Food and sexuality

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Cherries are considered a sensual and sexually symbolic food in many cultures. Kirsche.jpg
Cherries are considered a sensual and sexually symbolic food in many cultures.

Food and sexuality have been associated in various ways throughout history. Foods such as chocolate and oysters are said to be aphrodisiacs. [1] [2] In some cultures animal testicles and other items are consumed to increase sexual potency. [3] Food items also provide symbolism, such as the biblical "forbidden fruit" or the cherry with its associations related to virginity. Food items are also used metaphorically in slang sexual terminology and poetry. Some foods are considered sensual for their appearance, texture and taste. Whipped cream, melted chocolate, jam, miso, cake batter, pies, and peanut butter are sometimes used for intimate titillation in an act known as sploshing. The relationship between food and sex has also been explored in books and cinema.

Contents

Art and literature

The Black Series by Argentinian collective Mondongo uses cookies and biscuits to create pornographic images. Cookies and biscuits are used to make this sexually graphic image.jpg
The Black Series by Argentinian collective Mondongo uses cookies and biscuits to create pornographic images.

The connection between food and sexuality has been explored in various art works. A 1998 art show, Reflect, an exhibition of works by Monali Meher explored connections and themes including voyeurism, stereotypes, consumerism, freedom and advertising. [4] A display of food and sex related artworks from 19th- and 20th-century American artists was one of 16 concept groupings at a New York Historical Society show in 1991. [5]

In sociology and anthropology

Tasting food, tasting freedom by Sidney Wilfred Mintz includes essays taking "an anthropological view of food, including its relationship to power, freedom, and purity." [6] Food and Sex is also a chapter in Breaking the food seduction by Neal D. Barnard, Joanne Stepaniak. [7] and a topic discussed in Women's conflicts about eating and sexuality by Rosalyn M. Meadow and Lillie Weiss. [8]

Chocolate aphrodisiac controversy

Although some foods do qualify as aphrodisiacs, and chocolate has been thought to be an aphrodisiac for many years, there is some controversy surrounding whether it truly is an aphrodisiac. A study conducted by Salonia et al. (2006) [9] evaluated the sexual function of women who reported that they ate chocolate daily, and women who reported they did not eat chocolate. The study concluded that once scores were adjusted for age, there were no significant differences in the sexual arousal, satisfaction, desire or distress of those who ate chocolate daily and those who did not. This illustrates that the consumption of chocolate has no effect on sexual function. Likewise, Shamloul (2010) [10] concluded that there is little scientific evidence suggesting that natural aphrodisiacs are an effective method of enhancing sexual desire or performance, nor are they an effective treatment of sexual dysfunction. On the contrary, some studies suggest that chocolate is an aphrodisiac and claim that its chemical components such as phenylethylamine, causes an increase in pleasure and sexual drive and N-acylethanolamines, causes an increase in sensitivity and euphoria (Afoakwa, E. 2008). [11] Other studies suggest it is the flavinoids and serotonin found in chocolate that regulate vasoconstriction and dilation and increase female genital functioning, and thus sexual functioning (Shamloul, 2010). [12] Due to these conflicting views, and the lack of scientific evidence currently available, it is clear that firm conclusions cannot be drawn on whether chocolate is an aphrodisiac.

Examples in media

Chocolates are a traditional gift for Valentine's Day. Valentines Day Chocolates from 2005.jpg
Chocolates are a traditional gift for Valentine's Day.

The movies Tampopo , 9½ Weeks , Chocolat , Like Water for Chocolate , Eat Drink Man Woman , and Babette's Feast are among those exploring the relationship. The film Tom Jones contains a notable eating scene.

Songs that feature metaphors of food for sex include "Les sucettes" (1966), "Le Banana Split" (1979), "Peaches & Cream" (2001) and "Lollipop" (2008). The cover of the Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass 1965 album Whipped Cream and Other Delights famously features a woman covered in whipped cream.

In the movie American Pie , a young adult engages in simulated intercourse with a pie. [13] Carl's Junior advertisements have featured a scantily clad Paris Hilton rapturously eating one of the company's burger offerings. [14]

Bikini bottom made out of edible candy beads Essbareunterw.jpg
Bikini bottom made out of edible candy beads
An example of food play fetishism WAM pied girl.jpg
An example of food play fetishism

Symbolism

Voodoo Doughnut's variant on the Boston cream doughnut is a "cock and balls doughnut" that has cream-filled "balls". Cock and balls doughnut.jpg
Voodoo Doughnut's variant on the Boston cream doughnut is a "cock and balls doughnut" that has cream-filled "balls".

