People have always looked for foods to stimulate their sexual responses. The list of such foods seems to pop up every Valentine’s Day between myths and facts—between scientific conclusions and popular beliefs. Let’s take a look at the list.
Shark fin:A traditional Chinese dish.
Royal jelly: A stimulant. This “nectar of the gods” has been used since ancient times in Rome.
Brown sugar:A slight hyperglycemia is always beneficial to set an atmosphere of love. A lack of sugar causes an increase in the body’s production of adrenaline, and this hormone “blocks” any favorable sexual response.
Celery: Even though it is probably the most popular ingredient of the list, scientists agree that it has a moderate aphrodisiac effect, which increases when combined with beetroot.
Hazelnuts: In some regions, they are eaten at wedding banquets and they are even placed in baskets right next to the newlywed’s bed.
Cinnamon: Apparently, its effect is stronger when added to soft liqueurs.
Strawberries:Surely the ultimate sensual fruit. It is ideal to accompany a fine champagne.
Ginseng: Served as a warm tea, it softens the temper and facilitates love.
Figs: They are sacred among the Greek. In some societies, they are used to seduce single women.
Mallow: This herb is useful to reduce stress.
Nuts:They symbolize fertility.
Pepper:Ideal to “spice-up” your date.
Truffles :Though expensive, people from Tuscany, Italy, assure they are effective.
Sage:This plant was found in almost every garden of ancient Greece. People believed that it gave eternal life and a great strength of love.
Avocado: Mexicans assure it is a strong stimulant.
Seafood: All seafood, but especially shellfish, are known as marine “hunks.”
Honey:It is an icon of love in many cultures. The “honeymoon” is directly linked to the purest, most authentic manifestation of love.
Chocolate:It is the king of lovers and Saint Valentine’s favorite treat. Here is a quick and easy recipe that combines chocolate and cheese . . . you’ll fall in love with it!
MOCHA AND CHEESE CHOCOLATE BARS
Ingredients:
To make the crust:
- 1 ¼ cup low-sugar chocolate cookies, grated
- ¼ cup artificial sweetener (SPLENDA®)
- 1/3 cup low-fat butter, melted
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
To make the filling
- low-fat cream cheese
- 2/3 cup artificial sweetener (SPLENDA®)
- 1 ¼ teaspoon instant coffee
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ¼ cup low-fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 ºF.
In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookies, artificial sweetener, and butter. Lightly grease a baking tray with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Place the mixture on the baking tray and press it firmly. Bake for 5 minutes and let cool. Whip the cream cheese at medium speed. Add the artificial sweetener, coffee, and cocoa, and blend together. Add eggs, one at the time, while mixing the ingredients. Add the whipped cream and vanilla.
Pour this mixture over the cookie crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until it becomes firm. Let cool and cut into bars.
Makes 20 bars.
Each bar has 120 calories, 4 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 120 miligrams of sodium.
