Avante Aphrodisiacs 

The word aphrodisiac is taken from the name of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite and from the earliest of ages man has sought these mythical substances like the pursuit of alchemy. The intriguing blend of science and folklore has captured the imagination to such extent that a man will eat lion’s testicles believing it will make him more potent and virile. The Old testament mentions the Mandrake plant as an aphrodisiac but we can look to Aristotle of ancient Greece for the oldest recorded aphrodisiac which was Cantharides. This is the dried and powdered body of the blister beetle, a brown or bluish creature found in southern Europe.

Medical science has brought explanations as to why some aphrodisiacs maintain their credibility in this modern age with the effect they have on certain chemicals essential in the human body for arousal. Although mainly associated with the male, the hormone testosterone is responsible for powering the sex drive in both men and women. In the right amounts certain hormones stimulate the limbic lobe of the brain, which in turn dilates blood vessels in the genitals to create swelling then closes off to maintain the blood supply in the region. Other chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine are released from the brain to maintain the state of mental arousal.

Modern science is uncovering the minerals and vitamins high in certain foods, which are essential to produce the sex hormones. 

Oysters and mussels for example are high in zinc, a mineral used in the production of testosterone. 

Asparagus has Vitamin E found in abundance and is essential to produce testosterone. 

Curries are given their heat by capsaicin and it is this that increases the heart rate and triggers a rush of endorphins. 

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which gives you a feeling of well-being and excitement that is very similar to the endorphins giving us a natural high. 

Wild Yam has yielded a chemical analysis, which shows that it contains chemicals that can increase sensitivity in the genitals. 

Ginkgo is useful for stimulating the release of nitric oxide, widening blood vessels of the genitals and erectile tissue. 

Spanish Fly is a poison from a beetle, which irritates the urinary tract and sends a rush of blood to the genitals to repair them yet causing swelling at the same time. 

Yohimbine bark can facilitate erections by stimulating the nervous system and increasing blood flow to the penis.

Whatever the chemical properties of an aphrodisiac, some of its success may be deemed as psychological. Several tests were carried out and showed that placebos, when described as having strong aphrodisiacal properties, had the same desired effect as aphrodisiacs and created sexual arousal.

It is the combination of the essential chemicals found in the food, the reputation of the foods effectiveness and the ambience in which the food is served that creates the most powerful aphrodisiac. A scene set with candle light, oysters and the belief that you are on the verge of a truly erotic and sensual experience all powers the body and mind to a place where the ultimate can be achieved.

Avante Swingers©