The need to procreate has been genetically programmed into every living creature on the planet. While most species engage in sex only to reproduce, man is one of the few species who use sex as a means to find pleasure. This pursuit has made him go to great lengths to find means by with sexual desire can be increased or heightened. Since ancient times, mankind has resorted to eating the most bizarre foods to increase his performance in the boudoir. Take a look at this list to find out what people around the world are willing to eat so that they can have better sex.
The Stone Age
In the age before recorded history, the ancestors of mankind lived mainly by instinct and their sense of smell was a big part of their survival. According to historians, when man lived more like other animals, he was attracted to a potential mate by the smell of her body. That made body odor the very first aphrodisiac known to man.
3,000 B.C.
Ancient Egypt was a land of many gods and goddesses. Some very native to Egypt while other gods were a cultural import from Roman and Greek mythology. Because lilies were believed to be a prized possession of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, they were used to enhance sexual performance.
8th Century B.C.
The ancient Romans believed that remora, also known as suckerfish, had the ability to induce passion. Potions made with remora were sold in the markets to eager customers who wanted to spruce up their sex life.
6th Century B.C.
Mankind has gone to great lengths to experiment with foods that can make improve their love-making abilities. In the 6th century B.C., ancient Greeks believed that Hippomanes, a small piece of flesh taken from a foal’s forehead, could heighten sexual desire.
2nd Century A.D.
Cobra is one of the most feared reptiles on the planet. But that did not stop the Cantonese from having it for dinner to enhance their sex drive.
3rd Century A.D.
There are many strange reasons why certain foods are classified as potential aphrodisiacs. Sometimes, it’s just the way a particular creature looks. Because sea cucumbers resemble the shape of a phallus, the Chinese began to have it to heat things up in their bedrooms.
7th Century A.D.
Saffron, which is produced from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, is a spice commonly used in Spanish, Italian and Indian cuisine. In the ancient world, from Indian to Egypt to Greece, saffron was coveted for its ability to increase sexual desire. Research has found that saffron does live up to its claims.
12th Century A.D.
Balut, an egg containing a duck fetus in consumed as a sidewalk snack in the Philippines. Filipinos believe it increases stamina and sex drive.
13th Century A.D.
In pre-Columbian times, South American newlyweds got toasted leaf-cutter ants for their wedding night. Along with their aphrodisiac properties, the ants are a low-fat, high-protein power food to keep the new couple healthy and strong.
14th Century A.D.
Paracelsus, a Swiss-German doctor, said the shape of nature’s objects determined their purpose. Walnuts were thought to resemble testicles and were consumed for virility.
The Renaissance Period
During the Renaissance period, people thought that carrots could help boost your libido. They were believed to have had a stimulating effect on male potency. So carrots, along with Arugula and garlic, were consumed by men in order to improve performance.
16th Century A.D.
Apart from the belief that Rhino horn could increase sexual desire, according to the 16th-century Chinese pharmacist Li Shi Chen, the horn was used to treat fever, rheumatism, gout, and other disorders in traditional Chinese medicine.
18th Century A.D.
Oysters have been on the list of aphrodisiacs for a long time now. It was believed that they contain amino acids that trigger sex hormones. To add to the allure, there is also the legend of Casanova consuming 50 oysters for breakfast every day to increase his libido.
19th Century A.D.
Mankind has always found it exhilarating to play with danger. Fugu or blow fish is said to have passion-inducing powers. However, some species of this fish also contain a neurotoxin that is at least 1,200 times more potent than cyanide. Blow fish is now a delicacy that’s only prepared by licensed chefs in Japan.
20th Century A.D.
In China, sea horse is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac and is often taken to increase sexual potency. Dried seahorses are submerged in a bottle of alcohol for about a month, then consumed by men to promote virility.
