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Cooking for Love With Aphrodisiacs

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 19, 2013

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sexy oysters Eric Raptosh Photography/Getty Images
An aphrodisiac is something that arouses you or intensifies sexual desires. Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Throughout history, the title of aphrodisiac has been bestowed upon several foods that were thought to improve sexual function or fertility. Some foods, like bananas and asparagus were thought to be aphrodisiacs due to their manly shapes, while other foods were prescribed by healers. Honey was frequently prescribed to newlyweds on their honeymoon.

Many of the foods and herbs that have been called aphrodisiacs are simply good for you (some of them are superfoods that may help you feel sexier). Perhaps the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals or other antioxidants found in these aphrodisiacs are the real key to a healthy love life. Here are just a few aphrodisiac foods:

  • Bananas are an excellent source of potassium as well as other minerals and vitamins. Bananas also contain an enzyme called bromeliad that is said to enhance male sexual health.
  • Asparagus contains folate, a B-complex vitamin which is important for a healthy heart and for having healthy babies. (Find out why asparagus makes your urine smell funny.)
  • Honey is an easy sugar to digest and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals that other sugars do not.
  • Avocados and slimcados contain vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated fats, and phytochemicals.
  • Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that fight damage done by free radical exposure.
  • Figs contain more minerals than most other fruits, plus a good dose of fiber.
  • Almonds are a source of healthy fats and vitamin E, which is important for male sexual health.
  • Pine nuts, like almonds, are a good source of healthy fats and vitamin E.
  • Black beans contain protein, fiber and folate. They're also rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps you relax.
  • Oysters contain zinc, which is necessary for sexual health.
  • Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Healthy cooking, good nutrition, and a little fun can all go together on Valentine's Day, a birthday, or just any special night. Not sure how to cook with aphrodisiacs? We'vegot lots of healthy recipes on About.com. Take a look at these delicious and healthy recipes featuring aphrodisiacs:

Perhaps the reason that aphrodisiacs charm us is because they're really good foods hiding inside sexy shapes. There's also pleasure in sharing a sexy meal with the person you love.

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