Voice of London

Stop worrying about what you are going to cook for Christmas, and start thinking about what you will serve in bed on the big day.

Reporter: Elitsa Grigorova| Subeditor: Ivelina Nikolova

In the festive spirit, and the Voice of London sexual one, I decided to put together few words about food aphrodisiacs. There are all so many articles around this time of the year about how to prepare the perfect 11 course meal Christmas dinner, demanding from every devoted housewife to slave in the kitchen for three days just to produce a fabulous dinner that will be forgotten as quickly as it will be eaten.

Whoever told you ladies that the way to a man’s heart is through is stomach was probably a desperate virgin chef who has never discovered the fun part of life. Have you ever thought about the fact that if you spent as much time working on boosting your libido than you spent recreating a recipe you would actually feel a lot more wanted, appreciated and filled with energy? Yes, you can do that and even still combine it with food. Food aphrodisiacs are not a myth but an actual scientific backing.

Before I give out my recipes for dishes that will enhance your libido and make you go over the top on Christmas, let me explain why such kinds of foods are actually helping from a scientific point of view. I always wondered where there is also a psychological aspect involved in the process. Maybe the way food is being eaten, or if it is a luxurious product that you don’t get to eat every day affect ones’ senses and stimulate certain parts of the brain. Surely all the human senses play a big part in exploring and enjoying a simple fruit, drink or meal.

Let’s look at oysters, the most controversial aphrodisiac. Some people claim that the way of eating oyster is what makes them a tool of seduction. The appearance of the shellfish itself reminds of the female sexual organs, which can only help more for the human’s imagination. However there is research that shows that oyster are not only high in zinc but also contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones.

I made research on my own and gathered products that are scientifically proven to contain ingredients that somehow stimulate brain parts or helping of the production of endorphin or other hormones. I also figure that maybe the effect would be even stronger if I combine them together and create a dish. So here is my aphrodisiac menu.

Pomegranate and arugula salad

Arugula has been used in Arabic medicine as a strong aphrodisiac boosting sexual desire. A study conducted in March 2003 has also discovered that arugula leafs extract enhances testosterone level. Pomegranate seeds contain antioxidants that support blood flow, which helps to those suffering from erectile dysfunction. Figs are also high in potassium and antioxidants. The last ingredient of my salad recipe is olive oil, which also has antioxidants, and stimulates blood flow and hormone production according to Beverly Whipple, of the World Association of Sexology.

Here is a short video of how to make it:

Salmon with asparagus

Salmon is said to be a natural aphrodisiac because it is an excellent source of protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, which elevate serotonin levels in the brain and stimulate our moods. Despite of their shape the asparagus are classified as an aphrodisiac also because of some nutrients such as vitamin E, which stimulate the production of sexual hormone production.

Here is a short video of how to make it:

Strawberries with chilli dark chocolate

Chocolate, of course chocolate is an aphrodisiac. It’s aroma, texture, taste make this sweet seem so sensual. Dark chocolate especially is known to influence the dopamine levels in our bodies, which is causing us feelings of pleasure. Now imagine this combined with a chilli red pepper, which stimulates endorphin, and speeds up the heartbeat, what a dangerous blend of flavors this is. All this on top of a delicious strawberry, which you are feeding your partner with.

Here is a short video of how to make it:

Try out this menu for Christmas or create one on your own and share it with your partner. Be patient because it might take some time for all of these aphrodisiacs to kick in and do the job.