DAN'S PAPERS, February 8, 2008 Page 41 www.danshamptons.com
Foods to Keep You Frisky Valentine’s Day is near and preparations for a romantic evening with your partner should be in place. Reservations at one of the Hamptons’ many great restaurants could be your catalyst for a lusty evening. Or perhaps you’ve decided on a home-cooked affair, candlelit and overlooking the Atlantic from your dining room. Regardless of your choice to dine in or out, what should you and your partner eat to prepare for that night in the bedroom? Aphrodisiac foods are where it’s at. These foods are named for the Goddess of Sensuality herself and rightfully so – sexually enhancing properties have been recorded in some foods for thousands of years. While many of these foods rely on folklore to back up claims, some have been analyzed in modern times and have scientific support. Here are some key aphrodisiac foods to look for to amp up the passion. Oysters – This could be the number one aphrodisiac food for an East Ender. The myth of oysters likely began because of its appearance, often likened to female sex organs. One study heralds the high amounts of zinc in oysters and zinc-rich food consumption’s correlation to a healthy libido and proper erectile function. Another suggests that the flavanoids in oysters stimulate reproductive organs. Compared to other aphrodisiacs, there is not a hefty scientific literature to back up this food, but the power of the mind and myth should not be overlooked. Additionally, what’s sexier than great tasting food? And what’s tastier than food that is both local and fresh? Oysters have a rich Long Island history and are still harvested in the waters here today. The taste of this delicate sea creature is highly dependent on where it grows and LI oysters are prized for their nutrition and taste. Chili Peppers – Spicy foods are undoubtedly powerful and quite pleasurable for those with the stomach for them. Hyped in Europe five hundred years ago as an aphrodisiac, chili peppers’ reputation still reigns in the mid-east today. Possessing a chemical that can stimulate nerve endings and increase pulse rate, ordering a dish with chili peppers can get a person roaring for that time between the sheets. Endorphins may be triggered as well, producing a high that is similar to sex. Asparagus – These long, woody stems are another item on the list that gained its sexenhancing reputation from their look. This vegetable is one of the first of the season to appear, evoking feelings of spring vitality in its very essence. Some early spears will be appearing on the market by Valentine’s Day, so it is a perfect, fresh addition to that romantic meal. Science is on the side of asparagus too. Nutrient dense, this veggie is helpful in proper hormone production and stimulates metabolic function, thereby upping sex drive. For an extrasensory experience (especially if your partner and you are at home), try eating in the classical way – forgo cutlery. Alcohol – Yes, alcohol is often touted for its sex appeal to boost marketing campaigns, but that is certainly not a reason to overlook. Overconsumption can lead to problems for male perkiness, but a glass or two each is sure to lower either gender’s inhibitions, calming anxieties, easing talk of later plans, and exciting one another. Choose red wine and get the added benefit of free radical reduction. Keep a focus on the wine’s scent to get other senses involved in the play. Chocolate – Aztecs believed that men were
stimulated after consuming chocolate, while females were less inhibited. This may be linked to the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin in the body when chocolate is eaten. These chemicals provide increased energy and feelings of happiness, both essential for that lusty evening. In a poll, women said they would rather eat chocolate than have sex, so let us not doubt its special place in the human psyche – just ensure to indulge your lover
with both instead of offering a one-or-the-other option. Coffee – Your stomachs may be full, but adding a cup of coffee as an after-dinner treat will surely whet your sexual appetite. The end of a meal often brings on lethargy, so do not fill up completely and use some of coffee’s stimulating power to promote increased longevity. Studies show that it is particularly effective in women who are not frequent drinkers, upping their sex drive, particularly for multiple sessions. So, inhale that coffee aroma and drink up! The night is just beginning. – Elizabeth Geras