Love aphrodisiacs (Which is the best?)

picture taken from www.gourmetsleuth.com

The ancient Romans ate oysters, the Chinese have shark fin soup, and the Arabs were keen on camel's hump.

The interest in aphrodisiac foods began when Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to Eros. The first aphrodisiac food was born.

Interesting facts of some of our favourite aphrodisiac foods :
Avocado
Often called 'Ahuacuatl' translated as 'testicle tree' because the fruits hanging in pairs on the tree resembles the males testicles.
 It was forbidden by the Catholic priests in Spain because they found it to be obscerely sexual. 
Asparagus
In the 19th century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinner. 
Figs
It is Cleopatra's favourite fruit.
The ancient Greek held them as sacred and associate them with love and fertility.
Vanilla
It is believed that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonic youth. Unable to marry him because of her nature, she transformed herself into this plant that provide pleasure and happiness. 
Honey
In Egyptian times, many medicines were based on honey, including cures for sterility and impotence. Lovers on their honeymoon drank 'mead', a fermented drink made from honey and it was thought to 'sweeten' their marriages.

People's favourite seems to be Chocolates, which we know to also promote relaxation and wellbeing. A happy food to many and many's favourite desserts and favourite snacks. The symbols of Valentine's day (besides flower) and so the symbol of love. It contains :
- anandamide, the psyochoactive feel-good chemical,
- PEA (phenylethylamine), the ‘love chemical’ which 
1. releases dopamine in the pleasure-centres of the brain and peaks during orgasm. 
2. help induce feelings of excitement, attraction, and euphoria. 

My favourites aphrodisiac would be:
Oysters
Just because I love oysters. Period. 
It is also high in protein and zinc. For men, it helps produce sperm and increase libido. Just saying. 
Champagne
(Also) just because I love bubbles. period. (drank moderately of course).  
Strawberries
' strawberries invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples '. 
(Also again) just because that strawberry is one of my favourite fruit. And what happen when 3 of my favourite foods (oysters, champagne and strawberry) complement one another and go amazingly well all together? Magic happens and dreams come true. X X
Not only the food itself, but also the whole wonderful idea of romance and seduction. (Ohhh) Don't you just love them?

But Helen Fisher, PhD (Oprahh Magazine) said that the most powerful aphrodisiacs are already inside our bodies. "Humans have evolved three different brain systems to encourage mating: sex drive (lust), feelings of attachment (trust), and romance (being in love). Each of these systems plays a role in desire".

Lust : High Sex drive is often associated with the level of testoterone in the brain (women and men). Today women with low libido can get a prescription for testosterone.
Other ways to raise testoterone productions are
-playing competitive sports (it proved to affect women more than men)
-having regular sex (the more you have, the more you crave)

Feelings of attachment (trust): caused by the chemical oxytocin. "In a study conducted at the University of Zurich, couples who used a nasal spray containing oxytocin before discussing an ongoing marital conflict were more likely to engage in friendly, positive communication than those who didn't take a whiff."
Other ways to stimulate oxytocin naturally is
-TOUCH
-Hold hands while you watch TV
-Give each other massages
-Sleep in each other arms

Romance (being in love) : the chemical 'dopamine' is found to cause love.
Ways to trigger the release of dopamine are :
-Taking risks/try something new.
-Not necessarily in the bedroom, even if trying new cuisine or new hobbies/adventures.

Hmm I still want to eat oysters and strawberries and sip bubbles thou.
Tell me what is your favourite aphrodisiac? Maybe we can share tips and swap secrets and be besties? :) Loveexx