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The link between food and sex drive goes back to early times when food was scarce. It was known that undernourished people experienced loss of libido and had low procreation potential.
According to Cambridge World History of Food the ancient Greeks (Pliny and Dioscordes First century AD and Paul of Aegina Seventh century AD) are the ones that documented the connection between various food and sex drive.
The ancient food list included anise, basil, carrot, salvia, gladiolus root, orchid bulbs, pistachio nuts, arugula, sage, sea fennel, turnips, skink flesh (a type of lizard) and river snails. The ancients also suggested that one avoid dill, lentil, lettuce, watercress, rue, and water lily.
And here is a food list compiled by GourmetSleuth.com that makes for an interesting reading.
Food List
Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.
Asparagus
Given its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food.
Almond
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.
Arugula
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.
Asafetida
An Indian dried, powdered herb with a very strong, garlicky flavor, used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine.
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. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
Though science can neither confirm nor deny that this fruit will get your fire going, it will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.
Bananas
The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.
Basil (sweet basil)
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.
Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens)
The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli rabe it’s more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.
Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat.
Eating chocolate also causes the release of stress-reducing serotonin and phenylethylamine, which cause feelings of excitement. Just make sure to choose dark chocolate that is rich in antioxidants.
Spices like Chili pepper, ginger, cayenne pepper, curry and cumin improve the circulation which explains the connection between food and sex drive.
According to Enciclopedia Britanica: Most writings on the subject are little more than unscientific compilations of traditional or folkloric material. Of the various foods to which aphrodisiac powers are traditionally attributed, fish, vegetables, and spices have been the most popular throughout history.
In none of these foods, however, have any chemical agents been identified that could effect a direct physiological reaction upon the genitourinary tract, and it must be concluded that the reputation of various supposedly erotic foods is based not upon fact but upon folklore.
I am sure that this conclusion is far from discouraging people from trying the effects of food and finding out for themselves the link between food and sex drive.
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