Written by: seigfredtristan on February 23, 2011

Let’s pound this topic until the juices in our cranial husk ooze out like lubricants.

In the post – Filipinos and Aphrodisiacs, Bambi told me about Durian and how it somehow makes Durian enthusiasts “in heat”. So I was thinking, what is it in aphrodisiacs that turn people into frisky pups? Let me try to answer that. And I will try my very best and please, correct me if I am wrong OK? Are you ready?

There is a presence of Harmaline in Durian kernels (I am now telling myself – I can do this), which is an MAOI or Monoamine ( just a moment… checking Wikipedia) Oxidase Inhibitor… which works with Monoamines in our blood or neurotransmitters – they are responsible for our receptions and response. These monoamines can be serotonin (the one in chocolates, makes you feel better), dopamine (something to do with crazy people and also responsible for our reward and punishment mindset in the brain), and other amines (whatever they are).

Hmmm where are we?

Now, when Harmaline or Harmane alkaloids that is present in Durian gets in our system, that MAOI reacts to monoamines in our blood specifically with Tyramine. Now this Tyramine thingy creates a pressor response  and as a neurotransmitter, it tells the brain to tell the heart to pump a lot of blood to the body, giving a person high blood pressure or temperature. So Durian actually doesn’t turn you on, it just gives you high blood which in turn heats you up. But these neurotransmitters depend on the make up of your system and if you eat Durian and you get sexed up somehow, you are slightly abnormal because it’s just supposed to kill you with hypertension and not with sexual tension. I just experienced brainfreeze. Can anyone get me a scientist please? Send a Psychiatrist along with him too.

It has taken me at least a week (and you say, “goodness those paragraphs above are only the introduction?”) to decide what I will write about Philippine Aphrodisiacs. Where to start, what to talk about and how to do it became difficult as I read more and more about it. And I tell you, I read a lot about aphrodisiacs that I wasn’t even turned on at all. Let me get this off my chest: the thing with Google results is that, there are a lot of websites that have the same content so sifting through the information that you want to take in – is a hurdle in itself. Another problem that I encountered is how do I tell you about Philippine Aphrodisiacs in a way that the article would not only talk about Filipino food themselves but to give an understanding how these aphrodisiacs affect “the birds and the bees”. So I’ve decided to talk about their potency first with this question:

Do food aphrodisiacs really work?

Yes and No. It depends on your physical and mental make-up at the time you eat them. Your big role for it to take effect is to put yourself in a sexual mood and be conscious and willing to engage in the activity 100%. Getting active sexually for people with no hormonal imbalance can just be as simple as yes, I want to participate, or no, i’m too busy with other stuff. Let’s say for example, chocolates: according to scientists, you need to consume copious amounts of chocolates in order for the chemicals to kick in and put you into sexual overdrive because the main effect of chocolates is just to let you feel good. And eating copious amounts of chocolates can be lethal. But if your reason to eat chocolates is to get turned-on, then even a little amount can snap the bed sheets off the corners. So effects of food aphrodisiacs depend a lot on your mindset. It’s more of a mental thing than physical. This is of course, considering that you are normal and you are not suffering from hormonal imbalances.

(Anyone bored at this point, please go to the comments section and tell me about your day.)

What are the vitamins, minerals or chemicals in Food Aphrodisiacs that increase sexual desire?

In general, the chemicals that are directly responsible for production of testosterone in both men and women are zinc, vitamin C, proteins, vitamin E, and amino acids.

In saying that, I have to vouch for oysters as it has a lot of Zinc in it, specially if you eat them uncooked. Filipinos on the other hand would like to steam oysters before they let their tongue fondle it.

Oyster by Erik Cleves Kristensen from Wikimedia Commons

There are also chemicals that increase the flow of blood to the genitals. Genitals. Genitals. Ge-ni-tals. Foods that increase the blood flow to the genitals make them engorged with blood, plumped, pulsating and aggravated (am I having fun yet?) thus increasing the need to… what? Soothe it? I’ll stop before my daughter grows up and reads about this. Foods that do these are the ones that are rich with antioxidants and amino acids that dilate blood vessels so blood flows abundantly to the nethermost regions of your anatomy.

On this one, I have to say Bittermelons and most definitely – Balut.

There are also chemicals that improve well being and a sense of self.

Again let’s go back to chocolates. Chocolates have this power to make you feel good. And most of the people who love to enjoy hours harrumping bed springs are happy people. Well, unless your a rapist or a psychopath, happiness or feeling good within yourself is a key to feel desired and get harrumphed. Each of us have our own happy food, depending on the chemicals that work well with each one’s physiology. This one you have to find out yourself because even if I mention all the chemicals in the world, Serotonin, Theobromine, Dopamine, etcetera, if you are a sad person, you have to decide to be happy in order to get some. The world wouldn’t be haunted by Dr Phil or that Indian guy (what’s his name? Chakra Khan?) if everyone chooses to be happy no matter what their state is. Malnourished kids in Africa choose to be happy. Alright I’ll shut up.

On this one, I cannot pinpoint a food for you. You have to find that out for yourself.

Now, if you take a look at the title of this post. That is what I want to ask you. Have you ever had a fever, itch, urge, rapture, push, pull, down, up, kick, jump, thrill, titillation, tension, tenderness, irritation, sensitivity, inflammation, exasperation, salivation, pulsation, longing, trembling, craving, aching, crying, laughing, madness… that was caused by an aphrodisiac?

Pound that comment box, pound it.

And click here for a 2-part series about Philippine Oysters