Aphrodisiacs, do you know them? Check these Itsy Bitsy Love Bites

The sexual power of food has been enhancing our libidos for centuries. We've all heard that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and those foods like truffles, oysters and asparagus contain chemicals that arouse us or improve sexual performance.

But what about the less well-known , easy to find aphrodisiacs that have been in use for thousand of years around the world? Can almonds, oats, crushed beetles or chocolate turn us on? Take our quick quiz and find out how to spice up your life - in the kitchen and out...


1)  Which of the following should you eat if you're trying to increase production of sperm, testosterone or vaginal lubrication?

• Dairy products
• Oranges
• Whole grains
• Coffee

2) Which food contains a chemical very similar to the male sex hormone?

• Plums
• Truffles
• Prawns
• Asparagus

3) Why does a mouthful of chocolate make us feel so damned good?

•  The sugar triggers the release of serotonin  the body's 'feel-good' chemical and produces endorphins in the brain, giving us an almost orgasmic rush
• The fat content acts on the nerve chemical galanin, which controls our cravings for food, and also enhances the chocolate's flavour
•  Chocolate contains caffeine and phenylethylamine, which stimulate the brain and increases blood pressure and heart rate.
• All of the above

4) Spanish Fly, a famous aphrodisiac known to be toxic when used improperly, is made from which of the following?

• Spanish flies   
• Powdered human bone marrow   
• Crushed beetles   
• Desiccated butterfly wings

5) Which of the following food has recently been shown to reduce the male sex drive?

• Semolina   
•  Licorice   
• Garlic   
• Cultivated mushrooms

6) Which of the following ingredients are you most likely to see in a love potion?

• Melons   
• Plums   
• Nuts   
• Passion fruit

7 ) What of the following  from garlic is said to increase libido?

• Heat    
• Spiciness  
• Heat   
• Flavor

8 ) Asparagus is said to increase libido, because of which of the following:

• Phallic shape    
• Taste  
• Color   
• Nutrients

9 ) Alcohol is said to increase libido, true or false?

• True    
• False 

Check your Answers:
Question #: 1 Which of the following should you eat if you're trying to increase production of sperm, testosterone or vaginal lubrication?
The correct answer: Whole grains
Answer explanation: Foods such as whole grains, beef and particularly oysters are considered aphrodisiacs because they're high in zinc. Zinc is vital for the production of hormones, particularly prostaglandin, the hormone that regulates the growth and functioning of the sex organs.

Question #: 2 Which food contains a chemical very similar to the male sex hormone?
The correct answer: Truffles
Answer explanation: These underground fungi have been proven to turn women on.  The musk scent of truffles excites the sensory glands on the skin. Female pigs become sexually excited at the musty, chemical smell of truffles, which is why they're used to find them (to female pigs, the smell is the same as that of a hog's breath! ). In laboratory tests on women, photographs of men were considered more sexy when the aroma of truffles was secretly released into the room.

Question #: 3 Why does a mouthful of chocolate make us feel so damned good?
The correct answer: All of the above
Answer explanation: A box of chocolates is the ideal gift for Valentines as chocolate contains a cocktail of chemicals that make us feel good. The effects of eating chocolate  increased heart rate, excitement, and satisfaction have been identified as the same as those we experience when we fall in love. Aaaah !!

Question #: 4 Spanish Fly, a famous aphrodisiac known to be toxic when used improperly, is made from which of the following?
The correct answer: Crushed beetles
Answer explanation: The crushed and powdered body of the emerald-green blister beetle is considered an aphrodisiac. When the dried and crushed body of the beetle makes contact with the skin, it causes swelling and blistering (and, some men hoped, swelling of the penis). It was believed that, if slipped into the drink of a lady, it would arouse the desire for sex. Which it didn't (one of the Marquis de Sade's attempts at an orgy failed and he poisoned a roomful of prostitutes). And contrary to myths or sales hype, the cocktail Spanish Fly does not contain any crushed beetles, just a mix of tequila and cinnamon.

Question #: 5 Which of the following food has recently been shown to reduce the male sex drive?
The correct answer: Licorice
Answer explanation: The New England Journal of Medicine recently published findings from research into the dried rhizome and roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, from which licorice is extracted. The root contains an active ingredient that interacts with male hormone production and decreases testosterone production. Eating 250g of licorice has the same effect on testosterone production as smoking 10 marijuana joints, the research concluded.

Question #: 6  Which of the following ingredients are you most likely to see in a love potion?
The correct answer: Nuts
Answer explanation: For thousands of years, nuts have been ground up and make into love potions and serums. Pine nuts are a common aphrodisiac around the Mediterranean, walnuts are a sign of fertility in Italy, and gingko nuts form a large part of Chinese herbal medicine. It's the smell of nuts that drives some women wild, while men benefit from nuts high in zinc. The antioxidant properties of some nuts stimulate the circulation and, according to one ancient Arabic love manual, all you need for a night of passion is 'a glass of thick honey, plus 20 almonds and 100 pine nuts'.

Question #: 7  What of the following  from garlic is said to increase libido?
The correct answer: Heat
Answer explanation: "A lot of men with heart disease will have impotence but not realize poor circulation and narrowing of the arteries in the groin is to blame. Garlic can help. A good flow of blood to the groin means a man should not have a problem with sex." Not quite an aphrodisiac but possibly enough to account for the stinking rose's unlikely romantic reputation?

Question #: 8  Asparagus is said to increase libido, because of which of the following?
The correct answer: Nutrients
Answer explanation:  A classic in the aphrodisiac world. Whether boiled or steamed the asparagus is an effective stimulant. This erotic shaped vegetable is best, cooked and consumed whole. Part of the lily family, asparagus contains plenty of vitamin A and C. Consume over three consecutive days for the most powerful effect.

Question #: 9  Alcohol is said to increase libido, true or false?
The correct answer: False
Answer explanation: Alcohol is a depressant and while it decreases your inhibitions, excess alcohol in your system kills all sexual desire and performance! So go easy on that drink at your next party ….

Results Diagnosis:
9 out of 9 - Oh wow – your love life is fit to be envied!
5 out of 9 - Not bad for starters, but it's probably best that you eat out this Valentines. Less than 5 - Let's be honest, you're more than you think you are... Do your love life a favor and start treating yourself and your loved one to some seriously sexy food.

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