I always found the connection between food and sex fascinating. Perhaps because both on their own are excitingly intriguing but to investigate and understand the relationship between them can reveal and teach us even more. Much has been said about sex and food, food and sex and everything that in between but what is it about the two that is so emotionally charged? So conditioned? And so often becomes complicated?
Well, to begin with, food and sex are both basic and essential needs to our survival as a species. This is why nature highly rewards us with pleasure that comes with these two, to stimulate us; making sure we survive and keep the species going. This goes deep into our biology. Of course, today we’re not eating to survive and defiantly sex is way beyond reproduction purposes only. These two basic needs have become a fundamental layer in a complicated culture. In every known religion there is a significant pack of rules and regulations regarding the two, what’s good or bad, allowed or forbidden and it is usually some of the strongest and most regulated areas of the common life.
Because we no longer are able to follow Mother Nature’s call in the natural, primitive way and due to the thick layer of emotional and cultural conditioning, we, somewhat, lost the connection, the freedom and the sense of what’s right for us and things became complicated.
The strong connection between the two that spreads on so many levels, both physically and emotionally is often evidenced in addiction issues, cravings and other complexes . Very often we eat to compensate on sexual frustrations or difficulties (blockages) or get ourselves into unhealthy relationships due to a poor body image linked to eating habits. Others loose their ‘juiciness’ and sexual ‘edge’ due to nutritional deficiencies and toxicity.
Another interesting discussion of modern food and sex cultures is that both have been turned into products managed by huge industries. So many of our eating and sexual habits have been shaped by marketing strategies telling us what to be attracted to, what is desirable and so on. Industries are using sex as a lever for marketing certain foods. Too many people are becoming obsessed with food and chronically dieting in order to get the ‘desirable’ body, or at least what is promoted to us as the desirable body, so there is no space left for true intimacy and the food becomes a ‘substitute lover’ with a complicated relationship combined of love and hate, guilt and pleasure.
How do we reconnect to the very source of our real needs in order to fulfill them in a healthy and pleasurable way?
Well, like in all other physical and emotional issues, true healing heals everything. Nourishing yourself well, detoxifying your body from harmful toxins and practicing self love are a good starting point. Connect to your body in any way that ‘does it’ for you; practice yoga, go dancing, running, what ever… If you enjoy it, get the energy flowing and bring ‘happiness’ to every one of your cells, sensuality and sexuality are on their way!
As for specific foods that enhances the libido, the acclaimed list of them is long but here are two highlights: Raw chocolate and Maca.
Apart from being high on vitamin C, antioxidants and a power house of minerals (magnesium, sulphur, zinc and more, all essential for good sexual drive and function), Raw cacao contains Phenylethylamine (PEA) also known as the ‘love chemical’. The presence of PEA in the brain creates feelings of attraction, excitement and euphoria. It also enhances the sensitivity of Dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter.
Maca is a root vegetable that grows in the high altitude of the Andes and is known to the natives there as the number one food to enhance libido and fertility both for humans and livestock. Adding it regularly to your diet will add a zest to your love life over time.
And what does Rock ‘n Roll have to do with all of that? Well, interestingly, the origin of the term was a nickname for sexual intercourse and only later (mid fifties) became the name of a huge musical movement that was identified above all with sexual liberation*.
Love yourselves, love food, love and be loved!
And here is my very sexy smoothie recipe, drinking it REGULARLY, will boost your libido!
For one serving:
1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp virgin coconut fat
2-3 dates
1 ripe banana
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp raw Maca powder
2-3 tbsp raw cacao powder (depend how strong you like it)
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed to a silky smooth consistency.
* many thanks to my friend Boaz Cohen for this piece of juicy information
