When we think of Valentine's Day, the image of a winged baby-like creature with a penchant for archery pops into our head: Cupid, the matchmaker. This is the popular depiction that we have been brainwashed to associate with V day, along with red hearts, candy, chocolate, romance and sex.
But where did the Valentine's day traditions begin? Some historians say that it originated from the roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration where it was customary for eligible bachelorettes to write love letters that would be picked by unwed man who would start courting. Or did it start with the pagan tradition of whipping women to promote fertility? Then there's the story of St. Valentine, who wed couples in secret and met a terrible fate?
Regardless of how it came to be, we make this day an excuse to treat the special someone in our lives with some extra love and food.
Since the beginning of time men and women have sought out aphrodisiacs to arouse or increase sexual response or desire. But how do they work?
There are a few different ways depending on the substance. Some work by increasing blood flow to your nether regions, stimulating sexual arousal, and there are others that help our bodies produce chemicals that are associated with sexual desire. Either way, you are going to want to light some candles and listen to some Barry White. Or whatever the equivalent of that is for the younger generation...Bruno Mars? Justin Beiber? I don't know.
Here are the go-to aphrodisiacs that have been used to get into sexy activities for centuries.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate will actually spike up your dopamine levels inducing feelings of pleasure. Cover some fruit with it, it's delicious, pretty to look at and actually quite easy to make to my surprise!
Oysters
Classic aphrodisiac but can be a little on the pricey side, but so worth it! Fresh on the half shelf is the way to go. Find a fancy restaurant or just grab your own at your local fishmonger or Granville Island and shuck away. Also, they contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. So there's that.
Chili peppers
Peppers stimulate endorphins and make you sweat mimicking the way you feel when you are aroused. Don’t overdo it though! There is nothing sexy about having to take constant bathroom breaks on a date.
Avocado
Another win for avocado! It’s sexy uses can be traced back to the Aztecs, in fact the Aztec word for avocado means testicles because their shape resembles balls (yeah, I said it). They are high in vitamin E which boosts the immune system and helps give your skin that youthful glow we all look for in cosmetics.
Bananas
Not only is it a phallic shape, but it contains the enzyme bromelain which triggers testosterone production, and the B vitamins in it will elevate your energy levels, helping you get it on all night long! They also taste pretty good and can be the main attraction of many desserts.
Honey
Filled with nitric oxide which is released in the blood during arousal, honey has been a suggested aphrodisiac for a number of centuries, even Hippocrates would prescribe honey for sexual vigour. So I guess find creative ways to use honey this year? Other than tea...
Vanilla
This a great post dinner treat, not the bean itself but perhaps something infused in it like ice cream or another desert. It will mildly stimulate the nerves increasing sexual sensations.
Strawberries
These vitamin C-filled little wonders will help keep the blood flowing in all regions of the body (ALL regions). Dress them up with chocolate and feed them to each other, or yourself. Self love is important too.
Red Wine
What better way to lower your inhibitions and get a little freaky with the one you love? It is also filled with the antioxidant resveratrol which will help improve circulation before, after and during...
RECIPE: Chocolate covered fruit
Ingredients
Dark chocolate or carob
Fruit (mango, strawberries, pear, apple, grapes, bananas)
Directions
• Place chocolate in a bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water. Stir occasionally, until melted, three to five minutes. Remove from heat.
• Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. One at a time, dip each piece of fruit in chocolate, twirling to coat and place on waxed paper.
• Chill chocolate-dipped fruit at least 15 minutes to set chocolate. (Should not be stored in refrigerator longer than one hour as condensation drops may collect on the chocolate.)
