Can food spice up your love life?

Can food spice up things beyond the kitchen too? There is scientific evidence to show that what you eat may have an impact on your mood and consequently, libido. But the relationship between food and sexual health is complicated, as it is also governed by psychological and cultural factors.

“Different foods were considered aphrodisiacs for different reasons – appearance, shape, colour, taste,” says, Seema Anand, mythologist. In an Indian context, a newly-wed couple is given kesar doodh on their wedding night and it is believed that this drink will stimulate the couple’s sex drive.


ALL ABOUT APHRODISIACS

• The word aphrodisiac is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. They’re food items believed to ramp up desire by increasing your libido
• Human understanding of aphrodisiacs derived from mythology, folklore, and sometimes superstitions. Among the popular ones are dark chocolate, strawberries, saffron, oysters, avocados and chilli peppers
• Legend has it that an ancient Aztec ruler Montezuma consumed more than 50 cups of chocolate before entering his bed-chamber, while Italian adventurer Casanova famously seduced a girl by slipping an oyster into her mouth

WHICH FOODS LIFT YOUR MOOD AND HOW?

• Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a compound that may promote a sense of well-being and happiness.
• Avocado is a source of vitamin E, potassium, and healthy fats, which are important for overall health and may contribute to increased energy levels.
• Bananas contain potassium and vitamin B6, which are essential to produce sex hormones.
• Figs are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals and have been historically associated with fertility and sexuality.
• Strawberries, high in vitamin C, can contribute to overall health and potentially boost libido.

While different foods can certainly have an impact on our hormones or our emotions, or the textures of certain things can excite the imagination and encourage a desire to play, there is nothing that you can eat that will suddenly turn you into a great lover. That is something you have to work towards. But food can be used as an inspiration or a tool to increase libido
Seema Anand, mythologist

(In pic: Seema Anand, storyteller and mythologist)

Scientifically, the evidence supporting the efficacy of aphrodisiacs is mixed, and their impact can vary. The power of suggestion and cultural beliefs can lead individuals to perceive increased libido when consuming aphrodisiacs, even if the physiological effects are limited
Dr Chirag Bhandari, andrologist

Not all foods deemed as aphrodisiacs increase libido, but they certainly boost energy and lighten mood, which maximises pleasure. Spicy chili peppers, wine and saffron have long been associated with enhancing desire and arousal. Rich in nutrients like zinc, antioxidants, and amino acids, they promote circulation, stimulate neurotransmitters, and fuel passion
Radha Patil, nutritionist

The milkshake scene in Pulp Fiction is a concoction of food, seduction and desire