Some foods are symbolic or act as metaphors for body parts involved in sexual relations. Common examples include eggplant, bananas, zucchini and cucumbers as phallic symbols, and peaches as vaginal symbols. Melons have a similar use and are sometimes used as stand-ins for breasts, as in the first Austin Powers movie, where they are used to cover up Elizabeth Hurley's chest. [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is a form of sexual dysfunction in males characterized by the persistent or recurring inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection with sufficient rigidity and duration for satisfactory sexual activity. It is the most common sexual problem in males and can cause psychological distress due to its impact on self-image and sexual relationships.

Orgasm or sexual climax is the sudden release of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, characterized by intense sexual pleasure resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region. Orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system and experienced by both males and females; the body's response includes muscular spasms, a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm is typically a relaxing experience, after the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin, as well as endorphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aphrodisiac</span> Substance intended to rouse sexual desires

An aphrodisiac is a substance alleged to increase libido, sexual desire, sexual attraction, sexual pleasure, or sexual behavior. These substances range from a variety of plants, spices, and foods to synthetic chemicals. Natural aphrodisiacs, such as cannabis or cocaine, are classified into plant-based and non-plant-based substances. Synthetic aphrodisiacs include MDMA and methamphetamine. Aphrodisiacs can be classified by their type of effects. Aphrodisiacs that contain hallucinogenic properties, such as bufotenin, have psychological effects that can increase sexual desire and sexual pleasure. Aphrodisiacs that have smooth muscle relaxing properties, such as yohimbine, have physiological effects that can affect hormone concentrations and increase blood flow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Female ejaculation</span> Expulsion of fluid during orgasm

Female ejaculation is characterized as an expulsion of fluid from the Skene's gland at the lower end of the urethra during or before an orgasm. It is also known colloquially as squirting or gushing, although research indicates that female ejaculation and squirting are different phenomena, squirting being attributed to a sudden expulsion of liquid that partly comes from the bladder and contains urine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cantharidin</span> Chemical compound

Cantharidin is an odorless, colorless fatty substance of the terpenoid class, which is secreted by many species of blister beetles. Its main current use in pharmacology is treating molluscum contagiosum and warts topically. It is a burn agent and poisonous in large doses, and has been historically used as aphrodisiacs. In its natural form, cantharidin is secreted by the male blister beetle, and given to the female as a copulatory gift during mating. Afterwards, the female beetle covers her eggs with it as a defense against predators.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a male sexual dysfunction that occurs when a male expels semen soon after beginning sexual activity, and with minimal penile stimulation. It has also been called early ejaculation, rapid ejaculation, rapid climax, premature climax and (historically) ejaculatio praecox. There is no uniform cut-off defining "premature", but a consensus of experts at the International Society for Sexual Medicine endorsed a definition of around one minute after penetration. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) applies a cut-off of 15 seconds from the beginning of sexual intercourse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual stimulation</span> Anything that causes a sexual response

Sexual stimulation is anything that leads to sexual arousal or orgasm. This thing can be physical or of other senses, and is known as a stimulus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheesecake</span> Cheese-based dessert

Cheesecake is a dessert made with a soft fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar. It may have a crust or base made from crushed cookies, graham crackers, pastry, or sometimes sponge cake. Cheesecake may be baked or unbaked, and is usually served chilled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mississippi mud pie</span> Chocolate-based dessert pie

Mississippi mud pie is a chocolate-based dessert pie that is likely to have originated in the U.S. state of Mississippi, hence the name. It typically contains a gooey chocolate sauce, brownie and chocolate custard on top of a crumbly chocolate crust. It is usually served with ice cream, but can also be served alongside whipped cream, boiled custard, or vanilla yogurt. Its name is due to its resemblance to mud.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dirt cake</span> Type of American dessert

Dirt cake, also called dirt and worms, is an American cake made from cookies and pudding in combination with other ingredients to create a dessert that has a resemblance to soil or earth. It is made by combining crushed Oreo cookies on top of vanilla or chocolate pudding, and adding gummy candy worms on top. Variations include vanilla wafers, vanilla pudding, whipped cream or Cool Whip, and cream cheese pudding in the recipe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Better than sex cake</span> Type of cake

Better than sex cake is a cake baked using yellow cake mix, with a juicy pineapple center, covered with layers of vanilla pudding and sweetened whipped cream, and sprinkled with coconut flakes. A variant using chocolate cake mix, caramel topping, and crumbled toffee is known by similar names such as better than Robert Redford cake.

Sex after pregnancy is often delayed for several weeks or months, and may be difficult and painful for women. Painful intercourse is the most common sexual activity-related complication after childbirth. Since there are no guidelines on resuming sexual intercourse after childbirth, the postpartum patients are generally advised to resume sex when they feel comfortable to do so. Injury to the perineum or surgical cuts (episiotomy) to the vagina during childbirth can cause sexual dysfunction. Sexual activity in the postpartum period other than sexual intercourse is possible sooner, but some women experience a prolonged loss of sexual desire after giving birth, which may be associated with postnatal depression. Common issues that may last more than a year after birth are greater desire by the man than the woman, and a worsening of the woman's body image.

