Picture this: It’s a perfect summer night, a light breeze coming in through the balcony doors causing the curtains to billow gently. The smell of musky sandalwood tickles at your nostrils from the incense burning in the corner. A halo of glowing candles surrounds you and your date while a light, jazzy tune plays softly in the background, and you’re just about to feed them a chocolate-covered strawberry after the two of you have spent a lovely night together. Just as the strawberry touches their lips, you can’t help but wonder to yourself: why are chocolate-covered strawberries a food that’s associated with romance? Why aren’t caramel-covered apples featured in scenes of romance in movies? Or something even wackier than that, like a peanut butter covered pear?
(You should probably stop and wonder about this at a later time because your date is wondering why you suddenly have that inquisitive look on your face.)
Whether it’s the decadence of dark chocolate, the tangy juiciness of strawberries, or even the briny, lip-puckering scent of oysters, there are many foods that have been associated with love, passion, and desire for centuries. From the slurp of an oyster to a spoonful of honey, aphrodisiacs have long had their fingers intertwined with love and desire. But when we think about them today, is there truly a science behind these aphrodisiacs or have we all just had a seductive sheet of wool pulled over our eyes?
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Before we get into the types of aphrodisiacs commonly seen, we first have to understand where they came from. Named after the Greek goddess of love and beauty herself, an aphrodisiac is any food, herb, mineral, or substance that is believed to enhance sexual desire, libido, attraction, or even romantic desire. While some foods are associated with love due to their shape and symbolism – for example, a juicy, heart-shaped strawberry can certainly speak for itself – others have more scientific connections directly linked to the hormones embedded in our systems. Aphrodisiacs are typically sourced from plants, animals, and minerals, and usually fall into one of three categories:
- Those that stimulate sexual desire and libido;
- Those that enhance sexual pleasure;
- Those that improve sexual performance.
And, while research and scientific findings to back aphrodisiacs is still pretty limited to this day, the research that has been done implies that aphrodisiacs are thought to work in different ways depending on the type that’s consumed. They can:
- Relax muscles and increase blood flow (which contributes to arousal);
- Alter neurotransmitter levels in the brain (such as a boost of dopamine);
- Raise levels of androgens like testosterone (which influences desire and arousal in both men and women).
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Aphrodisiacs & Their Compound in Crime
- Chocolate:
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which is a type of compound that mimics the rush of falling in love due to it triggering feelings of excitement and pleasure. On top of that, it also has serotonin which boosts happiness!
- Strawberries:
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which boost blood flow and energy levels… So combining them with chocolate makes them the ultimate romantic pair.
- Oysters:
Oysters are packed with zinc, a mineral that’s essential for testosterone production and overall energy levels. They also contain amino acids that increase dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter that plays a role in attraction and pleasure.
- Figs:
Figs are high in magnesium and amino acids, which can help relax the body and enhance your mood.
- Chili Peppers:
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that increases blood flow and releases endorphins.
- Honey:
Honey is rich in boron, which helps regulate hormones, and natural sugars provide a quick boost of energy.
- Red Wine:
Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that improves blood flow and boosts heart health. Not to mention, it helps people relax and unwind which sets the mood for a romantic, dreamy evening ahead.
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So, what’s the verdict?
While no food is a guaranteed love potion that’ll make your crush fall head over heels in love with you (and it’ll probably be hard convincing them to drink an oyster-chocolate-strawberry smoothie in the first place, anyway), the connection between food and romance is undeniable. The sensory experience alone – the full body experience of taste, texture, and smell – plays a huge role in attraction and building that foundation of intimacy and arousal with your partner. And of course, the placebo effect is pretty powerful, so if you simply believe that a food is romantic (e.g. peanut butter covered pears), chances are that it will be! Whether it truly is the science of aphrodisiacs or perhaps just the magic of a swanky hotel room, dim lighting, and vanilla scented body oil, there’s no harm in indulging in these foods for a great, romantic time with a partner.
The next time you’re indulging in a box of chocolates or shucking some fresh oysters, you’ll know exactly what the science is behind these delicious foods!