Make no mistake about it, what you eat and drink can change your mood and your entire state of being. We’re not just talking about wine! Many different types of foods and beverages we ingest directly impact our mental state and this has been proven over and over again. Don’t trust us? Eat McDonalds straight for a week and tell us how you feel after or try something that we’ve been turned onto as we’ve discovered more and more secrets of the Roman Empire and Magna Grecia. Both the Greeks and the Romans noted the use of different foods in hundreds of texts that caused emotional shifts in the characters of these texts.
There are foods you can eat which it turns out can alter your mental state, give you more energy and have you feeling better about yourself and it turns out that Italians eat a great deal of these foods – almost constantly – in their diet. We’re not suggesting that Italians are more or less passionate, in-shape and happy people – but yeah – actually we are. They are! They eat a lot…. but if our research proves accurate, what they seem to be doing right is eating a lot of the right stuff and whether you want to call them Aphrodisiacs or not, the Greeks and Romans did and these foods we have included in the list below are grown in Italy and are staples particularly in southern Italian cuisine.
The further south you go… the more ‘aphrodisiacs’ , the longer people live and the more creative the cooking is, Sicily being the most creative, colourful and sophisticated cuisine in Italy there is.
These foods as the Greeks and Romans happened to call them are known as Aphrodisiacs and as it turns out there are over 30 “mind altering” foods that are found in Italy, most in the southern regions – Puglia, Calabria and particularly Sicily – which is home to over 35 aphrodisiacs on the planet!
To clarify – When we say “Mind Altering” we mean this in the best possible sense! These foods help stimulate the production of serotonin which is a known chemical in the brain that creates a feeling of “well-being” when elevated. They also help to produce hormones like estrogen, testosterone and other vital substances our body needs in order to thrive.
Aphrodisiacs exist and they have been noted and employed in the Mediterranean diet starting with the Greeks and Romans. In fact, they were very commonly thought of and if you go to search out What Aphrodisiacs are on Google, you will see straight away that the Roman actually worshiped the apple and thought of it as a common stimulant, probably because the Romans never had sugar of any kind and so it probably helped spike their blood-sugar levels, but regardless – have a look at what an Aphrodisiac is and consider this:
Italy and particularly Sicily is home to over 30 different types of known and classified aphrodisiacs which permeate the diet and you can have a look at just a known few varieties below.
Top 15 ingredients produced in Italy that can not only make you look better but feel better too.
Artichokes
The Artichoke is a plant native to the region of Sicily that most likely takes its name from the Arabic word “al-qarshuf”. It is a food that is widely used in Italian cuisine on pizza, in pasta and served as an antipasto “appetizer” before meals or is eaten alone.
The artichoke itself is a big, strange looking plant that for some people in the 16th Century was seen to be a scandalous “adventure” of sorts for women. At that time, because the artichoke was considered an aphrodisiac, it was reserved for men only. In fact, the artichoke was denied to women and reserved for men because of its known aphrodisiac properties. However, today they are eaten in a variety of dishes all over Italy, though surprisingly even today especially in the Arab world, where the women are denied artichokes and many have neither tasted nor seen them.
Asparagus
In 19th-century Italy, bridegrooms were served three courses of the sexy spears at their prenuptial dinner. The ancient Egyptians cultivated it, and Romans, from Julius Caesar to Augustus, prized the wild variety. It receives rave attention in the 17th century Italian and French cookbooks. The asparagus growing beds in Northern Italy were famous all over Europe during the Renaissance period.
Almonds
Almonds grow all over Italy, though particularly in the regions of Puglia, Campania, Molise and Lazio. Through antiquity, almonds were regarded as fertility symbols. The aroma of almond supposedly arouses passion in females — or so thought the poets and scribes. The scientists say that almonds provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and even fiber. Therefore, there seems to be something in the almond myths after all.
Basil
Basil not only makes the meals smell and taste better, but it also has a lot of beneficial effects on human body. Basil has a fantastic aroma that is said to have an aphrodisiac effect; it is also very stimulating. Using sweet basil in a pasta sauce will be sure to get your heart racing! Maybe this explains why Italians are so romantic!