Fabre-Kramer Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in the development of psychotropic drugs. Products in their current development pipeline include gepirone and FKB01MD for major depression, gepirone and FKW00GA for social anxiety disorder, gepirone for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, FKF02SC for schizophrenia, and FKK01PD for Parkinson's disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mechanics of human sexuality</span> Biomechanics of human sexual intercourse

The mechanics of human sexuality or mechanics of sex, or more formally the biomechanics of human sexuality, is the study of the mechanics related to human sexual activity. Examples of topics include the biomechanical study of the strength of vaginal tissues and the biomechanics of male erectile function. The mechanics of sex under limit circumstances, such as sexual activity at zero-gravity in outer space, are also being studied.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beverly Whipple</span> American sexologist

Beverly Whipple is an American sexologist who is Professor Emerita at Rutgers University and a professional author. She is a co-author of the publication The G Spot and Other Recent Discoveries About Human Sexuality.

Tiger penis soup is a Chinese soup prepared with tiger penis. It is typically an expensive dish, due to the rarity of tiger penis. In some cultures and countries, people believe that this dish can treat male sexual dysfunction—a notion that has not been supported by scientific evidence. There has been opposition to the dish from environmental organizations, and ongoing consumption of the soup has contributed to the decline of tiger populations. The legality of the dish varies in different countries, as tigers are a protected species. Some shops in China and Hong Kong may sell deer or cattle parts while claiming that they are tiger penis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dark chocolate</span> Chocolate with high cocoa solid content

Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate made of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sugar. Without added sweetener, dark chocolate is known as bitter chocolate or unsweetened chocolate. Dark chocolate, above white and milk chocolate, is valued for claimed, albeit unsupported health benefits and for being a sophisticated choice of chocolate. Like milk and white chocolate, dark chocolate is used to make chocolate bars and as a coating for confectionery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peanut pie</span>

Peanut pie, is a pie that is part of the cuisine of the Southern United States, in the Tidewater region, where peanuts are a common crop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cindy Meston</span> Canadian-American clinical psychologist

Cindy Meston is a Canadian-American clinical psychologist well-known for her research on the psychophysiology of female sexual arousal. She is a Full Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Director of the Female Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory, and author of Why Women Have Sex. In 2016, the BBC, London, England named Meston one of the 100 most influential and inspirational women in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pie in American cuisine</span> History and cultural significance of pies in American cuisine

Pie in American cuisine has roots in English cuisine and has evolved over centuries to adapt to American cultural tastes and ingredients. The creation of flaky pie crust is credited to British innovation. Reflecting American preferences for simple and hearty meals, America's pies were generous and filling, although less "dainty" than European-style tarts made with other types of pastry doughs.

References

  1. O'Connor, Anahad (2006-07-18). "The Claim: Chocolate Is an Aphrodisiac". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  2. Discovery Channel. "Aphrodisiacs". Archived from the original on 2005-12-03. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  3. Smillie, Susan (2008-10-02). "Cooking with balls: the world's first testicle cookbook". London: Guardian News. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  4. Niyatee Shinde The Same Old Sexuality October 28, 1998
  5. Molly O'Neill Of the Palate, From the Palette January 18, 1991 New York Times
  6. Tasting food, tasting freedom
  7. Neal D. Barnard, Joanne Stepaniak Breaking the food seduction
  8. Rosalyn M. Meadow, Lillie Weiss Women's conflicts about eating and sexuality
  9. Salonia, A. (2006). "ORIGINAL RESEARCH - WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH: Chocolate and Women's Sexual Health: An Intriguing Correlation". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 3 (3): 476–482. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00236.x. PMID   16681473.
  10. Shamloul, R. (2010). "Natural aphrodisiacs". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 7 (1): 39–49. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01521.x. PMID   19796015.
  11. Afoakwa, E. (2008). "Cocoa and chocolate consumption–Are there aphrodisiac and other benefits for human health?". South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 21 (3): 107–113. doi:10.1080/16070658.2008.11734163. S2CID   70724664.
  12. Shamloul, R. (2010). "Natural aphrodisiacs". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 7 (1): 39–49. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01521.x. PMID   19796015.
  13. Davis, Erik. "Moviefone Ranks the Top 25 Sex Scenes of All Time". Cinematical. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  14. Kiley, David. "Feedback from Carl's Jr Paris Hilton Ad as Spicey as The Ad". BusinessWeek. Archived from the original on May 31, 2005. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  15. Staff, Hollywood com (2012-12-13). "Elizabeth Hurley". Hollywood.com. Retrieved 2019-07-28.