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Food and Sex - An Historical Glimpse
The aphrodisiac properties of certain foods
have remained as such, down through history. With the ongoing argument
between those who don’t believe there is any such thing and those who do,
it strikes me that perhaps the tales of these foods told through the ages
is proof enough. A long shelf life seems to indicate there is some modicum
of truth to these old foods for sex .
The foods that history has deemed a turn on
range from nuts (no inference intended) and animal genitals (total
inference intended). Now I don’t know about the reading public, but a
night of slippery, hot passion is NOT sufficient reason for me to consume
another living thing’s privates. Our scant but interesting list also
includes things like onions and oysters (but of course). What would a list
of sex food be without oysters? As Johan's Guide to Aphrodisiacs nicely
points out, notice that aphrodisiac foods are generally the most
expensive. It goes on to say that any lover who would go to the expense to
feed you caviar may just tweak your libido with this show of love. Some of
these foods you may not see as a sexual teaser and believe me, nor do I.
Let’s examine some of them and perhaps you’ll be cooking dinner in a whole
different frame of mind.
The French poet Paul Verlaine is said to have
opened the absinthe craze in the bohemian subculture in France. An extract
from the Wormwood plant, absinthe was seen as the exotic and erotic tonic
of the era because of its tie with intellectuals and the art community.
Thujon, an ingredient found in absinthe was commonly used in well measured
doses for intestinal worms, but used as a beverage and consumed in
quantity, the side effects can be devastating; including blindness and
nerve injury.
Lately Absinthe has been gaining resurgence
in gothic subcultures around North America. It is once again being
distilled despite its illegality and health risks. It is seen as the drink
of the Victorian era, although its use is France of the era was far more
extensive. Outlawed there in 1915, it is now illegal in most European
countries because of its high addictive properties and toxic
constitution.
Onions are a common health remedy for ill
health and a weak libido. Although, the foul breath problem may seem a
factor, nevertheless onions have been cited from historical Hindu texts on
the art of making love. They appear to be the most frequently used in
ancient Greece. The Romans rarely ate them without being cooked and
usually with meat and other foods. Onions chemically and nutritionally
have marvelous health benefits, similar to garlic in their properties of
benefit to constitution and blood strength. It would stand to reason that
they were eaten and good health was the result and therefore more energy
for lusty pursuits.
Oysters are the age old favorite. But today we
know that any possible responses from oysters are found in other seafood
as well. Seafood contains vitamins and minerals not often found in dry
land foods. Nutrients that our bodies are often lacking, so a feel -good
result is not uncommon. Add to that the non-stuffed feeling and most
people find they have enough energy for a night of lust. According to
Johan’s guide, emperors used to pay for them by their weight in
gold.
Pine nuts were considered by the Greeks to
have libido benefits. Many of the middle eastern dishes include them as a
garnish and flavor enhancer. High in natural vitamins, pine nuts are a
healthful addition to any diet and that would result in more
energy.
Asparagus was believed by the Greeks to have
libido enhancing properties. “Quensel states (1809) that asparagus turn
men on but women off. Its main action is diuretic; the stimulating effect
on the male genitals is a consequence of this.” Johan’s
Guide.
Foods producing apparent sexual response are plenty. The
list is long. For a complete guide, visit - Johan's Guide to
Aphrodisiacs. Sex Scrolls wishes to thank this guide for their
information.
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Copyright - 2001
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