Amorous Gastronomy
Written for: BFR Magazine Issue 25, The Love Issue, Summer 2018
While the old proverb states that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, in this day and age this old-fashioned stereotype can most definitely be extended to the idea that food is the way to most peoples hearts. The intimate act of eating together reveals certain truths about those surrounding us - who slurps loudest, who eats the fastest, who uses a napkin - and each of these factors will attract and disgust everyone very differently. From outdated traditions of the “man” pulling out his companion’s chair and paying the bill, to the timeless debate of choosing a restaurant, to the more current discussion as to whether phones are allowed at the table, often, the etiquette of a meal is examined to a higher degree when shared with a love interest.
Especially in the early days of new love, eating together is another tick box on the compatibility test, and the initial reasons for this are rooted in our primal nature. In the animal kingdom, reproduction and food are intrinsically linked; following reproductive success, the male becomes the provider for the pregnant female and her awaited offspring. Some species, like the praying mantis, even go so far as to that the female feeds on the male after mating, providing a source of nutrition once his role has been fulfilled. Although on a much tamer level, our behaviours over food, such as revealing our palette of likes and dislikes and the milestone of a first shared messy burger, are all part of the courtship. Whether positive or negative, the memories and associations that we have with certain foods and drinks remind us of certain experiences and people. Most people can remember at least one significant meal in a relationship, whether its a five-star glowing review or a below-average experience:
“I once tried cooking a tomato tart for a second date and the base of the pastry didn’t cook. We ate it anyway and both sat there so bloated. It was like a silent mutual agreement not to have sex.” - Anonymous
Our emotional responses to food can also be scientifically altered with what we eat. In Medieval times, herbs and spices such as mint, cardamom, basil, cinnamon and pepper were banned as their seductive qualities were feared to be the result of magical love potions. But today, these sensual effects have been established by scientific research as aphrodisiacs. Despite their slug-like appearance and texture, oysters are a well-known aphrodisiac due to their high levels of amino acids and zinc, which amplifies the rise in testosterone, a hormone that increases sexual desire in both sexes. The inhibiting effect of alcohol on the brain is another popular aphrodisiac, however, there are also many ingredients that are rarely mentioned as heart-racing mediums. Whale bile is the less appetising choice on the list, but for the sake of adhering to the everyday supermarket items, here are a few frisky foods that might help with any pursuits of amorous gastronomy:
Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan, which the body metabolises into the happiness hormone serotonin and stimulates the production of dopamine, of which one of its outputs is pleasure. The yellow fruit also contains vitamin B6 which boosts semen production and stimulates the production of sex hormones in both men and women.
Ginger is a fiery root that is often used as a healing ingredient. But the burning heat of ginger also put our bodies into defence mode, making our pulses race, blood vessels dilate and releasing soothing endorphins to replace pain with pleasure - all symptoms of arousal.
Eggs are a historical symbol of fertility and provide a healthy dose of essential fatty acids, which help to boost the libido.
Garlic is most commonly avoided before social engagements, but this ingredient has been proven to boost circulation, increase testosterone levels and stimulate the release of nitric oxide, which transports the message of arousal from the brain to the reproductive organs.
Avocado is a word derived from the Aztec word “ahuacati”, which means testicle. These ever-popular fruits are rich in potassium and vitamins E and B6, all of which help to relieve stress-related sexual problems such as infertility.
