FOODS WITH APHRODISIAC PROPERTIES. APHRODISIAC FOODIES AND COOKING METHODS.

FOODS WITH APHRODISIAC PROPERTIES.  APHRODISIAC  FOODIES AND COOKING METHODS.

RECIPE: ADAM AND EVE’S POTPOURRI : last page

Folk medicines held the belief that many natural foods and herbs contain aphrodisiac properties. An aphrodisiac is something that heightens sexual passions and desires. To my personal belief, upkeep of the male or female hormones in oneself is important- in maintaining youthfulness, rather slows down the aeging process. 
Here are a few food ingredients with purported aphrodisiac properties, backed up by research, that may help benefits many-

1.CELERY - Celery stimulates the major gland that releases sexual hormones, the pituitary gland. Celery are normally eaten raw as salad or cooked, as in vegetables.

TIP: Celery is among a small group of foods (headed by peanuts)  that can provoke the most severe allergic reactions. Exposure can cause potentially fatal  anaphylactic shock. The allergen is not destroyed at cooking temperatures- wiki

Anaphylaxis is defined as "a serious allergic reaction,  that is rapid in onset and may cause death".  Symptoms like  an  itchy  rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure.  Common causes include insect bites, foods, and medications

2.OYSTERS - Oysters have a slightly similar smell to female pheromones (chemical signals released that triggers a social response). 

Oysters are an excellent source of zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, as well as Vitamin A and Vitamin B12.  Oysters are low in food energy  and are considered at healthiest when eaten raw on the half shell.

Traditionally, oysters were considered to be an aphrodiasiac.  A team of American and Italian researchers analyzed bivalves and found they were rich in amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones.  Their high zinc content aids in  the production of testosterone.

Some kinds of oyster are commonly consumed, cooked or raw, by humans. Other kinds, such as pearl oysters, are not eaten.

Oysters can be eaten on the half shell, raw, smoked, baked, fried, roasted, stewed, canned, pickled, steamed, broiled or used in a variety of drinks

TIP: Fresh oysters must be alive just before consumption or cooking. There is only one criterion: the oyster must be capable of tightly closing its shell. Open oysters should be tapped on the shell; a live oyster will close up and  thus  is safe to eat. Oysters which remained  open and unresponsive are dead and must be discarded

3.DARK CHOCOLATE-  Cocoa or dark chocolate benefits the circulartory system.  Eating chocolate makes a person feel good as it produces opiates in the brain and it contains phenylethylamine, which is the same hormone, released during sex. Phenethylamine is sometimes described as a 'love chemical.

Research looking at the psychoactivity of chocolate reveals that methylxanthine, an active biological substance found in chocolate, competes with adenosine, a presynaptic inhibitor modulator, and blocks its receptor. This induced blockage can lead to arousal.

TIP: A study reported by the BBC  indicated that  MELTING chocolate in one's mouth produced an increase in brain activity and heart rate that was more intense than that associated with passionate kissing and also lasted four times as long after the activity had ended

4.TRUFFLES- Truffles were a popular aphrodisiac during ancient Roman times. They share a similar scent with the male pheromone, androstenone.There are hundreds of species of truffles, the genus Tuber  are highly prized as a food. Truffles  is the fruiting body of an underground mushroom.

Because of their high price and their pungent taste, truffles are used sparingly. Supplies can be found commercially as  fresh produce or preserved, typically in a light brine.

Truffles are generally served raw, and shaved over steaming buttered pasta or salads. White or black paper-thin truffle slices may be inserted into meats, under the skins of roasted chicken/ fowls  or in stuffings. Some specialty cheeses contain truffles as well.

TIP: Adding truffles to fried eggs- is recommended by many gourmets, as the best way to enjoy the flavor.

Truffle oil

Truffle oil is often used as a cheaper and convenient substitute for truffles, to provide or enhance the flavor in cooking. Most "truffle oil," however, does not contain any truffles. The vast majority is olive oil, which has been artificially flavored.

5.BANANAS - The banana is full of potassium and B vitamins that help with sexual hormone production. The firmer, starchier fruit are called plantains or "cooking bananas". The distinction is purely arbitrary and the terms 'plantain' and 'banana' are sometimes interchangeable depending on their usage.

They can be eaten raw or cooked-  snacks, do dishes and deserts

Bananas are an excellent source of  vitamin B6 , vitamin C, manganese and potassium.

Banana ingestion may affect dopamine production in people deficient in the amino acid tyrosine, a dopamine precursor present in bananas. 

Red color bananas the best

6.CAVIAR - Caviar is full of protein, Omega 3 and amino acids that help to increase energy and blood flow, which are essential for  longer periods.  Amino acids  help  raise sexual hormone levels.

