Chocolat, gingembre, champagne..10 aliments aphrodiasiaques

Food for love: 10 Aphrodisiac ingredients to spark romance

Lindsay POUI-DI

23 Feb 2015

updated the 4 May 2019 à 03:21

To have an excellent libido all year long, you may want to add these products to your menu.

1/10
Almonds
Good for energy levels, they contain 20% of proteins and stimulate the immune system. Almonds, as with all dried fruits, should be consumed regularly to maintain the sexual appetite. For example, in almond milk, dilute two teaspoons of almond purée in a half litre of tepid water. You can intensify the flavour by adding a splash of cocoa powder.
2/10
Vanilla
Its aphrodisiac power has already been praised by the elder Mexicans. Especially thanks to its irresistible aroma due to its main component, the vanillin, which is rich in 130 complex elements. You can easily prepare some vanilla oil to perfume your body. Away from the light, in 15 ml of jojoba oil (very neutral), infuse a fresh vanilla pod split in two and cut into slices. Filter it within three weeks and apply to the body’s pulse points.
3/10
Champagne
“It is the only wine women can drink without being vulgar”, asserted the Marquise of Pompadour, who knew a lot about seduction. The carbon dioxide of the light champagne bubbles favours the transit of the alcohol in the blood, which generates an inhibiting effect. Of course, it should only be drunk in moderation.
4/10
Avocado
“Ahuacatl” means “testicle” in the Aztec language of Nahuatl. For them, the avocado tree was sacred. Energetic, avocados provide strength. They also promote good blood flow, which aids erections and lubrication. To enjoy its benefits, it is better to consume regularly rather than sporadically.
5/10
Shiitaké
This is the alternative name for the Asian perfumed mushroom. “It is a tonic considered in China and in Japan for its aphrodisiac properties. Use dried, it releases more flavour than in fresh form, it is often cooked in stir-fry chicken”, explains Guanglai Zhang, producer of biological mushrooms. “In powder, it should be consumed at the rate of one teaspoon a day, diluted in a little hot water, for one month.”
6/10
Ginger
Spices stimulate our senses. Ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg all have vasodilator properties, causing an influx of blood to the pelvis. And their heady flavour enhances the dishes as much as the desire. “Cinnamon excites at the same time the central nervous system and the libido”, comments Natacha Duhaut, an organic specialist. Ginger has a hot reputation. To enjoy its hot properties, it should be used in its dried form.
7/10
Garlic
“Stimulating and fortifying, it increases blood flow and favours good genital vascularisation”, indicates Natacha Duhaut. Removing its germ makes it more easily digestible. The less it is cooked, the more it retains its properties because the heat destroys the sulphur, its most active compound.* Auteur de (Anagramme Editions).
8/10
Frog’s legs
The myth that French people are passionate lovers is because they eat frogs is relayed in reality, mentioned by an American biologist. Thomas Eisner discovered why French legionaries had been affected by priapism (long and painful erections) after consuming batrachians in North Africa during the 19th century. It is because these frogs had absorbed a variety of cockroaches full of cantharidin; a highly toxic aphrodisiac.
9/10
Black pepper
“It dilates the small blood vessels, including those of the pelvic region”, explains Natacha Duhaut. Black pepper reacts badly to heat. To enjoy it at its powerful best, buy it in corns, grind it at the end of cooking or just before serving.
10/10
Chocolate
With its exhilarating and vasodilator theobromine, its stimulating caffeine, and tryptophan boosts serotonin production and improves our mood - its good reputation is sealed. “According to an Italian researcher, Andrea Salonia, women who eat a little chocolate every day will have more sexual desire than others”, indicates Natacha Duhaut, who recommends dark chocolate containing a minimum of 70% cocoa.

It is difficult to assert whether a single food has the power to make us enjoy a hot night. Nevertheless, there is some food that will slowly stimulate our libido and increase romantic inclinations. It is scientifically proven even!

So the next time you’re out on date night, you might want to sneak some of these treats into your meal.

Martine AZOULAI

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