Results tagged “chocolate” from iVillage - Supermarket Guru
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What do oysters, chocolate and avocados have in common? They are all considered aphrodisiac foods – that is, foods that ignite feelings of amoré in those who digest them. Aphrodisiac foods are known to stimulate blood flow while enticing the body through sensual sights, smells and textures. It is this combination of qualities that stirs the passions and awakens the senses.
Check out the full list of aphrodisiac foods now.
The word "aphrodisiac" actually comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and although medical science has never substantiated claims that certain foods actually kindle desire – in fact, a recent Italian study suggests that the aphrodisiac potential of chocolate is purely psychological – belief in the power of aphrodisiac foods dates back to ancient times.
Martha Hopkins, co-author of The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook, says that historically speaking, items that were perceived as rare or hard to find – like coffee and chocolate, as well as items that resembled specific body parts – like asparagus or oysters, were considered aphrodisiacs. These days, the criterion for what is considered an aphrodisiac food is somewhat different.
“There isn’t much today that feels rare or is hard to find. Today, we look at the innate sexuality of the food itself, choosing foods that tap into the senses, like honey. We also look at turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The best aphrodisiac is nourishing your body and your relationship with good conversation, good food, and time spent together,” she says.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we decided to explore some of the more popular aphrodisiac food varieties to see what makes them tick. From bananas to garlic, pine nuts to grapes, aphrodisiac foods taste delicious and truly span the gamut.
Here is the full list of aphrodisiacs.
What food gets you in the mood? Tell us below.
Americans by the millions covet their chocolate treats. Ever since medical studies suggested that dark varieties may actually be healthful, people have been consuming these more often and with greater glee and less guilt, and this holiday season seems to be no exception!
We may well be rationalizing by focusing more on the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate, and less on nutritional concerns such as calories, caffeine, fat and sugar content and tooth decay. Dark chocolate has the potential to do much good: lower blood pressure, improve blood flow in arteries, lessen risk of blood clots, and lower LDL cholesterol oxidation, while raising serotonin and endorphin levels that could improve mood and pleasure.
With bright news like that coming from the authoritative medical journals, it’s little surprise that we feel we can have our chocolates. Nielsen Strategic Planner growth data show dark consumption soaring and milk chocolate consumption slowing, we can only surmise that people now are beginning to realize that milk chocolate is higher in fat and releases little or no antioxidants (because milk binds to them).
To give you some idea of the importance of chocolates, the dollar sales of total chocolate candy in the United Stares last year topped $4.9 billion; but it's important to note that its still the non-dark varieties which command 87% of sales – but the trend is shifting. In 2003 it was 94.5%!
Which type of chocolate do you prefer? Dark or Milk? And why?
Halloween is just around the corner and with more than 93% of children going trick-or-treating, it’s time to choose your favorite Halloween treats – and this year we figured we would give you a peek at what some of the newest candies are that are sure to make your house the favorite on the block!
Chocolate is always high on everyone’s list! 80% of adults choose to give out chocolate candy and 68% of kids say they prefer anything made with chocolate. But, don’t stop there... add some variety to your Halloween stash and with these new, fun and scary Halloween candies that are hitting the store shelves as you read this:
Halloween Safety Light with Candy
Ford Gum www.fordgum.com
A "light-saber" that lights up with the press of a button, it's filled with candies in the pumpkin head.
Ooz’n Eyeballz
The Foreign Candy Company, Inc www.foreigncandy.com
Marshmallow eyeball filled with a blue raspberry candy ooze (also available in cherry candy ooze)
Crazy Bones Lollipops
The Foreign Candy Company, Inc www.foreigncandy.com
A lollipop with a stick that is shaped like a skeleton foot
Marshmallow Pals
Frankford www.frankfordcandy.com
A marshmallow shaped like Frankenstein – the details are incredible!
Big Stuff Lip Pops Lollipops
Flix Candy www.flixcandy.com
Like a ring-pop, but when you put it in your mouth, it looks like you've got scary monster lips. Lots of fun!
Genuine Midnight Oil Broomstick Fuel
Bloomsberry & Co. www.bloomsberry.com
A bar of all-natural premium dark chocolate with 55% cocoa. The label says it's "For a cackling good ride." Great for adults too!
Snickers Crème Pumpkin
Mars Inc. www.snickers.com
Treat-sized chocolate in the shape of a pumpkin, filled with a more creamy caramel and peanuts without the usual nougat.
York Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Pattie Pumpkin
The Hershey Company www.hersheys.com
A pumpkin-shaped York Pattie with festive orange-colored peppermint filling.
Milk chocolate Crunchy Eyeballs
Madelaine www.madelainechocolate.com
Foil-wrapped chocolate balls that look like eyeballs
Solid Milk Chocolate Ghosts
Madelaine www.madelainechocolate.com
A set of foil-wrapped chocolates with cute ghost designs.
...and one of my favorites (not!)
Palmer Cellar Dwellers
RM Palmer www.rmpalmer.com
Chocolate shaped like cellar dwellers... rats, rats, rats and the occasional cat!
And remember…once your kids have their Halloween bounty help them to enjoy their candy in moderation by portioning it into small festive orange cellophane bags they can enjoy over the next few weeks- if stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool place candies can last three to six months. It’s a good opportunity to talk with your kids about the importance of nutrition and balancing holiday fun with healthy activities and sports.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF and words of caution:
- Inspect all the treats you bring home before they are eaten.
- Discard any treats in loose, open wrappers.
- Read those labels and try to make substitutions so the allergy suffering kids don’t feel deprived...adults too!
