The erotic power of food has been celebrated for centuries. Casanova was said to share oysters with his paramours to whet their sexual appetites. Greek and Roman cultures enjoyed a parade of ripe fruits and exotic dishes before engaging in sensual pleasures. It has even been said that a delicious meal is the quickest way to a man (or woman's) heart. Afterall, what courtship would be complete without a romantic dinner?

Nutrition plays a vital role in love and lovemaking. The quality of our diet has a great deal to do with the quality of our sex. Many nutritious foods can stir libido, revive sexual function and enhance overall health, especially when served up in a sensual way.

Healthy Ingredients for "Gourmet Love"
The dietary ingredients for a lifetime of wonderful sex include a variety of fresh, wholesome fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. Complex carbohydrates should be the centerpiece of a healthy sex diet, with lean proteins comprising about 20% to 30% of daily calories, advises Chris Meletis, N.D., chief medical officer at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Meals rich in fruits and vegetables provide beneficial nutrients that keep organs in peak condition and energy at maximum levels, both of which are essential for lovemaking.

Although some foods arouse, others can impair sexual function. Fried fare and rich cream sauces can leave us feeling more sluggish than sexy. What's more, excessive sugar, salt, saturated fat and highly processed foods are linked to frigidity, difficulty reaching orgasm and lack of interest in sex. Cutting back on these foods will help revive and preserve sexual vitality and enhance overall well-being. It's also a good idea to limit consumption of alcohol and coffee, and to skip tobacco altogether. These "pleasure drugs" can dampen sexual desire and leech beneficial nutrients vital to our sexual health.

The good news is that some indulgences are beneficial. The rich, delicious decadence known as chocolate contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that raises the body's endorphins, our natural antidepressants. Enjoyed in moderation, a few morsels can lift libido, providing a tantalizing prelude to sex.

The following is a selection of high vitality, fresh foods that supply nutrients essential for a healthy sex life. "Looked at in the right light," writes author Diane Ackerman in "A Natural History of the Senses," "any food might be thought aphrodisiac."

Taking the time to investigate which fruits and vegetables appeal most in terms of their fragrance, shape, touch, texture (and of course, taste), allows us to see our sustenance with new eyes. With these characteristics in mind, gathering the ingredients for a "sensual" new way of eating can be fun.

Here are some tips:

Feast on fruits. Bursting with fiber and antioxidants, and thought to be imbued with aphrodisiac properties, many fresh fruits are as sensual as they are nutritious. Apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, grapes, mangoes, papayas, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quince, raspberries and strawberries are celebrated in erotic literature throughout the world. Whichever fruits you choose, enjoy them often, and with a new appreciation of their attributes.
Devour delicious vegetables. Asparagus, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, carrots, eggplant and several other phallic-shaped vegetables have long been prized for their aphrodisiac effects. Although it may be hard to think of them as "erotic", these earthly delights certainly invigorate the body with vitamins and minerals. The avocado, on the other hand, is undeniably sensual—so much so that the Spanish conquistadors helped spread its reputation throughout the world as a powerful stimulant.

 

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