Carube
Carob grows well anywhere that citrus is grown, and it prefers dry climates that receive more than 30 centimeters of rainfall–ideal mediterranean-type climates.The fruit of carob is a pod, technically a legume 15 to 30 centimeters in length and fairly thick and broad. Pods are borne on the old stems of the plant on short flower stalks. Interestingly, most carob trees are monoecious, with individual male and female flowers.
The dark-brown pods are not only edible, but also rich in sucrose (almost 40% plus other sugars) and protein (up to 8%). Moreover, the pod has vitamin A, B vitamins, and several important minerals. They can be eaten directly by livestock, but we know carob mostly because the pods are ground into a flour that is a cocoa substitute.
Olives and Olive Oil
Olives have been a staple in the Italian and Mediterranean diet since ancient times, and were also used as aphrodisiacs. Green olives are said to increase a man’s virility, and black olives stimulate a woman’s sexual passions. In Crete, the uncooked oil of olives harvested from wild trees was considered especially potent. Newlyweds in the south of Crete ate bread soaked in the first olive oil of the year, an elixer that was believed to stimulate sexual performance and increase fertility. According to legend, a rebellious wife who refuses to yield her body to her husband should be massaged with olive oil for seven days. On the eighth day, she will be sweet-tempered and responsive to her husband’s lovemaking. The following folkloric saying is still heard in the olive oil producing regions of Greece: “Use olive oil and come at night.”
Tomatoes
Many food experts prefer to call the tomato, the “apple of love.” Why is the tomato erotic? Two reasons: First of all, the sensation of eating a fresh, fully ripened, crisp, clean, juicy tomato is sexy all on its own. Watching a pair of sexy lips nibble on this fruit (or vegetable, depending on which school you belong to), is enough to make you hungry for other things. Of course, the juicier the tomato, the more chance you’ll have of dribbling on yourself or your partner.but isn’t that what tongues are for? Added bonus: Eating tomatoes is known to aid in sexual performance. They help calm pre-sex nerves, which can be especially helpful in a first-time-partner situation. Furthermore, the tomato is also known for improving muscle control, which can aid in a number of other between-the-sheets efforts, too.
Grapes and Italian Grape Juice (i.e. Red Wines, particularly those of Chianti, Barbaresco, Brunello and the BBB wines)
Grapes figured prominently in the sensual rites of Greek Dionysian cults, during which copious amounts of wine was imbibed, loosening inhibitions and enhancing attraction.
Garlic
It may be stinky, but Garlic is one of the most venerable substances in medicine and cuisine, and traditionally in Roman times was thought to have magical and healing properties. This strong herb was thought to have the the ability to stir the passions.
Garlic is chock-full of Allicin, an ingredient that will increase blood flow. So, whip up an extra-garlicky dish tonight, and keep the Altoids handy!
Tartufo and Truffles
Truffles have been a rare and expensive delicacy since the Babylonians, and they grow rampant in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Molise and Abruzzo. Italian like to use them in a wide variety of Pasta and Risotto dishes as well as in various oils that can be used with Bruschetta. The Greeks placed them very high on their list of potent aphrodisiacs to enhance sexual desire and were used as a staple in the diet of the ancient Romans. The effect is in the nose, so to speak. The musky “male underarm sweat” aroma of truffles is a replication of the male pheromone Androstenone.
Cedro
The Cedro fruit is a unique plant to southern Italy, particularly the Cedri Riviera where you can find the towns of Diamante, Scalea, Praia a Mare and Santa Maria Del Cedro where this tree is harvested and used to create liquors and fruit juices and where the oil is extracted from its peel that is used by major perfume manufactures from some of Italy and France’s largest fashion houses.
The scent of this tree and the blossoms in the spring time in this part of the world is like nothing I can describe in words. If there is a smell that smells like heaven then this is it and its aroma no doubt was what caused the Greeks who initially conquered Souther Italy to describe the scent as a powerful Elixir.
Honey
Honey is produce all over Southern Italy, most widely in the regions of Sicily, Puglia, Molise and Campania.
Legend has it that Cupid dipped his love arrows in honey before aiming at unsuspecting lovers.
As I mentioned before, the word aphrodisiac comes from the name of the Greek Goddess of sexual love and beauty, Aphrodite. and honey in ancient times was known as the nectar of Aphrodite.
Lovers on their “Honeymoon” drank mead and it was thought to sweeten the marriage. The use of honey spiced with nutmeg is also mentioned in the Kama Sutra and The Perfumed Garden.
