Thursday Thirteen

13 Foods to Stir the Libido Food has always played a role in creating sexual spark. From the decadence of melted chocolate, the sweet nectar of an apricot or peach, to the robust zing of ginger, food more than tempts us, it energizes our bodies, giving us the necessary fuel for those long, passionate, winter nights. ;) 1. Oysters, a historically claimed aphrodisiac, are high in zinc, a mineral used in the production of testosterone. 2. Chocolate, according to research, contains the stimulant phenylethylamine, which engenders a sense of well being and excitement conducive to lovemaking. 3. Asparagus, instantly recognized by its suggestive shape, happens to be high in vitamin E, considered one of the sex hormone stimulants. 4. Chilies may heat up your sex life too, due to capsaicin — the substance that gives kick to peppers, curries and other spicy foods. Capsaicin stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high. 5. Avocado. The Aztecs called the avocado tree Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree." The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. 6. Bananas. The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production. 7. Fennel is a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement." 8. Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later. 9. Nutmeg was highly prized in ancient Asia as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice though, might just spice up your evening. 10. Pine Nuts. Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. 11. Pineapple. Rich in vitamin C and and used in certain homeopathic treatments for impotence, this is one sweet and delicious fruit. Add a spear to a tropical rum drink for a yummy prelude to an evening of passion. 12. Truffles. The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch. 13. Vanilla. The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust according to folklore.