Want to put some va-va-voom in your love life? There's no need to medicate or slurp down some oysters. Instead, you can get all the zest you need in the veggie isle. Cook your paramour a little something featuring these vivacious veggies.
Truffle shuffle
Truffles are rare and expensive, but you can use truffle oil instead. The aphrodisiac properties of truffles come from their scent which is similar to the scent of male pheromones.
Garlic kisses
Garlic is the great cure-all and, according to a recent study, the third most powerful aphrodisiac in the world after honey and oysters. (Anyone for garlic honey oysters?) From the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: "The ancient Indians valued the medicinal properties of garlic and thought it to be an aphrodisiac. [but...] It was also forbidden by monks who believed it to be a stimulant which aroused passions. Widows, adolescents and those who had taken up a vow or were fasting could not eat garlic because of its stimulant quality."
The French may no longer practice the tradition of dining on asparagus three times a day before your wedding night to increase libido, but there is some scientific evidence to back up the idea of aphrodisiac asparagus. Asparagus contains calcium, vitamin E and potassium which cleanse the kidneys and urinary track while imbuing a burst of energy. Aspartic acid found in asparagus neutralizes ammonia in our bodies, which can lead to fatigue and a lack of sexual desire.
Cucumber Canoodle
OK, we all know what it's shaped like, but the aphrodisiac qualities of cucumber comes mostly from its aroma. A study by a group of Chicago scientists found that the smell of cucumber increased vaginal blood flow by about 13 percent.
Hot Pepper Love
Peppers have a high volume of alkaloid capsaicin and trigger the release of feel-good endorphins which act as natural pain killers. Peppers raise your heartbeat and increase the flow of blood and oxygen while making your lips swell a little so that they are just a little more kissable.
Adapted from an article on Greenmoxie.com
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