My wife will be the first to tell you that I am not a romantic. I do my best to become one on the occasions that call for it, but usually I fail miserably. Even when we were dating I struggled to put together romantic dinners, dates, and events. I fell back to all the old standbys for heightening romance and arousal. Since we have three kids, Valentine's Day has become more about them than about us, and nothing arouses us more these days than the words: "We have 15 minutes before any of the kids get home."

Now I find that all the old traditions and tales about things that get your partner in the mood may not be true. According to this article from the New York Times, many of the once-hallowed methods of causing arousal come up short at best.

Think chocolate is the way to your lover's heart? Better bring a lot of it. One study in the article claims a 130-pound person would have to eat 25 pounds of chocolate to feel its euphoric effects. How about cherries? The aroma in cherries has been shown to actually decrease sexual arousal in women. The same goes for the aroma of charcoal-cooked meats , so don't think a nicely grilled filet mignon is the key to a night of passion. What about that sly, slimy seducer from my honeymoon, oysters? Apparently I didn't eat nearly enough that night to benefit from their carnal qualities. You'd have to scarf down more than twice as many as I did to feel the love.

That brings up another point. Big heavy meals are another no-no for love. The Times article recommends eating lightly if planning a tryst later. Who feels sexy when stuffed to the gills? Playtime turns to naptime fast after a big feast.

So what foods DO work on the libido? The answers aren't that surprising. For women, the aroma of baby powder mixed with licorice seems to do the trick, as well as licorice and the smell of cucumber or banana nut bread. For men, the answer is even less surprising. Doughnuts. To paraphrase a great television romantic, "Mmm.... doughnuts...." The aroma of doughnuts is shown to increase arousal in men (Duh!) but only if mixed with licorice! I'm seeing a pattern here. I actually like licorice, and now I'm starting to see why. Chili peppers are another non-surprising aphrodisiac, while guacamole is somewhat strange. Perhaps the oddest combination was the scent of lavender and pumpkin pie, but wouldn't that mean that Thanksgiving would be our most amorous holiday? It certainly isn't, and George Carlin (RIP) explains why: "It's because all the coats are on the bed!"

So when you are planning that something special for that someone special this Valentine's Day, keep in mind that eating small portions of lavender-scented, spicy licorice on a tiny slice of pumpkin pie may be just the thing to fan the flames. Or just have a doughnut.




What are some of your food turn-ons?

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