If you’re looking for romance this Valentine’s Day, look no further than the Greek goddess of love and beauty: Aphrodite.
Now, we know what you’re thinking. What does Aphrodite and seafood have in common?
Well, the answer is actually a bit more straightforward than you may think.
Popular depictions of Aphrodite show her emerging from a clam shell. But that’s not all — her name would later go on to describe aphrodisiacs. Used primarily to describe foods, an aphrodisiac is something that is believed to enhance sexual desire or pleasure. Do you see where we’re going with this now?
While many supposed aphrodisiacs only gained the title through popular culture and anecdotal lore, there are actual scientific reasons why some foods are believed to be libido enhancers. It’s true: certain ingredients can actually help prime your body for a night of romance. Don’t believe us? Let’s investigate a few of our favorites.
Chocolate
As if we needed another excuse to enjoy chocolate, it contains chemicals that may actually help boost your serotonin levels. Known as the “feel-good hormone,” it’s not hard to see why chocolate-covered strawberries have the reputation as the ultimate romantic food.
Oysters
Perhaps the most famous of all aphrodisiacs, oysters are high in zinc, which can help to regulate sexual hormones. Plus, let’s be honest: the hands-on experience of eating raw oysters is not without innuendo.
Lobster
While many believe lobster originally gained its reputation as an aphrodisiac due to its status as a luxury item, lobsters also contain high levels of zinc and magnesium. Magnesium is known as a “mineral aphrodisiac” that enhances your sex drive by helping to produce hormones like androgen and estrogen.
Pomegranate
The high amounts of antioxidants in pomegranates help boost blood flow. Need we say more?
Watermelon
Similarly, watermelon contains citrulline, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Pistachios
This ancient nut has a wide range of health benefits — with the ability to improve blood pressure among them. Because of this, some studies have suggested that regularly consuming pistachios can actually help stimulate blood flow.
However, while there are some scientific reasons to suggest these foods may give you a boost in the romance department, we think the biggest aphrodisiac is creating a special date-night experience with your partner. Aside from the intimacy and joy that comes from cooking together, just imagine the great conversation that will come from a meal that requires you to slow down and enjoy each other’s company — like picking crab legs, for instance.
Above all, plan a Valentine’s meal this year that makes your special someone feel exactly that: special. Going above and beyond to secure her favorite salmon or plan a surf and turf menu is bound to go a lot further in setting the mood than any supposed aphrodisiac — anecdotal or otherwise.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to channel Aphrodite on your own. We can help you create a showstopping Valentine’s Day meal that will have everyone feeling the love.
