Aphrodisiacs
Question #: 1 Which of the following should you eat if you're trying to increase production of sperm, testosterone or vaginal lubrication?
The correct answer: Whole grains
Answer explanation: Foods such as whole grains, beef and particularly oysters are considered aphrodisiacs because they're high in zinc. Zinc is vital for the production of hormones, particularly prostaglandin, the hormone that regulates the growth and functioning of the sex organs.
Question #: 2 Which food contains a chemical very similar to the male sex hormone?
The correct answer: Truffles
Answer explanation: These underground fungi have been proven to turn women on. Female pigs become sexually excited at the musty, chemical smell of truffles, which is why they're used to find them (to female pigs, the smell is the same as that of a hog's breath). In laboratory tests on women, photographs of men were considered more sexy when the aroma of truffles was secretly released into the room.
Question #: 3 Why does a mouthful of chocolate make us feel so damned good?
The correct answer: All of the above
Answer explanation: A box of Milk Tray is the ideal gift for Valentines as chocolate contains a cocktail of chemicals that make us feel good. The effects of eating chocolate – increased heart rate, excitement, and satisfaction – have been identified as the same as those we experience when we fall in love. Aaaah.
Question #: 4 Spanish Fly, a famous aphrodisiac known to be toxic when used improperly, is made from which of the following?
The correct answer: Crushed beetles
Answer explanation: The crushed and powdered body of the emerald-green blister beetle is considered an aphrodisiac. When the dried and crushed body of the beetle makes contact with the skin, it causes swelling and blistering (and, some men hoped, swelling of the penis). It was believed that, if slipped into the drink of a lady, it would arouse the desire for sex. Which it didn't (one of the Marquis de Sade's attempts at an orgy failed when he poisoned a roomful of prostitutes). And contrary to myths or sales hype, the cocktail Spanish Fly does not contain any crushed beetles, just a mix of tequila and cinnamon.
Question #: 5 Which of these is used in Asia to boost flagging male libidos?
The correct answer: All of the above
Answer explanation: In parts of Asia, it's believed that drinking blood as it pumps out of a dying animal will increase libido. Snake blood – preferably from a poisonous snake – is probably the most popular and certain bars will offer blood cocktails. Rhino horns, sadly, do contain traces of a sexual stimulant, but not nearly enough to have any discernible effect, and there's a roaring trade in seals' penises, a snip at £100 apiece.
Question #: 6 One of the oldest known cookbooks included which of the following foods as a cure for female infertility?
The correct answer: Stuffed womb of pig and cow
Answer explanation: In the oldest known recipe book, De re Coquinaria, the author Apicius supported the theory of 'organotherapy': that organ dysfunction in humans could be cured by eating the equivalent healthy organ of an animal. Infertile women were therefore encouraged to eat the womb of animals such as pigs and cows.
Question #: 7 Which of the following food has recently been shown to reduce the male sex drive?
The correct answer: Liquorice
Answer explanation: The New England Journal of Medicine recently published findings from research into the dried rhizome and roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, from which liquorice is extracted. The root contains an active ingredient that interacts with male hormone production and decreases testosterone production. Eating 250g of liquorice has the same effect on testosterone production as smoking 10 marijuana joints, the research concluded.
Question #: 8 In ancient China, which of the following human 'ingredients' was eaten as an aphrodisiac?
The correct answer: All of the above
Answer explanation: There has always been a strong connection between cannibalism and aphrodisiacs and in China, particularly, it was believed that eating genitals, placentas, menstrual blood and semen could increase sexual prowess. Eunuchs – male slaves castrated in order to work in harems – are known to have eaten human penises in an effort to encourage their own members to grow back.
Question #: 9 What is the active ingredient in the Aboriginal aphrodisiac potion Love-Love?
The correct answer: Powdered emu eggshell
Answer explanation: The Aborigines believe that the crushed shell of an old emu egg promotes calmness, relaxation and general well-being, and reduces sexual inhibition.
Question #: 10 Which of the following ingredients are you most likely to see in a love potion?
The correct answer: Nuts
Answer explanation: For thousands of years, nuts have been ground up and make into love potions and serums. Pine nuts are a common aphrodisiac around the Mediterranean, walnuts are a sign of fertility in Italy, and gingko nuts form a large part of Chinese herbal medicine. It's the smell of nuts that drives some women wild, while men benefit from nuts high in zinc. The antioxidant properties of some nuts stimulate the circulation and, according to one ancient Arabic love manual, all you need for a night of passion is 'a glass of thick honey, plus 20 almonds and 100 pine nuts'.
chillin'
amorous
hungry
down
lazy