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Marketing Aphrodisiacs for Sensual Sustenance
See which products grocers and retailers tend to push around Valentine’s Day to “bring the heat” By Laura Canter
February 2011
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D
id that get your attention? I thought so. So the other day I’m walking through my local grocery store picking up odds and ends for the meal I was going to make for dinner and made a rather random observation. Now, I know specialty stores such as Hallmark go absolutely crazy around Valentine’s Day with the cards and the candy, but this is not limited to just them. Of course grocers and other supermarkets alike have to get in on the action, too. But as I’m walking amid the aisle of endless red heart candy boxes and funky Valentine’s Day gag gifts, I couldn’t help but notice some other products were being sold in access. It is a known fact that chocolate is a well known and recognized aphrodisiac, perhaps that’s why they market it so much around Valentine’s Day, and Christmas for that matter. However, there were some other well known aphrodisiacs that were being sold in access that day as well: oysters, bananas, radishes, champagne, even caviar. Visit us online at www.foodanddrinkdigital.com
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February 2011
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Oysters
Oysters have been linked with love and sexuality for thousands of years. It’s the perfect “finger food” that couples can conveniently eat with their hands and toss away the shell in the heat of the moment. The term “aphrodisiac” was generated when Aphrodite, the Greed goddess of love, emerged from the sea on an oyster shell and promptly gave birth to Eros. Due to the fact that Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, many types of seafood have been considered aphrodisiacs. Many ancient people believed in the so-called “law of similarity,” reasoning that an object resembling genitalia may possess sexual powers. An oyster is a classic example of this. Furthermore, some Visit us online at www.foodanddrinkdigital.com
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believe oysters gained their reputation at a time when they became associated with zinc, which could improve overall health and therefore lead to an increased sex drive. Radishes
Radishes were coveted by the Pharaohs for their aphrodisiac qualities. In addition to Egypt, quite a few Middle Eastern cultures view radishes as stimulating sexual desire causing many nervous fathers to disallow them from their daughter’s diet. Also, the spicy, zesty, crispy consistency of radishes would set anyone off and cause one to do some pretty kinky things. It could all be psychological here due to the prominent history, but sometimes you have to stick with what works. February 2011
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Champagne
One of the world’s most potent natural aphrodisiacs, Champagne is a symbol of celebration. Another fun, sexy fact is Champagne was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite drink. The steady stream of delicate bubbles in Champagne hits the blood stream more quickly than immobile wine, wrapping the body in a warm robe of intoxication, which also goes right to the head. Alcohol obviously can serve to lower anybody’s inhibitions, but Champagne has additional qualities which can serve to put people in the right frame of mind. Champagne also conveys a celebratory mood and Visit us online at www.foodanddrinkdigital.com
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brings back memories of positive events further easing an may have before they engage in the act. Bananas
It goes without saying that bananas are associated with m due to its shape. Bananas originated in Asia, where they of the earliest cultivated fruits. The aphrodisiac nature of bananas was embraced early on in India, bananas were said to be a favorite fruit of the sages. Even today, bananas are included in Indian offerings to the fertility gods. It’s unfortunate that this delicious source of potassium can make one feel self conscious just by eating it in the presence of others. But the brutal fact here is bananas contain the Visit us online at www.foodanddrinkdigital.com
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ny kind of anxiety couples
many phallic innuendos became one
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enzyme Bromelain, which is known to trigger the aphrodisiac effects. Their soft and lush texture also further emphasizes the sexual association. So next time you feel a leg cramp coming on or feel the urge to get in the mood, peel a banana and enjoy the ride. Caviar Aside from exuding opulence and excess, Caviar is high in zinc which has been shown to improve male Caviar breakfast
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sexual performance as well as stimulate female desire. Although usually quite pricey, several varieties of caviar can be had for a reasonable price. Word of caution here though, when it comes to delicacies, sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Buying caviar at a supermarket may not be the best move, but if it’s a big night and there’s no time to go online and order the finest, most expensive caviar available, large amounts of the cheap stuff will probably do the trick if you believe it will. In conclusion, this all may be psychological. Sure, there’s evidence that links the nutritional value to sexual health and pleasure in some of these products, but my philosophy is if you eat a certain food or drink believing it will have a certain effect on you and it does, more power to you. Even if it doesn’t work, who cares? You get to eat good food and you get to have sex, throw in chestnuts and some mistletoe and you’ve got Christmas! February 2011