in the air this week. Hint, hint…you may still have time to
get your sweetie a Valentine. I happened to read—not from a
scientific journal—that we consider chocolate, oysters,
strawberries, and whipped cream to be the top most romantic
foods. Why? I decided to investigate.
is "the most commonly craved food in North America,
especially among 16- to 19-year-olds and women between 40 to
49 years of age." That is according to a review on
this very important topic that appeared in the Journal of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Apparently, say
neuroscientists, when we eat chocolate, we feel the same
drug-like effects we experience when we are head over heels in
love. Two of chocolate’s main attractions are caffeine and
theobromine, stimulants that produce feelings described by
some as "internal bliss." Another compound is
phenylethylamine, which has a chemical structure similar to
amphetamine, a stimulant that transmits messages of well-being
to our brains.
became famous for their aphrodisiac qualities since word got
out that Casanova, the 18th-century lover, ate 50 raw oysters
for breakfast to increase his romantic prowess. Scientists
have generally disregarded this claim…until recently.
a team of American and Italian (of course) scientists teamed
up to study the validity of oysters in the field of romance.
They conducted their research on mice, not men. But sure
enough, they found that oysters, especially raw oysters,
contain two amino acids, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate,
that are involved in the production of sex hormones. When
injected into male rodents, these substances did indeed seem
to cause these mice to be more frisky. Interesting, too —
when we consider the seasons of romance — oysters contain
the highest concentrations of these amino acids in the spring.
Another study on rats in 2013 found that oysters did indeed
possess "potential aphrodisiac properties."
these mollusks are rich in protein and iron. And they contain
high levels of zinc, a mineral essential for the development
of the reproductive system.
They are red, and they are shaped like cute little hearts. In
ancient days, strawberries were said to symbolize Venus, the
goddess of love. As far back as 234 B.C. strawberries grew
wild in Italy (of course). And they are brimming with
nutrition. Ounce for ounce, they contain more vitamin C than
oranges and are a good source of dietary fiber. One cup of
sliced fresh strawberries contains just 50 calories.
legends surround the sweet strawberry, according to the
University of Illinois Extension Service. For example, if you
find a double strawberry, break it in half and share it with a
member of the opposite sex. You will surely fall in love with
each other. Dip it in chocolate or whipped cream and who knows
what might happen?
Cream. I’m not touching this one. Have a Happy Valentine’s