Ever since Adam and Eve meandered through the Garden of Eden sharing an apple, love affairs and food have gone hand-in-gland. I adore food and love intimacy, but here's the question: Is food better than sex? If you aren't hungry, the food won't complain. If the food's lousy, you don't have to lie to the chef. I digress.
Were you aware the role food plays in a success rendezvous with your true love? Half the men who claim impotency are actually zinc and manganese deficient. You may not need Viagra, guys, and remember, four hours is a really long time. Try zinc supplements in combination with manganese first; give it several weeks, and see what comes up.
Since ancient times, man has tried to boost sexual libido through magic potions and foods such as oysters, chocolate, fish, truffles and ginger. Casanova downed oysters and a cup of chocolate before venturing into a lady's boudoir. Montezuma II consumed 50 glasses of chocolate sweetened with honey to sustain his virility. Dark chocolate feels delightfully seductive in the mouth.
Chocolate's reputation as a food for lovers may be due to its abundant supply of phenylethylamine, an "amphetamine-like" chemical. Levels of phenylethylamine increase when you meet the right person. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which stimulates the release of epinephrine; a brain messengers that triggers sexual response. Large doses of cocoa are believed to stimulate the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin creating the feeling of being in love.
If you expect to arise for the occasion, food positively or negatively affects performance. The favorite romantic dinner of all time is a bolo grande of wine, fettuccini Alfredo, Caesar salad and a thick rare steak, followed by crème brulee. However, that’s a prelude to assault with a dead weapon. It's all about blood flow folks. The same fats clogging arteries leading to your heart are the same fats impeding blood flow to the nether regions.
So when you're thinking about amore, think light, whole foods like avocados, hot peppers that stimulate circulation, hydrating water, garlic related to sex hormones, and pomegranates mentioned in the Old testament as aphrodisiacs. Greasy meats, lard, and margarine clog arteries, impeding blood flow. Use extra-virgin olive oil for salad dressing and bread dipping. Too much booze just makes you think you are a good lover.
The next time you feel the palpable desire for whoopee, remember, exercise and a well-balanced diet replete with fresh vegetables, fruits and lean sources of protein sets the stage for dreamy seduction. Nevertheless, being in love with the right person is the best aphrodisiac.
Chef Wendell hosts Eat Right Now on WISH TV 8 CBS Indianapolis. He can be reached at 317-372-2592 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .