Aphrodisiac Foods
By Kristyn Pomranz
Durian
Durian is so offensively odorous that it is banned in most hotels and airplanes. But once you get past the odor, this "king of fruits" has a pulp that is said to taste like a rich custard. So is the alleged arousal worth suffering the stink? Perhaps… if you believe the famous Malaysian saying, "When the durians come down, the sarongs come off."
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Nutmeg
Next time you're pouring nutmeg on your cappuccino, go easy! Although in small doses this piquant spice can cause a drunken, aphrodisiac effect, in large quantities (anything over four teaspoons), nutmeg can spur highly dangerous hallucinogenic reactions. But don't get any ideas: Intravenous injection of nutmeg can be fatal.
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Green M&Ms
Although no one knows the true origins of the green M&Ms myth, it is theorized that it began back in the 70's, when students started feeding the green ones to their crushes. Mars embraced the urban legend, turning Green into a long-lashed sex symbol, and even creating bags of all-green candies for a Valentine's Day promotion.
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Chocolate
The Aztecs were no fools! They coined chocolate "nourishment of the gods" when they noticed how their moods improved after eating cocoa confections. Indeed, as contemporary science has revealed, chocolate contains subtle traces of the mood-lifter Seratonin, which increases heart rate and induces feelings of happiness and love.
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Garlic
It might be the last thing you want to eat before kissing someone, but garlic is said to stir sexual desires. In fact, the fragrant bulb is so famously amorous that Tibetan monks were once forbidden from entering Monasteries after eating it. And it's no urban legend: Modern science has confirmed that garlic improves blood circulation, in turn enhancing sexual performance.
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Oysters
When we think aphrodisiacs, oysters are often the first delicacy that comes to mind -- but do they live up to the claims? Well slurp away, lovers. Science has granted credence to the sensual shellfish's aphrodisiac reputation -- oysters are high in zinc and aspartic acids which, in fact, increase testosterone levels.
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Avocado
The Aztecs are responsible for the avocado's standing as an aphrodisiac, and again, they were on the money. The buzz started because avocados hang from trees in pairs, which prompted the Aztecs to call the fruit "Ahuacuatl" (which translates to, er, "Testicle tree"). But indeed, avocados are rich in vitamin E – the same nutrient that makes asparagus famous for friskiness.
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Asparagus
Even beyond its suggestive shape, asparagus boasts a natural sexual booster. The popular spring veggie is rich in vitamin E, which is thought to stimulate production of sex hormones.
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Tarantula
Although the people of Cambodia started eating tarantulas out of necessity during the food-scarce communist regime, they went back for seconds when they discovered the venom worked as an aphrodisiac. Today, deep fried tarantulas – which are gooey on the inside – remain a regular menu item, ripe for the epicurean adventurer.
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Snake
In Eastern countries, snake is the king of aphrodisiacs. The slithery creature is said to enhance the yang (or hot, excited energy), making it not only a potent medicine but also a libido enhancer. In China, snake meat is a restaurant delicacy, and in Vietnam, snake wine – venomous snake steeped or mixed in rice wine – is readily available to boost romance.
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