Caviar by definition is salted roe of sturgeon or other large fish; usually served as an hors d'oeuvre. During the last century, American/ Chinese paddlefish (spoonbill) and Beluga (European sturgeon) have been commercially exploited for their eggs (roe), called caviar

7.FIGS - Figs are one of the most erotic of all foods. They provide a great source of iron and potassium, both important in maintaining sexual energy for extended periods.

Figs can be eaten fresh or dried, and used in jam-making. Most commercial production is in dried or otherwise processed forms, since the ripe fruit does not transport well, and once plucked does not keep well.

Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber. Dried figs are richest in fiber, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K, relative to human needs. 

Figs have a laxative effect and contain many antioxidants

8.GINGER - Ginger increases circulation, which heightens sensitivity to the erogenous zones.

Ginger is the rhizome of a plant, consumed as a delicacy, medicine or spice (hot fragrant)

Young ginger rhizomes are juicy, fleshy , with a mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar, as a snack or cooked as an ingredient in dishes.. Mature ginger roots are fibrous, the juice is extremely potent  and often used as a spice. Essential oils are also extracted.

Powdered dry ginger root is typically used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cakes. Ginger can also be made into candy.

They can  be steeped in boiling water to make ginger tea- “jahe” (Indonesia), “sorrel” (the Caribbean),  “zanjabil” (Arabic). The Jamaicans make carbonated ginger beer drinks. Ginger tea can be added with honey or lemon/ orange.

Ginger has been found to be effective for treating nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemoteraphy.  Also stimulates saliva production, have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering  properties that may make it useful for treating heart disease.

TIP: Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of 6 to 1

9.DAMIANA - Damiana helps to raise energy levels and sends oxygen to the genital areas. It is said to help women reach orgasm easier and increase the sexual stamina of men. Spanish missionaries first recorded that the Mexican Indians drank Damiana tea mixed with sugar for use as an aphrodisiac.

Damiana, long claimed to have a stimulating effect on libido, and its use as an aphrodisiac has continued into modern times. Some scientific evidence in support of its long history of use has emerged recently.

Turnera diffusa (damiana) is a shrub native to south western Texas, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Damiana has small, aromatic flowers. It blossoms in early to late summer 
and is followed by fruits that taste similar to figs. 

The shrub has a spice-like odor like chamomile, due to it’s essential oils. 

The leaves were made into a tea and an  incense which was used by natives  for its relaxing effects.

10. GINSENG-

Both American and Chinese ginseng, also Korean red ginseng, are used to treat fatigue and stress (nourishing stimulant). 

It helps with sexual impotence and stamina.

In some studies, ginseng has been demonstrated to have a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland to increase the secretion of gonadotropins.


 The pituitary gland the major gland that releases sexual hormones.

11.CLAMS- Much like Oysters, clams have amino acids that help to raise sexual hormone levels. Clams are an excellent source of protein and iron which helps with sexual stamina. One single serving of clams offers more than 100% of our daily iron needs.

The Italians cooked them with mixed seafood and  pasta.  Clams can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, baked or fried; the method of preparation depends partly on the size and species of the clam

Some pharmaceutical drugs do help increase libido, but they come with multiple side effects and health risks. This makes it worthwhile to try natural aphrodisiacs, backed up by research and proven as aphrodisiac compounds.


RECIPE:  ADAM AND EVE POTPOURRI  

Ingredients for two servings

2 garlic- minced

2 cm mature ginger- chiffanade (paper thin slices)

10 pieces clams

6 pieces oysters

1 dried fig- julienned

A few thin slices of pickled truffles (optional- rare find)

Some caviar if you have any (rare find)

Some damiana flowers and leaves (rare find-optional)

1 cup celery slices (1cm)

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp tomato sauce

1 tbsp olive oil 

Method:

Use non stick pan, heat up oil, stir in garlic and ginger for 3 minutes. Add in oysters, clams and figs. Stir for 3 minutes, add in half cup water and oyster sauce. Mix well and cover with lid, leave for 5 minutes.

Next, add in tomato sauce, caviar and truffles. Stir for a minute, then add celery and damiana until cooked crisp tender. Done ! healthy cooking always- ha ha

You shall have raw ripe banana  for dessert

Your drink of choice will be warm ginseng tea


HERE, I  PUBLISH ONE COMMENT FROM A FRIEND KATRINA;
A friend, married for 14yrs and childless after trying almost anything recommended by everyone. Then she conceived a girl and 2 years later, a son.
So I enquired, what actually happened, anything unusual she did or ate. According to her, she was then in Kunak, Sabah when she got pregnant to her first baby.
What she noticed was her craving for CLAMs, special variety only found there, took it regularly.. and well.....hmmmmmmm?