File this one under the heading of "the more you know": ancient Hellenic aphrodisiacs! An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases libido when consumed. The name comes from the Greek ἀφροδισιακόν, aphrodisiakon, "sexual, aphrodisiac", from aphrodisios, "pertaining to Aphrodite." Throughout human history, food, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable, but these ones, the ancient Hellenes knew (and used!) already.
1. Pomegranates
Even back in ancient Hellas, the pomegranate fruit was considered nutritious and it was also believed, in both ancient times and today, that the juice has aphrodisiac properties. Pomegrante is a noted source for three different antioxidants and it's rich in vitamin C. It has been used for generations to treat depression, settle sore stomachs and neutralize internal parasites. From an aphrodisiac standpoint, the juice may be the most powerful part of this plant. According to the International Journal of Impotence Research, in a double-blind study, men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction served a daily dose of pomegranate juice showed marked improvement in their condition. Another study, conducted at Queen Margaret University, demonstrated that pomegranate juice has the power to raise testosterone levels in both men and women.
2. Truffles
Dating as far back as the 1st century AD, this fungi found its way into the limelight as an aphrodisiac as it is believed that it came into existence as a result of the combined action of water, heat, and thunderbolts as Zeus hurled a thunderbolt to Earth which landed close to an oak tree! The ancient physician Galen said that “the truffle is very nourishing and can direct voluptuousness.” Although it is clearly the aroma of truffles that moves men (and women), scent is not the only attribute of the truffle that contributes to an aphrodisiac reputation. Their rarity and short season make them among the most elusive, luxury goods of the culinary world. And it might be surprising to learn that truffles are high in protein.
3. Leeks
In ancient times, leeks were eaten raw and whole or cooked and were probably considered an aphrodisiac because of their phallic shape. Nowadays, people still believe that leeks are an aphrodisiac. Whether they work or not, you be the judge. The zinc in leek has been named as the source of the boost to the libido, but it's as high as in spinach and no one calls that an aphrodisiac, so this one remains unproven.
4. Garlic
At some point and time, people stopped believing that garlic was toxic and started eating it to prevent illness and congestion. In addition, people started believing that it possessed magical properties and that it is a natural aphrodisiac. It improves blood circulation and shows antibiotic properties, it has been generally accepted to be a potent aphrodisiac; but now it appears that an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is primarily responsible for the mechanism of erection. Studies have recently shown that garlic in certain forms can stimulate the production of NOS particularly in individuals who have low levels of this enzyme.
5. Legumes
Dating back as far as Hippocrates, legumes have been an essential part of the menu for men wishing to keep up their libido as they get older. Hippocrates prescribed a variety of legumes to eat by the bowl-full; while the Aristotle was a believer in lentil beans with the addition of saffron to keep a man’s libido active and in top shape. Legumes contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds with estrogen-like effects. Estrogen affects sex drive and helps increase sensation. This is most likely where the reputation comes from.
1. Pomegranates
Even back in ancient Hellas, the pomegranate fruit was considered nutritious and it was also believed, in both ancient times and today, that the juice has aphrodisiac properties. Pomegrante is a noted source for three different antioxidants and it's rich in vitamin C. It has been used for generations to treat depression, settle sore stomachs and neutralize internal parasites. From an aphrodisiac standpoint, the juice may be the most powerful part of this plant. According to the International Journal of Impotence Research, in a double-blind study, men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction served a daily dose of pomegranate juice showed marked improvement in their condition. Another study, conducted at Queen Margaret University, demonstrated that pomegranate juice has the power to raise testosterone levels in both men and women.
2. Truffles
Dating as far back as the 1st century AD, this fungi found its way into the limelight as an aphrodisiac as it is believed that it came into existence as a result of the combined action of water, heat, and thunderbolts as Zeus hurled a thunderbolt to Earth which landed close to an oak tree! The ancient physician Galen said that “the truffle is very nourishing and can direct voluptuousness.” Although it is clearly the aroma of truffles that moves men (and women), scent is not the only attribute of the truffle that contributes to an aphrodisiac reputation. Their rarity and short season make them among the most elusive, luxury goods of the culinary world. And it might be surprising to learn that truffles are high in protein.
3. Leeks
In ancient times, leeks were eaten raw and whole or cooked and were probably considered an aphrodisiac because of their phallic shape. Nowadays, people still believe that leeks are an aphrodisiac. Whether they work or not, you be the judge. The zinc in leek has been named as the source of the boost to the libido, but it's as high as in spinach and no one calls that an aphrodisiac, so this one remains unproven.
4. Garlic
At some point and time, people stopped believing that garlic was toxic and started eating it to prevent illness and congestion. In addition, people started believing that it possessed magical properties and that it is a natural aphrodisiac. It improves blood circulation and shows antibiotic properties, it has been generally accepted to be a potent aphrodisiac; but now it appears that an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is primarily responsible for the mechanism of erection. Studies have recently shown that garlic in certain forms can stimulate the production of NOS particularly in individuals who have low levels of this enzyme.
5. Legumes
Dating back as far as Hippocrates, legumes have been an essential part of the menu for men wishing to keep up their libido as they get older. Hippocrates prescribed a variety of legumes to eat by the bowl-full; while the Aristotle was a believer in lentil beans with the addition of saffron to keep a man’s libido active and in top shape. Legumes contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds with estrogen-like effects. Estrogen affects sex drive and helps increase sensation. This is most likely where the reputation comes from.
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