It seems around this time a year, pretty much every year; people begin to get the cupid fever. Everyone either wants someone to spend this year’s Valentines Day with or to make sure that they are with the one they love. Although this is not the only effect that Valentine’s Day has. People start to become very much aware of their sweet tooth. That’s right, whether it be chocolate candies or cupcakes with those little heart sprinkles, people want treats that will put anyone in the mood for love. However this isn’t just a recent discovery. Food has played a vital part in Valentine’s Day throughout history. People have become dependant on aphrodisiacs to follow through with this holiday of love. Scientific tests have proven that some aromas can cause an even greater effect on the body than actually eating the food. An aphrodisiac is any agent that has an effect on the mind and causes the arousal of sexual desire. You can see how this would play an important role in our beloved Valentine’s Day. The word aphrodisiac comes from the Greek goddess of sensuality, Aphrodite.
Chocolate is one of the most common aphrodisiacs. It contains both a sedative which lowers inhibitions and a stimulant which increases the want for physical contact. The reason chocolate has been deemed to “melt in your mouth” which makes it so desirable, is because of the fact that its melting point is just below the human body temperature. Research shows that eating chocolate has been linked with the release of serotonin in the brain, which is believed to produce feelings of pleasure. Research has also shown that heroin addicts tend to have an increased liking for chocolate, which is thought to have connection with the triggering of dopamine released in the brain, when eating chocolate, which is similar to the effect of opium. So it’s pretty obvious how chocolate has become to be known as one the greatest feel good foods worldwide.
Truffles are another commonly known aphrodisiac. It is thought that the rarity and musky aroma is the reason that they have long been considered to arouse the body. It has also been said that in order to sustain his masculinity, an ancient lover gorged himself to death on Alba truffles during his wedding feast. Truffles are a type of edible mushroom and are found anywhere from two to sixteen inches below the ground. Although the aphrodisiacal characteristics of truffles have not been established, it is still known as traditional French, northern Italian and Istrian cooking, and in international haute cuisine. Because of their pungent taste however they are used sparingly in cooking, and today in America chocolate truffles have become popular. These are simply chocolates made ot look like truffles. This is thought to have been created because of the combination of aphrodisiacs.
However these are just a couple of the many aphrodisiacs that have been used throughout history. So for this Valentine’s Day look a few of these foods of love up and give them a try. You be the judge of the effect they have on your love life.