together around the globe. In the eons of human evolution, libido has played a vital role in the law of attraction and keeping the generations alive. It is very predictable that food has played the role of a key facilitator in enhancing the spark between couples and lovers.
Romance and food were the ideal matches, eternally etched in my mind from my teens. The initiation of a romantic night always started with a candle-lit dinner in a private setting, accompanied with slow music, alcohol and good food, ending up with dessert in between the sheets. The girls in the romance novels always ate. They never starved themselves and in return, the ravishing, tall, dark and handsome heroes were devoted to them emotionally and erotically in perpetual love-struck splendor. That is what I grew up reading and believing.
We are all aware of the term aphrodisiacs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has described aphrodisiacs as “Any product that bears labeling claims that it will arouse or increase sexual desire, or that it will improve sexual performance, is an aphrodisiac drug product.” Well, that goes for patent supplements but food has been the most dominant and naturally existing aphrodisiac for many centuries.
The term Aphrodisiac is primarily derived from the Greek Goddess Aphrodite (Venus): the Goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Aphrodite had risen from the sea therefore, any seafood is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
In India, milk and sugar are regarded as the most potent elements when it comes to enhancing the performance level of a partner. The famous ‘Suhaag Raat’ (the wedding night) scenes in old Bollywood movies are the biggest testimony of the fact.
In ancient India, horses were the symbols of stamina and virility. Most of us are well acquainted with the immunity-boosting power of ‘Ashwagandha’ or Indian ginseng in these COVID times. Well, ‘Ashwagandha’ was extremely popular with men in the Vedic age for back-up stamina in the bedroom creditably for its horse-like smell😉. It is a proven fact that ‘Ashwagandha’ does help to increase the sperm counts in males.
As per the Ayurveda, any food that creates heat in the body is an aphrodisiac. Garlic, ginger and sesame are on the topmost list when it comes to enhancing vitality. The last chapter of the Kama Sutra is dedicated to various concoctions and recipes to enhance physical desire. According to the ancient, Sanskrit love encyclopedia, ‘Paan’ or betel leaves are said to have the possibility to elevate love-making and make it more pleasurable.
Chocolate, strawberries and alcohol are the ultimate love-food in the Western world. Remember the epic scene from the movie, ‘Pretty Woman?’ The honeymoon suites of most star-rated hotels still rely on the combination of the three magical foods for an added boost to make the night perfectly worthwhile for the couples who pay for it.
Saffron is said to be the key ingredient, responsible for the enchanting sensuality of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Nutmeg Along with eggs, fish, meat, and dairy products, several fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs and nuts are on the list of food that is responsible for empowering the love life and making lovers happy around the world. Amazing isn’t it? The list of aphrodisiacs resembles a healthy, balanced diet, similar to the ones which we grew up eating all along, served to us before our weddings, pampered with while preparing us for parenthood and recommended for daily sustenance for leading a healthy life. The key to a healthy and happy love-life is healthy, nutrition.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s the weekend! Get into the mood, order something special or do a little warm-up in the kitchen by cooking one of the favorite specialties. Pour out some relaxing drink, don’t forget to dress up a bit and tone the lights down a little, and enjoy the touch of each other, over an intimate dinner and carry on with the flavor of romance all night long. Wish you all a great romantic weekend!
