The quest for aphrodisiacs has perpetually been the obsession of man. For thousands of years, certain foods were considered to have elements that stimulate sexual craving and enhance sexual performance. Coined after Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, aphrodisiacs have been the focus of many ancient writings, particularly in Rome, China, Egypt and India.

Modern scientists however have deemed aphrodisiacs as myths. The United States Food and Drug Administration declared in 1989 that the presumed effects of these aphrodisiacs are all based on folklore. Still, romantics continue to believe that aphrodisiacs add spice to their sex lives. But unknown to many, some of the most popular aphrodisiacs may also be beneficial for people with diabetes and heart problems.

The sweet taste of chocolate, the spicy aromas of garlic and onion, and a nibble of a piquant pepper may not only entice our senses of taste and imagination, but may also make for heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly fare. (However, these suggestions are for information purposes only, not intended to treat diabetes or hypertension and should not be used as substitute for professional medical advice.)

Garlic
Garlic was considered as a marvelous aphrodisiac by the workers who constructed the Great Pyramid of Giza most likely due to how its spicy taste stimulates the palate. Garlic may have some health benefits such as shortterm minor reductions in cholesterol levels. It can also help thin the blood – a plus for reducing heart attack risk but a minus for raising bleeding tendencies. Studies on the ability of garlic to lower blood pressure and blood sugar have also been inconsistent. And before you pucker up, watch the garlic breath, folks!

Onion
This pungent member of the lily family has been considered an aphrodisiac since prehistoric times, even mentioned in the Kama Sutra, a Hindu text on the art of making love. Onions have been noted to lower blood sugar in experimental animals. Their blood-thinning and cholesterollowering effects also show promise.

Oyster
This zinc-laden mollusk has long been associated with virility and passion. (Some compounds in oysters can stimulate release of testosterone and estrogen in animals.) The zinc in oysters can promote a healthy immune system and strengthen wound healing, which is particularly good for diabetics. Oysters are no longer banned from low cholesterol diets. Reanalysis of oyster composition showed these to contain only half the cholesterol of what was previously thought to be cholesterol. Shellfish in moderate amounts are low in saturated fat. People with diabetes should only eat oysters if they’re thoroughly cooked though. Raw ones may contain bacteria that can make you seriously ill.

Banana
The banana’s characteristics – elongated shape, creamy and lush texture, has made it one of the more popular aphrodisiacs. Rumor mills say it has bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that purportedly enhances male performance. The truth is, bromelain has not been proven to enhance libido and is derived not from the banana but from the pineapple. Nevertheless, bananas contain Potassium that helps in blood pressure regulation and is a good source ofVitamins B6, C and fiber. (Diets rich in fiber can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.)

Chili
It makes your skin flush, causes your heart to race and sets your mouth on fire – the feelings associated with the euphoria of sexual arousal. Chili or cayenne pepper is also an important source of antioxidants (chemicals that combat oxygen damage to the body) plus vitamins A and C and may help reduce pain and inflammation in selected conditions. Capsaicin in chili pepper is already being used to treat the pain of diabetic nerve damage when applied to the skin surface. Very preliminary tests in animals and test tubes suggest that capsaicin in cayenne may improve blood flow to the heart and reduce risk for irregular heart beats.

Chocolate
The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to associate chocolate with sex. Montezuma, an Aztec ruler had a harem of 600 beauties and often drank as many as 50 cups of chocolate to better satisfy all of them. Chocolate may contain a sedative (thus causing one to relax and lower inhibitions) and a stimulant in the form of caffeine and theobromine (thereby increasing the desire for physical contact). It also has phenylethylamine, the chemical released in the blood of those in love.

Recent human studies show that eating dark chocolate may reduce blood pressure and improve insulin action in the body. Dark chocolate has flavonoids, the natural antioxidants also found in fruits, vegetables, tea and red wine. Milk chocolate contains little flavonoids while white chocolate does not. Diabetics can eat chocolate in moderation. Watch the calories though, since 1 cup of chocolate can pack up to 1,000 or more calories.

Potato
Centuries ago, far from its food staple status today, the potato was feared to be dirty, unholy and unhealthy. Potato popularity soared only after it was rumored to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The potato is an excellent source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, Vitamin B6, potassium and fiber. And it has recently been found to contain kukoamines which may help lower blood pressure. Potatoes are virtually fat free as long as they’re baked not fried (or slathered with sour cream, butter and bacon).

Asparagus
Because of its shape, Asparagus, which contains neither fat nor cholesterol, was believed to have aphrodisiac effects. In the 19`h century, three courses of asparagus were served to bridegrooms due to its reputed aphrodisiac powers. It is also an excellent source of folic acid which lowers homocysteine levels and might reduce the risk of heart disease. It is packed with Vitamins A, B6, C, K, fiber, potassium and a lot more nutrients.

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