Aphrodisiacs

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.

Aphrodisiacs or Good Health?

Many of the foods and herbs that have been called aphrodisiacs are simply good for you. 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 a great 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 vitamin which is important for a healthy heart and for having healthy babies.
• Honey is an easy sugar to digest and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals that other sugars do not.
• Avocados 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. Vitamin E 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.

Cooking with Aphrodisiacs

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? InterCourses - an Aphrodisiac Cookbook by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge is definitely the cookbook you need. This cookbook combines delicious recipes, beautiful photographs and a bit of history on various aphrodisiacs. For example, did you know that women used to use the sexual charms of basil on their bodies to keep their husbands from roving too far from home? InterCourses - an Aphrodisiac Cookbook is a fun book to read and would make a beautiful Valentine's Day present for your favorite cook. We've also got lots of healthy recipes on About.com. Take a look at these delicious and healthy recipes featuring aphrodisiacs:

• Frozen Banana Salad is a sweet frozen treat perfect on a hot night.
• Salmon and Asparagus in Foil Packets combines the power of asparagus with the good health of salmon. Plus the foil packets make clean up easy so you don't spend all night in the kitchen.
• Honey Baked Chicken is a sweet and spicy way to enjoy chicken.
• Avocado Dip with raw vegetables makes a nice appetizer.
• Dark Chocolate Sauce to drizzle on your ice cream, fruit or your favorite dessert.
• Pork Tenderloin and Fig Kebabs are a great way to cook with aphrodisiacs on the grill. This recipe has a touch of honey, too.
• Sauteed Spinach is made with olive oil. Spinach has lots of vitamins and minerals.
• Black Beans make a great side dish or as an alternative to high calorie fried beans.
• Grilled Oysters are great for appetizers on the grill.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad is a sweet and delicious salad with lots and lots of vitamins and minerals. A lovely way to start a romantic dinner.

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