The flavor of honey depends upon the type of nectar gathered by the bees, and can be mild, spicy, fragrant or aromatic or even a combination. The color of the honey indicates the flavor concentration. A lighter color denotes a mild flavor while a darker color means a more robust flavor. The color can vary from near white, yellow, gold, dark brown, red or even black and the textures can be from anywhere between thin to heavy
Figs
These sexy fruits have long been thought of as arousing stimulants, and an open fig is believed to emulate the female sex organs. Figs are steeped in history and are one of the oldest-recorded fruits. They are mentioned in the Bible (Adam and Eve wore fig leaves to cover their private parts), are reported to be Cleopatra’s favorite fruit, and the ancient Greeks held them as sacred and associated them with love and fertility.
Dates
Dates since the time of the Romans have been considered a “sacred fruit” and they were considered a symbol of grace and elegance and was often gifted by them to women. Dates mixed with milk and cinnamon were thought to be aphrodisiac
They originated around the Persian Gulf, were cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt. Arabs spread dates around South and South East Asia, northern Africa, and Spain and Italy. Spaniards brought Dates to Mexico and California.
Chocolate
Chocolate is thought of as being the king of natural aphrodisiacs and is produced all over Italy, though the major chocolate houses like Perugino and Ferrero Roche some of the largest are in Perugia where there are some major chocolate festivals each year.
Chocolate contains a host of compounds including anandamide, the psychoactive “feel-good” chemical, and PEA (phenylalanine), the “love chemical,” which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain and peaks during orgasm. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria. Cacao also contains Tryptophan, a key component of the neurotransmitter serotonin known to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
A nice glass of Brunello and some dark chocolate….. OMG! 
Peperoncino
Peperoncino is a spicy hot pepper that is grown all over Southern Italy particularly in the region of Calabria and it has become an essential part of the Calabrian identity, influencing both the region’s food and folklore. It is one of the region’s most important economic and cultural resources
It is also known to be a powerful aphrodisiac and indeed it is used in Calabria in a variety of pasta dishes, with sea-food and in a number of oils that are sold all over Italy and Europe.
In honor of this fiery fruit, the Peperoncino Festival is held every September, organized by the Academy of the Peperoncino, which is based in Diamante, a nice little town overlooking the beautiful Calabrian Tyrrhenian Sea. This celebration includes concerts, dances, film reviews, street theater and a competition to find the person capable of eating the greatest number of peppers.
Fennel
Fennel as a libido booster for women and grows all over Italy. It is served in its raw form particularly during the summer months over lunch and sometimes with dinner.
Fennel’s botanical name is “Foeniculum Vulgare”. It belongs to the Apiaceae family which also includes plants like parsley and carrot. Fennel is native to Southern Italy although because of its wide-spread medicinal and health-benefits, it is now being cultivated almost all over the world.
Fennel is related to plants like cumin, dill, anise and caraway and has a long history of magical, medicinal and culinary uses. The first known use of the herb was made by the ancient Egyptians who regarded fennel as a potent nutritional supplement and libido booster and employed the herb in various medicinal and culinary recipes. In ancient China, fennel was believed to treat cases of snake bite too. From the medicinal, it was a small step to the magical when fennel was started to be used in the Middle Ages as protection against witches and evil spirits and accordingly hung over the doorway of houses on Midsummer Eve. Eventually fennel came to be used as an important ingredient in love potions, a tradition which continued with modifications till recent times as evidenced by fennel’s presence in modern stimulants like absinthe.
Fennel works as an aphrodisiac for women and is also said to aid in weight loss.
The key to fennel’s reputation as an aphrodisiac lies in the fact that the plant contains certain compounds that are similar to the female hormone estrogen. These plant-based estrogen-like compounds are known as phytoestrogen and are believed to stimulate sexual desire among women. Probably for this reason too, fennel was used as a breast enlarger in folk medicine. In fact, so rich is fennel in phytoestrogens that in the 1930s, the herb was considered as a source for producing synthetic estrogens.
Mint
It was considered such a potent aphrodisiac that Aristotle supposedly advised Alexander the Great to order his soldiers not to drink mint tea during campaigns.
Oleander
According to Theophrastus, the smallest does of Oleander mixed with wine had a calming effect on a man’s temper, making him more gentle and cheerful, however this was only because Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants on earth. It abounds everywhere in Italy and it surrounds my home. The sweet smell of it on a summer evening combined with the smell of the Mediterranean is intoxicating unto itself, however Oleander is to be enjoyed as a perfume not to be eaten.
Mediterranean Oysters, Mussels and Swordfish
Oysters captivated the appetites of ancient Greek gourmands long before Aristotle documented their habits and virtues in his Zoologia.
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite was a gift of the sea, carried to shore on an oyster or scallop shell; hence, shellfish were thought to be aphrodisiacs. Oysters, clams and mussels contain D-aspartic acid and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) compounds that may release sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Oysters are also high in zinc, which is associated with enhanced sexual potency in men.
There are also many other types of shell-fish and sea-food that are known for their Aphrodisiac properties including mussels, clams and sword-fish which all come from the shores of the Mediterranean and Ionian seas which surround Italy.
Now, science can actually back up the claim that eating these types of sea-foods not only makes you feel good, but look good too. Scientific research shows that there are certain chemical compounds in mussels that release sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Mussels can be enjoyed steamed with white wine and thyme – also Aphrodisiacs! They can also be enjoyed with butter and garlic and can make for a delicious entrée in any romantic dinner.
Guess what we are having for dinner tonight?!!!!!!!!!
Pine Nuts
The eating of pine nuts dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times when they were commonly preserved in honey.
Pine nuts have been a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine at least since ancient Rome. Roman soldiers ate them as they marched into battle and at Pompeii, archaeologist’s uncovered piles of the savory seeds preserved in volcanic ash— thought to be used in mustards and sausages.
These nuts have been used as an aphrodisiac throughout the Mediterranean and the East. The Perfumed Garden – an ancient Arabic love manual, contains many references to pine nuts: “A glass of thick honey, plus 20 almonds and 100 pine nuts repeated for three nights.” – is a very popular prescription for stimulating a man’s vigour. As they are rich in zinc, they are important for improving fertility.
Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees; they have a soft texture and a sweet, buttery flavor. They are often lightly toasted to bring out the flavor and to add a little crunch.
Rose and Rose Oil
The rose is the most popular flower the world over and for centuries, the color red was associated with life itself and thus synonymous with deep emotions. Around the world the red rose began to be worn at wedding as well as used for decoration. Eventually the red rose became the universal symbol of love and fidelity. To this day, roses planted all over Italy in vineyards, gardens, in the front of houses and in the olive groves.
The famous play “Romeo and Juliet” takes place in “Sweet Verona” in Northern Italy, where he writes: “That which we call a rose; by any other name would smell as sweet?”- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2 scene 2
The scent of the rose has been known to be a major ingredient in the art of seduction and has been mentioned in the Kama Sutra. It is a classic aphrodisiac for women. Cleopatra was known to have used a special blend of rose, cardamom, and cinnamon to seduce Marc Anthony.
In Sufi tradition, it stands for transcendental desire and divine love.
Besides just symbolic, the rose has a powerful pharmacological effects that can bring about feelings of love.
Rosemary
In early times, Rosemary was freely cultivated in kitchen gardens and came to represent the dominant influence of the house mistress ‘Where Rosemary flourished, the woman ruled.’
The Ancient Romans were well acquainted with the shrub, which had a reputation for strengthening the memory. On this account it became the emblem of fidelity for lovers.
A necklace made from rosemary preserves your youth and is said that it is also grown to attract women.
Rosemary was one of the cordial herbs used to flavour ale and wine. With its powerful and captivating aroma, it is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Women have been using its perfume for many moons to bewitch the objects of their affection.
Aniseed i.e. Licorice
The ancient Greeks sucked on anise seeds to increase sexual desire, which is not surprising as aniseseed contains estrogenic compounds said to induce similar effects to testosterone.
Leeks
Leeks were considered to have aphrodisiac properties in ancient Rome and Greece, possibly because their phallic shape was thought to have sympathetic qualities.
Legumes
Hippocrates is said to have prescribed lentils for male virility, which Artistotle cooked with saffron. Plutarch recommended fassolatha, the national bean soup of Greece, for strengthening the libido.
Watermelon
Coffee
